River Tamar

Fishery guide · Devon

River Tamar

A proper River Tamar salmon and sea-trout fishery near Tavistock, with roughly 12 miles of double-bank water split into six rotating beats. It is fly-led, tightly controlled and best suited to anglers happy with a bit of wading, rivercraft and pre-booking.

“7.4/10 — A substantial Tamar stretch with salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing across six rotating beats.”

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The lowdown

Endsleigh Fishing Club looks after this stretch of the River Tamar on the Devon bank, near Tavistock. The access point is close to the eastern end of Milton Abbot, reached from the Tavistock–Launceston Road, the B3254. Handy enough to find, but it’s still worth sorting the route before the day, especially if you’re carrying a full salmon setup and wading kit.

  • 6 lakes: Beat I — Greystone Bridge to Carthamartha, Beat II — Adams to Beech Tree, Beat III — Bush to Endsleigh Ham, Beat IV — Black Rock to Joels Corner, Beat V — Leigh Ford to Horsebridge, Beat VI — Top Pool to Inghers Meadow
  • Fish: trout
  • Tickets from: 2026 day rod — March and April — £50
  • Find it: Tavistock · PL19 0PQ

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Fishery map of River Tamar

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Live at the lake

River Tamar

Tavistock · PL19 0PQ

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The full rundown on River Tamar

Endsleigh Fishing Club looks after this stretch of the River Tamar on the Devon bank, near Tavistock. The access point is close to the eastern end of Milton Abbot, reached from the Tavistock–Launceston Road, the B3254. Handy enough to find, but it’s still worth sorting the route before the day, especially if you’re carrying a full salmon setup and wading kit.

The fishing runs from Greystone Bridge to Inghers Meadow, covering approximately 12 miles of double-bank water. It’s split into six rotating beats, with only two rods allowed on each beat per day. That gives the place a properly spacious feel, with plenty of river to get your head around rather than a crowded line of anglers shoulder to shoulder. Each beat generally has 10–12 named pools, while Beat VI is the big exception, with 37 listed pools across three sub-beats.

The main targets are salmon and sea trout, while anglers paying for a salmon rod may also fish for brown trout. The approach is almost exclusively fly fishing, so it pays to arrive with a plan but stay flexible. On a new river, have a good look at the water, watch how the current works through each pool and ask the ghillie where a first run through would make sense. There’s no need to faff about trying every trick in the box when a tidy, controlled approach is the order of the day.

Sea-trout fishing may be possible during daylight and is especially worth considering in the evening before full darkness. Night fishing can be hazardous, though, and isn’t recommended for inexperienced anglers unless accompanied by an experienced night fisher. The river also has clear method limits: worming and prawning aren’t permitted, while spinning is only occasionally allowed in unusually high, poorly coloured water and needs the ghillie’s permission. Treble hooks are not permitted by any method.

For the main job, the fishery recommends a 14–15 ft double-handed salmon rod. A shorter single-handed or switch rod is useful in low water, so bringing the right outfit for conditions is a sensible shout. Chest waders and a wading stick are recommended for many pools, and knotless-mesh nets are required for all species. Boats are available at Woodtown, Parsons and Leighwood Waterfall, but new anglers should speak to the ghillie before using one. Take the usual care on unfamiliar riverbanks and don’t rush a crossing.

The season starts on 1 March. Trout fishing ends on 30 September, while the salmon season runs until 14 October. All salmon caught from 1 March through 15 June must be released, and salmon and sea trout of 3 lb or more must be released, apart from badly bleeding fish caught after 16 June. The 2026 day-rod prices are £50 for March and April, £94 from 1 May to 31 August, and £105 from 1 September to 14 October, with VAT included. An Environment Agency fishing licence is also required. Bookings are available through the club’s Book Now system, and it’s worth checking the latest details before setting off.

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River Tamar FAQs

Where is the fishery?

It is on the Devon bank of the River Tamar near Tavistock, reached from the Tavistock–Launceston Road, the B3254. The access point is near the eastern end of Milton Abbot.

How do I book a day?

Bookings are available through the club's Book Now system, with enquiries through the club contact details.

What tackle is recommended?

The fishery recommends a 14–15 ft double-handed salmon rod. A shorter single-handed or switch rod is useful in low water. Chest waders, a wading stick and a knotless-mesh net are also recommended or required as stated.

Can I join the club?

Membership opportunities are rare, but may occasionally become available.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at River Tamar. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Tavistock.

Do I need to bring food?

We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.

Are there toilets on site?

Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?

The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

PL19 0PQ.

How much is a ticket?

2026 day rod — March and April: £50; 2026 day rod — 1 May to 31 August: £94; 2026 day rod — 1 September to 14 October: £105. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

6 — Beat I — Greystone Bridge to Carthamartha (Not published), Beat II — Adams to Beech Tree (Not published), Beat III — Bush to Endsleigh Ham (Not published), Beat IV — Black Rock to Joels Corner (Not published), Beat V — Leigh Ford to Horsebridge (Not published), Beat VI — Top Pool to Inghers Meadow (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes — Dogs are welcome but must be kept under effective control.

Are bait boats allowed?

We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need barbless hooks?

No — Treble hooks are not permitted by any method.

Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?

Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.

Is it suitable for disabled anglers?

We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need a rod licence?

Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.

When's the best time of year to fish here?

Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.

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