Exeter Canal

Brief description of fishery:

The canal is approximately 6 miles long, running from the centre of Exeter (the Basin), continuing downstream & adjacent to the Exe estuary at Turf. Whilst stocked with all species, fish location however, can at times be difficult. Popular fishing areas are: Clapperbrook, Double Locks, Countess Wear, Lime Kilns & Swans Nest. Local knowledge is best sought prior to a fishing trip; it is therefore; advisable for anglers to enquire in the local tackle shop i.e. Exeter Angling Centre 01392 436404 as to the best areas to fish at a given time.

The canal has the reputation as being one of, if not the best, pike fisheries in the South West, with the biggest recorded pike going to the low 30’s, fish to 20lb are not uncommon. Popular methods are either dead bait or lure; all areas mentioned above are good for piking. (See pike angler’s page on this website)

For the experienced carp angler there is good fishing throughout, again, location being the main problem, if you do catch however, there is a chance the fish might have never been caught before. The canal has a reputation as a difficult carp water, yet the rewards can be great with many enormous fish present, the largest reported being 40lb. For the pleasure and match angler; the areas mentioned above will all produce.

During spring to autumn the Lime Kilns area has proved to be consistently productive with big nets of tench/bream are possible. Popular tactics being maggot/sweetcorn fished on pole or feeder for bream and tench and good quality boilies for the carp.