Cast Your Line in the South Hams: Devon’s Best Fishing Locations

30th August 2025

August is National Fishing Month, and there's no better time to explore the wide range of fishing opportunities that the South Hams offers. From peaceful lakes and winding rivers to estuaries, beaches, and deep-sea adventures, this part of the world is a true angler’s paradise. Whether you're an experienced angler or a complete beginner, there’s a spot to suit every style, and even a dream property nearby if you're tempted to make this lifestyle part of your everyday. Here are some of the top fishing spots in the South Hams, covering a mix of lake, freshwater, estuary, beach, and boat fishing locations.



Coombe Water Fishery, Kingsbridge

For tranquil coarse and carp fishing, Coombe Water Fishery is hard to beat. Set among lush woodland just outside Kingsbridge, its three lakes are stocked with carp weighing over 15 lbs, along with bream and roach. It's also popular for matches, with catches regularly exceeding 100 lbs. Day tickets make it accessible to visitors.

Sea fishing from the Shore

If you're after relaxed sea fishing from the shore in a beautiful coastal setting, Slapton Sands is a long shingle beach perfect for beach casting at sunset, with catches including bass, mackerel, and flatfish. Evening or night tides in the summer bring the best catches. Beesands offers a smaller, more sheltered option, with summer and early autumn bringing shoals into the shore and the occasional wrasse. Smaller coves like Hope Cove and Thurlestone are popular for bass, flatfish, and occasional rays.

Dart Estuary

The River Dart and its estuary offer a wealth of fishing options along its banks. From the quaysides and shores around Dartmouth, to the small villages dotted along its banks, you can catch flounder, plaice, bass, pollock, and even trout and salmon further upstream. The estuary is ideal for beginners, with sheltered spots and easy access.

Kingsbridge - Salcombe Estuary

This estuary is not only picturesque but also rich in fishing grounds. Anglers can expect bass, mullet, and flounder in some spots, and the area is also renowned for its shellfish heritage. The sheltered creeks make for a peaceful day’s fishing surrounded by rolling South Devon countryside.

Boat fishing from Salcombe

If you prefer heading out to sea, Salcombe's shores provide an excellent launch point for boat trips. Offshore excursions target species such as Pollock, bass, mackerel, and occasionally John Dory if you're lucky. For many, this represents the ultimate South Hams fishing adventure, combining sport with spectacular views of the coastline.

Rockfishing at Bolt Head and Start Point

For those who love the challenge and thrill of rock fishing, the rugged headlands of the South Hams deliver in style. Only for experienced fishermen/women, Bolt Head, with its deep water access from rocky outcrops and is a superb spot for many fish, including conger. Nearby, Start Point also provides excellent rock fishing from safer ledges a bit further from the lighthouse. Both require careful footing and attention to tides, but for experienced fishermen, the rewards can be memorable.

Fly & Freshwater: Avon and Erme

Flowing through some of the South Hams’ most scenic countryside, the River Avon and River Erme are gems for anglers seeking a quieter day by the water. The River Avon winds down the valley where it meets Aveton Gifford and Bantham, offering sea trout downstream. The River Erme, a smaller waterway, is equally charming with clear waters where you can see wild trout.

Stay & Fish

With such a variety of fishing close at hand, it's no wonder the South Hams is a magnet for anglers. If you’d like to combine your passion for fishing with a home in this beautiful part of Devon, we have a range of properties ideally situated near riverbanks, beaches, estuaries, and harbours. Whether you dream of a waterside retreat with a private quay, a cottage tucked away in Kingsbridge countryside, or a Salcombe bolthole with harbour views, there’s a home to match your fishing lifestyle.



Tips for Fishing in the South Hams:

Timing: Summer is best for sea and estuary fishing, while fisheries like Coombe Water offer sport year-round.

Licences: Remember, an Environment Agency rod licence is required for freshwater fishing in rivers and lakes. Many spots have Angling Associations with their own rules about where, when, and how to fish; check for permits.

Equipment: Local bait and tackle shops in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, and Dartmouth can provide expert guidance.

Charters: For sea fishing, book a local charter from Dartmouth or Salcombe to make the most of deep-water opportunities.

Safety: Try not to fish alone, and always inform someone where you're going and when you'll return. Be mindful of the weather and tides.

This National Fishing Month, why not explore the South Hams, perhaps not just for the catch of the day but also for your dream coastal property too.