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Fishing With Wessex Water
Both regular and occasional anglers enjoy using the various fishing facilities provided by Wessex Water at its reservoirs in Somerset. The fisheries at Clatworthy, Hawkridge and Sutton Bingham reservoirs offer a friendly, personal service and the chance of sport in surroundings second to none. Durleigh reservoir, west of Bridgwater, provides coarse anglers with a similar opportunity.
Clatworthy
Clatworthy reservoir is situated in the Brendon Hills on the edge of Exmoor National Park in West Somerset. It impounds the head waters of the river Tone and the surrounding rolling hills provide a picturesque setting for walking and fishing. Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout from the banks of this 130 acre reservoir or from a boat. A “wheelie” boat is available for wheelchair users. Fishing boats may be hired for rowing or you may use your own electric outboard.
The seven water inlets at Clatworthy are all described as hot spots for fishermen, but generally the south bank is considered to be the best area. Clatworthy offers good top of the water fishing with nymphs or dry flies or at the deep areas with sinking lines and flashing lures. Anglers can use the fishing lodge which has a stunning view and includes a drinks machine, lounge area and toilets.For further information about fishing at Clatworthy, contact the ranger Dave Pursey on 01984 624658.
Hawkridge
This upland reservoir nestles in a small valley on the Quantock Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The reservoir lies seven miles west of Bridgwater, just beyond the village of Spaxton.
The 32 acre reservoir provides fishing facilities for brown or rainbow trout from the bank or boat which anglers are recommended to book in advance. Anglers can use the facilities at the fishing lodge which include drinks machine, lounge and toilets. An updated fishing report as well as information on the latest flies, tactics and catch rate can be found in the lodge. For further details about fishing at Hawkridge, contact the ranger Gary Howe on 01278 671840.
Sutton Bingham
Sutton Bingham reservoir is 142 acre lowland fishery in the gentle hills on the Somerset Dorset border. Situated four miles south of Yeovil it can be approached from the A37 Dorchester Road. The reservoir offers excellent fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout, either from the bank or a boat. A “wheelie” boat is available for wheelchair users. Because Sutton Bingham is a lowland reservoir, the water is not deep and the most popular method of fishing is by floating line and small lures and nymphs. Tuition is available by appointment from the ranger who offers advice on best spots and on the most effective fishing methods of the day. The fishing lodge has been designed to cater for the disabled and includes a fish cleaning room, hot drinks, shower and a large lounge area. For more details about fishing at Sutton Bingham, contact the ranger Ivan Tinsley on 01984 872389.
Durleigh
This lowland reservoir is one of the oldest in the Wessex Water region. It is open every day of the year except Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Durleigh reservoir is the only Wessex Water reservoir dedicated to coarse fishing. Anglers can fish over 80 acres which provide an abundance of coarse fish for match or the casual angler. The reservoir contains carp, roach, bream, perch, tench and specimen size pike. For further details about fishing or matches, contact the ranger Paul Martin on 01278 424786.
General Information
For general enquiries on fishing, to request a free brochure, or for season tickets call Wessex Water customer services on 0845 600 4 600. Day or evening tickets for fishing and boat hire are available on a self serve basis from the public fishing lodge.