Chew Valley Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

Q When does the Trout fishing season start and end?

A
Season opening dates can be found HERE. Bank fishing can commence at 7am on opening day and the lodges will be open from 8am for boat anglers. Winter permit prices will apply after October 14th and all brown trout must be returned to the water unharmed after this date. Boat fishing ends at Blagdon on Thursday 31st October and at Chew on Tuesday 5th November. November 30th is the final day of the season for bank anglers at Chew Valley, Blagdon and Barrow Tanks.

Q What tackle do I need for fly fishing at Bristol Water Fisheries?

A Bank anglers will most commonly be found using 9 ft to 10 ft rods matched with WF6 - WF8 lines. Shooting head type lines such as the Airflo 40 plus are also popular for bank anglers. A line tray and landing net with a spiked handle will also come in useful when wading in the margins. Boat Anglers often prefer to use 10 ft rods although it is not essential. Depending on weather conditions a huge variety of lines in different ratings can employed from the boats although WF6-WF8 are most commonly used. Many of our visiting anglers like to use floating or midge tip lines although sinking lines are also very useful especially early and late season. For leaders/tippets we recommend copolymer or fluorocarbon materials in breaking strains no lower than 8lb. Although many anglers carry dozens, if not hundreds, of fly patterns do not get carried away. Diawl Bachs, crunchers and buzzers in size 10 & 12 plus a small selection mini lures will always catch fish. For dry flies, emerger patterns such as Bob's bits and shipmans buzzer are local favourites.

Q What are the fishery opening hours?

A Trout Bank anglers can fish from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Angler's fishing on Chew Valley's North Shore should use the car park at Picnic area 2 when fishing early and late, as gates at the main picnic area are locked at Sunset. Boats at Chew and Blagdon are normally prepared by 8:30am but after extreme weather it can sometimes take staff longer to ensure boats are clean, bailed and safe to use. Blagdon Lodge open 7 days during fishing season from 8am - 10:00am. Woodford Lodge (Chew Valley Lake) open 7 days during fishing season 8am - 4:00pm.

Q Is Pike fishing available at all Bristol Water lakes?

Q Can I just turn up for Pike Fishing?

A
No, Pike fishing with lures and dead baits is limited to 41 days per year on Chew Valley Lake. We open our lines for Bookings in early January and are usually fully booked for the year within 3 days. Full information found HERE

Fly fishing for pike is allowed during the trout fishing season on Chew Valley Lake only. Fly fishing for pike chargeable at standard trout fishing rates with exception of our pike fly fishing offering at Blagdon lake.