ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FISH – JUNE 2026

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FISH – JUNE 2026 – PDF

FISH CARE AND WATER TEMPERATURE

During hotter, drier summers water levels can drop and temperatures may rise to levels that are harmful to salmonids.  We recommend avoiding fishing when water temperatures exceed 18 °C.  Carry a thermometer and check temperatures regularly.  If conditions are borderline, lower temperatures may be found in shaded or heavily wooded areas, on upland areas or where ground water enters the river.  

Consider using appropriately strong tackle during periods of higher water temperatures to help bring fish to hand more quickly and reduce the stress and exhaustion associated with prolonged fights.

If you intend to release the fish keep it in the net or water while removing the hook wherever possible.  Using barbless hooks makes hook removal quicker and easier, reducing handling time and improving the fish’s chances of recovery.  Always keep the fish wet and wherever possible keep it in the water at all times.  Before handling a fish thoroughly wet your hands to minimise the risk of damaging its protective slime layer.

If a photograph is to be taken ensure everything is prepared in advance.  Consider taking the photograph with the fish submerged or whilst still in the net to minimise handling and stress.

Before release support the fish gently in the current facing upstream so that water flows naturally through the gills.  Allow the fish time to recover and swim away under its own power.  Do not release the fish until it is strong enough to maintain its position and move off confidently.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

These are available on our website.  Please read them and follow them so as to upset nobody.  All anglers need a Rod Licence from the Environment Authority.

DAY / WEEK TICKETS

Day and week tickets are available for Brown trout or Migratory Fish.  The latter will include fishing for the former.  One ticket per day is available for Totnes Weir Pool.  These can be booked online via Clubmate 

( https://dartanglingassociation.clubmate.co.uk )

SEASONS

BROWN TROUT AND SEA TROUT – MARCH 15 TO SEPTEMBER 30 INCLUSIVE

SALMON – FEBRUARY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30 INCLUSIVE

WATER 

Day and Week ticket holders can fish the following water:

  • Left bank from Austins Bridge to Stretchford Run
  • Left bank from Staverton Bridge to Staverton Weir
  • Left bank from below Town Mills to Folly Pool

On the website is a MAPS page containing a link to a Google Maps layer showing your own position and the names of pools and other landmarks so you know where you are.

There is a padlock on the gate giving access to the water below Staverton Bridge.  The code will be on your emailed ticket.

  • Duchy of Cornwall water on Dartmoor – please see their own maps.  There is a good Beat map on Fishpass website

The Duchy of Cornwall water is fly only.  Spinning for salmon only is allowed on the lower water below Austins Bridge.  Prawns are allowed on the stretch immediately below Staverton Bridge.

MEMBERSHIPS

You can join as a Salmon Member, a Sea Trout Member, a Brown Trout member or a Junior member if you are under 18. There is currently no waiting list.  Prices are £300, £230, £150 or £15 respectively. You can fish for species in lower categories than the one you choose.

NEW

For new members you will need to submit an application form (on website) which will be distributed to the committee for approval.  If you don’t know any proposers, a short paragraph about yourself and your fishing will suffice. This usually takes less than 24 hours.  Once accepted you will be asked to pay the appropriate subscription then you will be added to our Clubmate database and email distribution list.  You’ll be sent a badge and car sticker.  All this can be done electronically

RENEWAL

Renewal of subscriptions is due by February 1st each year.  You can renew through Clubmate or by paying the appropriate subscription into the DAA bank account.

WATER

All members can fish the following water:

  • Simpsons – Left bank from Dartmeet to New Bridge.  Includes Combestone Island and Wellsfoot island but not Bell Pool Island
  • Bell Pool and Bell Pool island – 2026 season only – being sold
  • Halliwells – Left bank from stream below Holne Bridge to Tail of Boundary Pool
  • Hembury – Right Bank from River Dart Country Park fence down to Holy Pool
  • Kilbury – From wooden walkway at Admirals walk down to Weir
  • Church Commissioners – Left bank from 46 metres below Kilbury Weir to Hood Bridge – DON’T GET CAUGHT WALKING ON THE RAILWAY LINE!
  • Below Staverton Bridge to Staverton Weir
  • Below Town Mills at Staverton to Folly Pool
  • Pilsey Meadow
  • Left Bank below railway line at Totnes to mouth of Hems
  • Tailrace – Right Bank from tailrace below Kilbury Weir to Austins Bridge
  • SW Lakes – Right Bank fromAustins Bridge to Nursery Pool
  • Fogdens – Right Bank from Rookery Pool to Abbotsmead
  • Wilsons – Right bank from Abbotsmead to Quarry Pool (access but no fishing in front of Colston House)
  • Hood Barton – Right Bank from Eales Folly to Island Pool
  • Dartington – Right Bank from below Still Pool to Boat House Pool
  • Totnes Weir Pool – Both banks during the day only
  • Left bank upstream of Staverton Bridge from Sand Pool to Bridge – 2 rods during 08:00 TO 20:00, 2 rods at 20:00 TO 02:00 – ONLY ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS – MUST BE BOOKED THROUGH CLUBMATE
  • Salmon Members can fish Totnes Weir Pool from Dusk to dawn.  You will be allocated either an odd-night or even-night to limit crowding at night on this pool
  • Duchy of Cornwall water on Dartmoor – please see their own maps.  There is a good Beat map on Fishpass website

The Duchy of Cornwall water is fly only.  Spinning for salmon only is allowed on the lower water.  Prawns are allowed on the stretch immediately below Staverton Bridge.

Brown Trout and Sea Trout members can purchase one ticket per month to fish for Salmon or Sea Trout via Clubmate

All members except Junior Members can purchase up to 5 guest tickets per season via Clubmte

COMMUNICATION

Email distribution list – all members will be included

Fishing Chat – Dart Whatsapp group.  Ping Tom Pakes and ask him to add you  

( tompakes@icloud.com)

Website

AGM in December

Me –      gileshammersley@hotmail.com

                  07767350408

                  01803 762868

OCCASIONAL EVENTS

  • BANK CLEARING

Takes place on Sunday mornings in January and February.  Notice by email and on website

  • ACCESS AND ADVICE

Occasional sessions especially for newish members who don’t know where to begin