Fishing

The Torridge is largely fly-only. The season runs from 1st March (salmon), 15th March (brown trout and sea trout) to the 30th September. Until the 16th June all salmon must be released as must any salmon over 70 cm caught in September.

The best months for salmon are April, May and September. The chances of a fish are much greater after a spate with typical sizes ranging from 7lb to 12lb. Fish of over 20lbs can occasionally be taken. A rod of between 9 and 12 feet with an AFTM floating or intermediate line weight of 6/7 is ideal. Some prefer to use a small double handed rod to facilitate roll casting when fishing wooded banks. Nylon of breaking strain 8 to 10lb is usually adequate. According to the depth and colour of the water fly sizes between 14 and 10 are usually appropriate with tubes of up to 1″ best for high/coloured water. The most commonly used patterns are Stoat’s Tails, Ally Shrimps and Yellow and Black flies.

Large sea trout (up to 10lb) enter the river during the high spring tides after Easter with the small “school peal” of up to 3lb arriving in July. Most anglers fish for sea trout during the evening and into the darkness although fish can be taken during the day on a dry fly. Tackle is as for salmon with favoured flies including Butchers, Medicines, Silver Stoats, Alexandras, small tubes and on dark summer nights surface lures.

Brown trout and sea trout fishing starts in earnest from mid April through the summer months. An 8′ rod coupled with a 4/5 weight floating line and a long leader of 2 to 5lb is ideal. The best flies are CdCs, March Browns, Coachmen and Sedges. Gold head nymphs can be productive and at certain times of year Mayfly and Daddy Long Legs imitations work well.

For all types of fishing wading is usually essential and chest waders are useful.