Our Club.
Discover the Timeless Beauty
of Endsleigh Fishing Club
Twelve miles of both banks – of the lower
River Tamar below Greystone Bridge.
The Tamar is probably the best salmon river in the South-West and Endsleigh has the best stretch of the Tamar. It forms exceptionally beautiful, prolific and secluded fishing.
The season commences on March 1st and for all trout ends on the 30th September and for salmon, ends on 14th October.
The fishing is almost exclusively fly fishing and is divided into six beats which are fished in rotation. There are 10 – 12 named pools on each beat, except Beat 6 which has additional tidal water.
A message from our Chairman
Our stretch of the River Tamar must surely be one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the South West. To fish here is to experience a rare sense of peace and connection; the sound of the water over gravel, the glint of light on the surface and the anticipation of a caught fly. It is a landscape that rewards patience, skill and quiet observation and it never fails to leave a lasting impression on those who visit.
Endsleigh Fishing Club has long prided itself on preserving both the quality of the fishing and the unspoilt character of the river. Our members share a deep respect for this remarkable environment and considerable care is taken each year to maintain the health of its fishery and its banks. The club is dedicated to ensuring that future generations will enjoy the same exceptional sport and natural beauty that we treasure today.
You are guaranteed a memorable visit and, I suspect, you will certainly wish to return.
Sir Richard Dearlove
Fishing Practicalities
Equipment
A double-handed salmon rod of 14 -15ft is recommended for long casts which may be needed even in low water. A single handed or switch rod of 11ft or so is also useful in low water. A sink tip or intermediate line is generally recommended. Chest waders are needed in most wading pools. Always use a wading stick.
Flies
In high and coloured water (over 2ft on the gauge) large flies such as yellow or orange brass or copper tubes are best. In high but clear water a 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inch black and yellow brass tube or Waddington is recommended.
In medium clear water (1-2ft on the gauge) most people use a 1 inch or 1 1/4 tube or any of the following popular patterns:- Allys or other Shrimp patterns, Posh Toshes, Stoats Tail, GPs, Cascades on hook sizes 6-8. In low clear water (less than 1ft on the gauge) a 3/4 inch tube or one of the popular patterns mentioned above in sizes 10-12 are effective. Fish are also caught ‘on the hitch’.
Nylon
Use Nylon of about 15lb for normal conditions and never use less than 10lbs even with the smallest flies in the lowest conditions. 18-20lbs is best used with 2″ brass tubes and Waddingtons.
Conservation
At Endsleigh Fishing Club we take our responsibility to the local environment seriously. Whilst most of the practical work is down to John Dennis, our ghillie, our fishers also contribute.
As a club we have long been proactive in supporting catch and release for both salmon and large sea trout for many years now. Our club has been ahead of many other riparian owners in the country with these initiatives. We are committed not to overfish our beautiful stretch of the River Tamar and only allow two rods to be fished on each beat each day. However, we do positively encourage groups to come and fish and there are many convivial picnics and gatherings throughout the season as fishers and their families meet to swap stories and have a break before returning to cast their fly again in the water.
The riverbank is an array of wildflowers throughout the season which consists of purple loosestrife, yellow flag iris, cow parsley, primroses and celandines , wild garlic, blue bell, and wood anemones. Their roots help to stabilise the riverbanks, reducing soil erosion and providing essential shelter and food for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
For the past few years, our ghillie John Dennis, has planted annually about two hundred native species trees in the winter months some as bare roots and increasingly small rooted trees which he has brought on himself. This work, in particular the planting of oaks, hazel and willows, is designed to help hold the banks together with the tree root mass and provide shade.
John is also very cognisant that each time he is involved in the riverbank restoration and repairs he utilises what the local environment provides, i.e. natural woody debris and reed, bulrush and of course the yellow flag iris all of which which holds the bank together and attracts wildlife habitat and invertebrates.
Along with riverbank restoration, John also works hard restoring habitats for the fish, fly life and invertebrates along all the tributaries and streams too. Work involves cutting and clearing of fallen limbs and debris that are obstructing the flow of water, maintaining and repairing the banks, cutting of bushes and trees for shade and cleaning gravels to enhance fish spawning (redds). This work is carried out from November through to January.
EXPLORE OUR SCENIC VIEWS
Endsleigh Fishing Club Gallery
Join Us at Endsleigh Fishing Club
Membership opportunities at Endsleigh Fishing Club are rare but do occasionally become available offering exceptional fly fishing.
If you would like to find out more, then please contact Membership Director, Pippa Medd at pippa.medd@gmail.com