The Upper Yealm Fishery is managed by Russell Weston and Paul Kenyon.
We appreciate that finding a local river that offers a day ticket to fish for wild brown trout, sea trout and occasional salmon in South Devon can be difficult.
However we have some of our own water, on the upper reaches of the River Yealm, available to visitors and locals on a day or season ticket basis.
Located in the South Hams on the southern edge of Dartmoor, the fishery is conveniently located for visitors to, and residents of, South Devon.
The Upper Yealm is a superb location for beginners, experienced anglers, and those looking for access to fly fishing on a Dartmoor river.
A visiting angler commented: 20’ish brown trout (lost count in the teens), 6-11 inches. A few 10 inchers and an 11’incher being the highlight. Mostly on PTN. A great day’s fishing.
The Lower beat starts at the upstream corner of the meadow.
Easy access from just above the weir. Wading upstream is straightforward, but a wading staff is useful. It helps to use a short rod and think 'roll cast'.
The river deepens in places against the banks under a protective canopy of trees.
A long and productive stretch of the river for brown trout with sea trout throughout the summer.
The Lower beat has an impressive number of wild brown trout.
You may be lucky and hook a sea trout during daylight - a truly memorable experience.
This page has advice on fishing for sea trout on the Upper Yealm
That dark shadow may be a sea trout lying in the pool above the weir – and between June and September there will be more hidden beneath trees tight against the banks.
Sea trout can be difficult to see. This video explains how their shape, behaviour and colour can help reveal their presence.
As you walk downstream of the weir you pass a succession of small but perfectly formed pools.
Each hold brown trout, but they must be approached with extreme stealth.
Inevitably flies get caught up in bankside vegetation.
Here is a tip that can be used to retrieve a fly.
The trick is to vigorously wiggle the rod horizontally from side-to-side. This works surprisingly often.
It is important NOT to try to pull the fly free - that only embeds the fly further into the obstruction.
Be prepared to break off rather than disturabing the pool by crashing across it. You can always mark the spot and retrieve the fly later.
Subject to availability Day (£15) and Season Permits can be purchased from Snowbee
Snowbee's retail outlet is conveniently located about 3 miles from the Upper Yealm Fishery:
Drakes Court Langage Business Park
Plymouth PL7 5JY UK
Tel: Snowbee UK Ltd: 01752 334933
Website: Snowbee UK Ltd
email: flyfish@snowbee.co.uk
Day tickets to fish the Upper Yealm (Beat #39) are also available through the Westcountry Angling Passport scheme.
