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Patsy & I enjoy fly fishing. We originally learned to fish with fur & feather to tempt salt water species, but discovered how much we enjoy fishing for trout too. There are a number of excellent reservoirs on and around Dartmoor, owned and managed by the South West Lakes Trust, which is an offshoot of South West Water. The most productive reservoir which is closest to Dartmouth is "Kennick", situated near Christow, which is not far from Bovey Tracey, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, in some superb Devon countryside. It supplies drinking water to Torquay, but is a beautiful location, stocked with sizeable and hard fighting Brown and Rainbow Trout; perfect for fly fishing.
Photo by courtesy of Russ Symons www.reelfoto.com You can hire a rowing boat for two at Kennick, or if you prefer you can fish from the bank at very reasonable cost. Kennick Fly Fishers Association was formed in 1975 when the reservoirs had become established as public fisheries and the then South West Water Authority encouraged the formation of a fly fishing association. Following its inception, the association grew rapidly and now has a stable membership of about 80 active anglers. Its aims are to assist members to add to their enjoyment of fly fishing and to promote the activity amongst those who may wish to start the sport. It is keen to preserve and sustain the sport for future generations. The Association liaises with SWW plc for the betterment of fly fishing on the SWW fisheries. There is an annual Summer and Winter programme. In summer this consists of bank and boat competitions. There is usually a B-B-Q immediately followed by an Open Competition. The Association has already raised about £1,300 for charity in this manner. During the winter months there are meetings and a series of fly tying courses. The Club is a member of the Salmon & Trout Association; and the West Country Fly Fishers' Federation, which represents them to the Confederation of English Fly Fishers; and the British Field Sports Society. The Association purchases pre-paid tickets for Full Days and Senior Citizens Concessions. These are resold to members at discounted price. The Club has a third party insurance policy with the S & T Association, which covers members while fishing. Their "Senior" angler's section (the SAS) meets the first and third Wednesday each month, either at Kennick or some other agreed venue. The organiser is John Ives - tel' 01647 61877. The Association does its best to meet members requirements, whether that is just to socially mix on the bankside or at their organised club evenings in the winter. You may prefer to participate in organised competitions, though these are friendly affairs, not cut-throat matches. You can pair off with another member for "Loch" style days out. If you are really keen and proficient, you can contend for a place in the Club's "Hardy" loch style team. For more details of Kennick Fly Fishers Association, please contact the Hon. Treasurer, Mike Phillips, by writing to 29 Victoria Park Road, Torquay. Membership costs are very reasonable:
Admin fee - all memberships
£2.00 Of course if you just want to enjoy a day out fishing at Kennick, you may do so without joining the Association and enjoying the many advantages you will derive from being a member. KENNICK RESERVOIR Address:
Kennick Reservoir Hennock Bovey Tracey
Devon
Season: Opening date 23rd March Closing date 31st October Season extension at SWW's discretion, call in October for details New prices Spring 2003
Tickets:
Travel Tips: Recommended Pub/Eatery: Palk Arms, Hennock
Wildlife: The Fallow and Roe deer are most often seen at first light and again late in the evening. If you are fishing the Bracken Bank late in the evening, there is(was) a resident old dog fox which has become quite tame and looks for anglers to throw him the occasional sandwich (haven't seen him for a while). Details by courtesy of Russ Symons www.reelfoto.com |
