Kennick Reservoir is situated just off the Eastern edge of Dartmoor in the midst of some superb South Devon scenery.

Regularly stocked by South West Water with Rainbow trout around 1.25/2 pounds, this year SWW have added considerably to the fishing by stocking a sprinkling of larger fish. Whilst the average size of the fish is not as large as that found in some private fisheries, what can be said is that the quality of the fish is excellent and they are very lively fish. The best way to fish Kennick is not to take root in one spot, unless of course, you find the fish concentrated by the wind. Travel light and walk the bank, explore this lovely fishery, the sight of some fine old trees and a variety of wildlife will add immeasurably to your days fishing.

At 45 acres, Kennick is not a large fishery by Midland standards, but from a flyfishing point of view, it is all there. The dry fly fishing can be superb, nymph fishing can be very successful and when things get tough, watch the locals, big black or white lures are pulled with a vengeance. Like many of the Westcountry fisheries the key to success is observation and versatility, an open mind will catch more fish than a room full of tackle.

During the early season there is usually a good fall of Hawthorns, dry and swamped patterns can give some fine sport. The dry Black gnat fishes well right through the season. Variations in size from #12's down to #18's or even #20's can be the key to catching the silver bright, fully finned fish that can be found at Kennick. Daddies and a prolific sedge hatch later in the season, as well as a selection of terrestrial insects from the surrounding fields and woodlands, will also give some good sport off the top. Buzzer patterns, mostly black but occasionally green and quite small, fished in the top few inches of the water can provide some classic fishing. Weighted nymphs such as the PTN, gold ribbed hares ear, damsel, stick fly and the inevitable montana, fished on a floating line with a long leader, sink tip or intermediate line will reward the persistent angler.

When things get tough, sinking lines and pulling tactics with lures such as the ace of spades, appetiser and cats whisker will catch fish for those who must take fish home.

KENNICK RESERVOIR.

Address.

Kennick Reservoir.

Hennock.

Bovey Tracey.

Devon.
Phone:  01 837 871 565.
 

Season.

Opening date 23rd March.

Closing date 31st October.

Season extension at SWW's discretion, call in October for details.

New prices Spring 2003. 

Tickets.
Day ticket £16.25. 6 fish limit.
Boat £8.00 per day. Boats bookable 24 hours in advance.

Travel Tips.
From the A38 West of Exeter, take the turning for Bovey Tracey onto the A382.
Continue till you encounter a turning signposted Slade Cross on your right side (just before Lustleigh).
Take this turning into a narrow, winding lane, until you  reach a crossroad at Poolmill Cross. Take a left and follow the signposts to the lake.

 Recommended Pub/eatery. Palk Arms, Hennock.

Wildlife.
Kennick has an extensive range of butterflies which can be seen in your travels around the fishery, including some which are quite rare. These include Marbled Whites, Dark Green and Silver Washed Fritillaries. There are four species of Bat, the bat box scheme has been a success and is being extended. There is a good range of predatory birds to be seen in the skies at Kennick, the most common of which is the Buzzard.

The Fallow and Roe deer are most often seen at first light and again late in the evening. If you are fishing the Bracken Bank late in the evening, there is(was) a resident old dog fox which has become quite tame and looks for anglers to throw him the occasional sandwich(haven't seen him for a while).

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