Fishing The UK, Fly Fishing in Devon, Exeter, South West

Kennick Reservoir opened it’s 2010 season on March the 27th. Being one of my favorite still water fly fishing venues in Devon it was great to be back on the bank. Fishing was slower than I expected, even the mighty Sunburst Blob struggled to find the fish. After trying a number of spots, depths and flies I resorted to dragging a booby along the bottom attached to a Hi-D line. On the second cast while varying the retrieve (they liked it slow) I hooked into a spirited Kennick Rainbow. I had forgotten how lean and fit the fish are, even with a 7WT rod it is hard to keep the trout under control while making those initial lunges. In 4 hours fishing I landed 6 and lost 3, a great days sport. The weather took a turn for the worst so called it a day when my hands became blocks of ice. My camera got soaked too so sorry for the lack of photo’s.

Today was also a chance to try my new Hardy Demon 9′6 7WT rod. Nothing to report other than it is worth every penny. It is hard to describe how much of a difference a rod of this caliber can have on your casting (even someone as terrible as me), it is pretty amazing really. Ideally I would of liked a Demon Reel but my Wychwood SLA is an amazing piece of kit and it really doesn’t look out of place. Another purchase was a Cortland 444 sinking line. A very slick (also incredibly thin) easy to cast line. Casting a sinking line all day can become tiresome (scary in some instances), the Cortland 444 however is a pleasure to use. I cannot emphasise how important it is to spend as much as you can on Fly lines, that extra £10-15 makes an enormous difference.

I am aware that the Wychwood Truefly SLA reel has been a victim of it’s own success. Demand exceeding supply. Fear not, Nick Hart quite literally has a tower of Wychwood SLA reels in the Hart Fly Shop available NOW – Buy one, you know you want one.  Check out the new Wychwood Quest range of travel fly rods too, they look and feel great.

(p.s. I am in no way affiliated with the Hart Fly Shop, I just do it for the love)

Hardy Demon 7wt rod and Wychwood Truefly SLA

Hardy Demon 7wt rod and Wychwood Truefly SLA

Hardy Demon 7wt rod and Wychwood Truefly SLA

Kennick Reservoir - Rain!

Hardy Demon 7wt rod and Wychwood Truefly SLA

As stated in a previous post I regard Kennick Reservoir to be among the best trout fisheries in Devon. One of the biggest advantages Kennick has over other fisheries is that it is managed by the South West Lakes Trust who paved the way to creating the South West’s largest conservation and recreation charity. Established in April 2000, the project provides not only trout fishing but an area both wildlife and visitors can enjoy.

Set on the edge of Dartmoor Kennick is spectacularly strange in appearance. The combination of woodland, Rhododendrons, wild grasses, lawns and 45 acres of water has you wondering if you have stepped into the mind of Capability Brown.

1. Kennick reservoir trout fishery

The on-site facilities are of a high standard which makes any visit a comfortable one. Kennick provides self-service ticketing from the fisherman’s hut, boat hire (book in advanced from the ranger Mark Baxendale – 01647 277587), toilet, and various places to relax, rest or escape from the elements.

The stocked fish are primarily between 1-2lb in weight, the occasional 3-5lb fish and for those who are a lucky enough to catch them rainbows up to and over 10lb. There is also a large number of brown trout which can provide amazing dry fly sport to those anglers who fish on into dusk. For me though it is not about the size of the fish but the quality.

Kennick has struck a balance between water quality, water volume and actual stock levels of trout. As a result the small fish put up an exceptional fight while the larger fish like to stay deep making powerful lunges testing anyone who likes to fish light. Some of the best battles I have experienced in my fly fishing past have taken place using a 4wt rod and a 2lb leader at Kennick. I also believe that the water quality is reflected in the way the fish taste, I am not a fan of trout but my cats have developed a taste for the fish turning their noses up at any other Devon fishery produce.

Kennick although not big compared to other UK reservoirs can appear daunting to those who are not familiar with fishing larger waters but I actually find it easier to fish than smaller venues. I have had great success on traditional fly patterns and unusual ones, so as long as you are willing to try something new if you are struggling you will experience some great fishing. On average I catch between 2-3 fish per visit, 1-2lb is the norm but I have had several fish over 6lb.

I wouldn’t like to suggest a certain fly over another as I think it is more fun to experiment yourself, but if you want to try something different take a look at this post.

The cost to fish at Kennick in very reasonable, £20 for 6 fish (of high quality) is a bargain when compared to much smaller fisheries in and around the Devon area. Reservoir fishing is not for everyone but I really do suggest you give it a go, a hard fighting Kennick fish will give those bloated 15lb+ pond fish a run for their money any day of the week.

At the time of writing this article the permit prices are:

Full Day – £20.00
Concession – £16.50
Child under16/wheelchair – £4.00
Evening – £16.50
Season – Full – £430.00
Season Concession – £320.00
Season Child – £90.00
Boat Full Day – £12.00
Catch and Release – £17.00

View Kennick Reservoir Trout Fishery in a larger map

2. Kennick Reservoir Trout Fishery

3. Kennick Reservoir Trout Fishery

4. Kennick Reservoir Trout Fishery

5. Kennick Reservoir Trout Fishery