Fly Fishing

Set amidst the Dartmoor National Park is an impressive network of some of Britain’s most beautiful rivers, extending to some 26 miles and comprising much of the East and West Dart and their tributaries, as they make their way South to join the River Dart. Dartmoor also features stretches of both the Teign and Taw. All these rivers feature not only fantastic scenery and valuable habitat for amazing wildlife, but are also home to some of the finest fly fishing stretches in the country. Famous for wild brown trout, sea trout and salmon, Dartmoor rivers offer unrivalled surroundings.

The White Hart Hotel is one of only four agents on Dartmoor authorised to sell Fly Fishing Licenses on behalf of the Duchy of Cornwall’s Dartmoor Fishery. Conveniently located between the West Dart and Upper Teign rivers, The White Hart Hotel makes the perfect place to stay and experience some superb Dartmoor fly fishing.

Try Fly Fishing For Yourself

Whether you are a seasoned expert or an enthusiastic beginner, anyone can discover the tranquility of fly fishing alongside Dartmoor’s rich, wildlife strewn riverbanks. Our reception team can help you with advice and guidance as the best places to go and arrange for professional tuition if you need. Why not try fly fishing yourself or gift the experience of a stay at The White Hart Hotel and a fly fishing lesson as a gift?

Fly Fish Lessons

Fly fishing lessons are available to our hotel guests for 2 hours at a charge of £150 per person for a private lesson, or for 2 or more friends or family at a charge of £95 per person. These prices include the price of a day fishing license.

Fly Fishing Licenses Available from The White Hart Hotel

Salmon and Seatrout Week License £85.00

Salmon and Seatrout Day License £30.00

Trout Week License £30.00

Trout Day License £12.00

Fly Fishing Seasons

Salmon: 1 February – 30 September
Sea Trout: 15 March – 30 September
Brown Trout: 15 March – 30 September

East Dart

The East Dart provides many miles of classic brown trout fishing. Set amongst beautiful moorland, good sport can be had right up to its headwaters. The best of the salmon and sea trout fishing is found in the middle to lower reaches and fishing through pots and boulder runs is required to cover the lies. We recommend anglers explore the whole of this lovely river by fishing between the access points and nearby footpaths are available should anglers not want to retrace their steps along the river.

Wallabrook

A small tributary offering challenging fishing for brown trout. The more accessible water is found in the 1km or so below Pizwell Bridge on the right-hand bank and around Runnage Bridge.

Stannonbrook

A very small stream offering fishing for brown trout. The best fishing is found in the lower reaches, although this is technically challenging due to the abundance of natural flora and the size of the stream.

West Dart

The West Dart flows through one of the most beautiful valleys on Dartmoor and, although slightly shorter then the East Dart, it is a bigger river due to the influence of several major tributaries. It contains some of the largest pools and glides on Dartmoor, providing excellent brown trout fishing throughout, along with some opportunities for salmon and sea trout fishing.

Blackabrook

One of the largest of the Dart tributaries, it has good brown trout fishing with the best water being found between confluence with the West Dart and Oakery Bridge.

Cherrybrook

One of the most well-known brown trout streams on Dartmoor, it contains lots of good water, the best being found from the confluence with the West Dart to the Lower Cherrybrook Bridge.

Cowsic

A small tributary providing brown trout fishing. It features a number of baffles that have created long stretches of glide. There is a steep section at the bottom end which is very tough walking, so anglers may want to start further upstream.

Swincombe

A small tributary, it starts life just to the south east of Princetown and there is a dam in the middle to upper reaches. Fishing for brown trout through boulder strewn sections and pocket water.

Upper Teign

High in the moors of the Dartmoor National Park, this Devon stream has two sources which form the North and South Teign. The two branches of the river drop down from the moor to join near Chagford and the river soon plunges into the dramatic wooded gorge which starts beneath Castle Drogo and continues for about seven miles past Fingle Bridge and on to Clifford Bridge near Dunsford. From there it continues south to its estuary at Newton Abbot and on to the sea at Teignmouth. The Upper Teign Fishing Association has the fishing on many miles of the upper reaches of the River Teign. About 10 miles of the picturesque upper reaches are controlled by the Upper Teign Fishing Association and can be fished by members or by visitors who purchase a permit.

Conservation Measures and Restrictions

A fishing permit must be purchased before fishing, and should be carried at all times. Fly only. Single or double barbless hooks, no larger than size 6. All anglers must complete and submit a catch return.

Salmon: Before 16th June, all salmon must be returned. After 16th June, the first salmon caught may be kept, but not more than two salmon in the season. Return any hen salmon or salmon over 10lbs or which is coloured or tagged. Return all salmon in September to help preserve stocks.

Sea Trout: No more than two sea trout may be kept per day. All coloured fish under 12 inches must be returned. No angler may retain more than 24 sea trout in the season. Return all sea trout in September to help preserve stocks.

Brown Trout: Please return all trout under 12 inches. One fish over 12 inches may be kept per day.