River Taw, Barnstaple, EX31 1BH
The River Taw is one of Devon’s great salmon and sea trout rivers, flowing from the high moorland of Exmoor down through the agricultural heart of North Devon to its wide, tidal estuary at Barnstaple before meeting the sea at Braunton Burrows. For visiting anglers, it offers the intriguing prospect of pursuing wild migratory fish through some genuinely lovely countryside, with sections of the river easily accessible from Woolacombe within a short drive.
The Taw’s salmon run peaks in the autumn months, typically from September through to November, when fresh fish move up from the estuary in response to the first significant rains of the season. Sea trout, the sea-run form of the brown trout, can be present from as early as June and are frequently taken at night during the summer months on fly or spinner. Both species offer exciting, physical and deeply absorbing fishing in a beautiful natural setting.
Day tickets for various stretches of the Taw are available from the local angling associations, and it is worth contacting them in advance to confirm current access, conditions and the availability of permits. The Environment Agency rod licence is a legal requirement for all anglers in England, covering both coarse and game fish, and can be purchased online with ease before your visit.
For those new to game fishing, a guided session with a local fishing guide is well worth considering. Experienced local guides know the river intimately and can offer instruction in fly casting techniques, reading the water and presenting a fly effectively to migratory fish, all of which significantly improve your chances of a successful day on the bank.
The combination of wild Devon countryside, clean, unpolluted water and the genuine possibility of a fresh-run salmon makes the River Taw a very special fishing destination indeed. The North Devon Angling Association can advise on current conditions and available stretches, and their website provides up-to-date information on water levels and catch reports throughout the season.
