Your Guide to Fishing in South East Cornwall

Your Fishing Guide with Coast and Country Parks

8 Minute Read | by Naomi, Marketing Manager, Coast And Country Parks.

Welcome to your ultimate guide to fishing in South East Cornwall, designed especially for beginners and those eager to learn from local experts. South East Cornwall offers a rich variety of fishing opportunities, from peaceful river fishing and coarse fishing in well stocked lakes to exciting sea fishing along its rugged coastline.

Whether you’re looking to cast your first line or improve your skills, this guide covers everything you need to know about fishing in South East Cornwall, including tips on the best spots, local regulations, and essential tackle advice. Dive in and discover why this area is a top choice for anglers across the UK.

Coarse Fishing in South East Cornwall

South East Cornwall offers excellent opportunities for coarse fishing enthusiasts, with a variety of well stocked lakes, tranquil rivers, and peaceful fishing spots set amidst beautiful countryside. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the region’s fisheries provide a welcoming environment to target species such as carp, tench, roach, and rudd.

With accessible locations like Bake Lakes, Bushfarm Lakes, and the Tamar Valley, anglers can enjoy year-round fishing in scenic surroundings, making South East Cornwall a top choice for coarse fishing breaks.

Low-key Coarse fishing at Notter Bridge Holiday Park

Step out of your accommodation and enjoy relaxed fishing surrounded by towering trees, birdsong, and total quiet. Our peaceful ponds make it easy to spend long, slow hours by the water fishing for mirror carp, tench, bream and roach – perfect for beginners, hobbyists, or those seeking a low-key fishing retreat.

Our friendly team is always on hand to offer advice and support, ensuring your fishing break at Notter Bridge Holiday Park is both enjoyable and memorable.

Coarse Fishing at Local Lakes

Discover our local recommendations for best locations to try your hand at coarse fishing around south east Cornwall…

Coarse fishing at Bake Lakes

Located just off the A38 at Trerulefoot, this fishery features multiple lakes dedicated to coarse and fly fishing…. Open year-round and family-friendly, it is a favourite among coarse and fly anglers staying at Notter Bridge Holiday Park. The seven lakes span 15 acres of open

farmland and woodland, offering clear water with depths up to 10 feet. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked weekly, with fish averaging around 2.5 lbs.

Coarse Fishing at Bush farm:

set in the picturesque Lynher Valley on an old working farm, Bushfarm Lakes offer… fishing for the Course angling enthusiast, carp, tench, roach & rudd are on offer.

Coarse Fishing at Tamar Valley Lakes

The Tamar Valley is full of pockets of accessible river fishing, offering a lovely mix of quiet banks…

Tips for Course fishing in Cornwall:

Course fishing bait: All-round baits: Maggots and sweetcorn are highly effective and almost irresistible to most coarse fish species. Carp: Boilies (fishmeal-based in summer, sweetmeal in winter), pellets, and particle mixes (hempseed, tiger nuts) work well, especially on commercial fisheries. Tench & Bream: Use a cocktail of maggots and casters, worms (dendrobaena or redworms), or sweetcorn.
Licensing: Remember, you will need a valid Environment Agency rod fishing licence to fish for coarse and river fishing in England and Wales. You must also purchase a day ticket or permit from the specific venue you choose to fish.
Familiar yourself with venue rules: Remember to always follow the catch limit guidelines for the lake you’re fishing – each location may have its own rules.

Sea Fishing in South East Cornwall

Cornwall boasts 400 miles of rugged coastline. Here’s a concise guide to sea fishing in South East Cornwall to help you enjoy the finest of Cornish fishing. Having local knowledge is invaluable when fishing in this area.

Whitsand Bay and Rame Head feature some of Cornwall’s most stunning coastline and are excellent spots for sea fishing. Fishing from Penlee Point and rock fishing from Rame Head are particularly productive. Penlee, Eastern Gear, and Queener Point are well-known fishing locations, attracting many of Cornwall’s top anglers. Common catches from shore here include bass, mackerel, wrasse, pollock, and garfish.

Other popular fishing locations in South East Cornwall include Seaton, Downderry, and Polperro -a charming fishing village with a harbour that offers good sea fishing opportunities.

Rock fishing in Cornwall

Rock fishing is one of the best ways for beginners to enjoy the coastline. Fishing over rough ground often yields better results, as there is abundant cover for fish to hide in.

Species commonly caught in autumn and winter include bass, codling, whiting, pouting, poor cod, pollack, coalfish, haddock, dabs, bull huss, dogfish, conger, small-eyed ray, and rockling. In warmer months, fishing can be productive for mackerel, garfish, and bass using lures.

Tips for sea fishing in South East Cornwall

Check the tides: Always monitor tide times and conditions, especially on beaches where waves can be unpredictable. Ensure you have a safe exit as tides can rise quickly.
Visit your nearest tackle shop for advice on bait, fishing spots, and local guidance.
Consider the season: Fish activity varies throughout the year; spring and summer are often best for many species.
Use appropriate gear: Choose gear suited to conditions -heavier tackle may be needed on rough beaches. Effective baits include sandeel, mackerel, squid, and lugworm.
Try a charter trip: For newcomers, charter trips offer local knowledge and access to prime fishing areas.
Before heading out, check reliable weather and sea condition sources like BBC Weather (https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather) and Magicseaweed (https://magicseaweed.com/).

River Fishing in South East Cornwall and the Tamar Valley

Key river fishing locations locally include Torpoint, Wilcove, Saltash Pontoon & Quay, Landulph, Halton Quay, and Cothele Quay. Anglers should monitor tides and seasonal activity, with spring and summer months offering the best fishing for species like sea trout, brown trout, salmon, mullet, and sea bass.

River Lynher Access at Notter Bridge Holiday Park

Running alongside the park, the River Lynher offers an idyllic setting for angling. With its gentle flow and beautiful wooded banks, it’s a favourite spot for those who enjoy river fishing surrounded by nature. Expect tranquillity, wildlife, and that lovely feeling of being miles away from anywhere, where species like sea trout, brown trout, salmon, mullet, and sea bass can be caught, please ask the friendly team for assistance.

Tips for River fishing in South East Cornwall

Fish during prime times: Early mornings and late evenings are often the most productive, as fish tend to be more active then.
Choose the right bait and lures: Use bait or lures that match the natural food in your river, such as insects, worms, or minnows.
Use the right equipment: Wear non-slip wading boots and carry a wading stick for stability. Also, wear natural-colored clothing to avoid scaring fish.
Look for structure: Fish hide from currents and predators in cover like overhanging trees, fallen logs, weed beds, and undercut banks.
Licensing: Remember, you need a valid Environment Agency rod fishing licence to fish for coarse and river fishing in England and Wales, and may need a day ticket or permit for specific venues.

Book your Fishing Break at Notter Bridge Holiday Park

If you’re dreaming of a fishing break in Cornwall where peace, nature, and proper countryside calm come as standard, base yourself at Notter Bridge Holiday Park is the perfect escape. Tucked away in a hidden pocket of rural Cornish woodland-just outside Saltash and only 20 minutes from the South East Cornwall coastline-our park offers a tranquil base for anglers of every kind.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking the thrill of catching sea bass along the rugged coastline or a beginner hoping to try your hand at coarse fishing in one of our well stocked fishing lakes, discover your next fishing getaway…