Butterwell Farm is the premier destination in the Southwest for sea-trout and salmon game fishing. Butterwell offers anglers a good chance of catching sea-trout in excess of 5lb on night fly and large autumn salmon all the way to the season close on 15 December when nearly all other fisheries are closed. The fishing comprises of approximately half a mile of double bank water plus half a mile of single bank water with 18 holding pools. We have a maximum of 4 rods and the river is divided into equal beats daily depending on number of rods and conditions. During the salmon season, if conditions permit, we can allow a 5th rod. We can also allow more rods if you are all part of the same fishing group.
Day tickets available
1 May – 14 June £40 per day
15 June – 15 Dec £65 per day
Wild Brown Trout £30 per dayContact Sam to book: 07766 224 258 | info@butterwellfarm.com
Follow Sam on Instagram: @butterwell_sam
Sea-trout season
The sea-trout season runs from 1st May until 31st August which is typically night fly-fishing only. However if the water levels are high and other conditions permit, we can also allow daytime fly-fishing for salmon and sea-trout. Once the water is low and clear, and a reasonable number of sea-trout have gathered in the pools, fishing reverts to night fly-fishing ONLY for sea-trout. Guests booking this period should understand that conditions on the river will dictate the type of fishing permitted at short notice and at the owner’s discretion.
Salmon season
The salmon season runs from 1st September until 15th December when we allow fly fishing, spinning and bait fishing by day. At the owner’s discretion, we also encourage night fly-fishing for sea-trout in September if we continue to experience a late run of fresh fish.
Wild brown trout
The wild brown trout season runs from 1 May to 30 September on a strict catch and release basis. We offer daytime wild brown trout fly-fishing in the wooded section of the Butterwell Camel beats using traditional dry fly and nymphing techniques. Wading is recommended in the wooded area.
“Honestly the best fishing accommodations & holiday in 10 years. Sam walks the beat with you and offers any support needed to get that elusive catch! We will be back!”
“Butterwell magic. Perfect place to sip a glass of chilled local wine and catch wild salmon and sea-trout. What’s not to enjoy!”
Beat walks and rules
We like to do a beat walk with our anglers to show them the river and also divide and rotate the beats equally and fairly depending on numbers, conditions and the dates you are fishing.
As we are predominately a catch and release fishery, please try and keep your catch in the water facing into a well oxygenated current. If you do handle your fish please ensure you use wet hands.
For salmon and sea-trout fishing it is required by law that you hold a current E.A. salmon and sea-trout license. For wild brown trout and pond fishing you need an E.A. non-migratory trout and coarse license.
Anglers are required to inform the owner of their catches so the record book can be updated.
Salmon
All salmon fishing is a strict catch and release policy. There are restrictions on hook sizes to a maximum gape of 13mm on single hooks and 8mm double and treble hooks for all types of fishing. Treble hooks are not to be used from 30 September other than with a fly. All hooks are required to be barbless. Fully crimped barbs are acceptable. Bait fishing is restricted to shrimp and prawn using a single hook.
Sea-trout
All sea-trout over 50cm (3lb), and all those caught after 31st August, must be returned. A maximum of two sea-trout can be taken per day per angler. The hook restrictions above also apply to fly-fishing for sea-trout.
Wild brown trout
All wild brown trout fishing is a strict catch and release policy. There are restrictions on hook sizes to a maximum gape of 8mm on single barbless hooks used on all flies/nymphs. Crimped barbs are acceptable.
Pricing
Salmon & sea-trout:
1 May – 14 June £40 per day or £200 for the week.
15 June – 15 December £65 per day or £325 for the week.Wild brown trout: £30 per day or £150 for the week.
Guiding & Tuition
Get in touch to enquire about our guiding and tuition services. Using a guide or tutor can elevate your fishing experience at Butterwell Farm to the next level. Benefit from the experience and knowledge of our section of the River Camel, and get to know where the fish are likely to hold up and where they are likely to strike. This can be particularly helpful in when fishing in the dark.
Other Information
The River Camel rises on Bodmin Moor and flows some 25 miles down to the sea at Padstow on the North Coast of Cornwall.
Butterwell Farm Fishery is approximately 1 mile above the tidal reaches. The river tumbles through rugged moorland and then through woodlands and forestry.
We have 18 pools at Butterwell, which are very popular for holding both sea-trout and salmon. Butterwell is the premier fishery in the Southwest for sea-trout and salmon.
Seasons and runs
The fishing season starts at the beginning of May and we normally have a small run of largish sea-trout (between 3-5 lbs) between May and June. However, the main run of sea-trout does not begin until June. The sea-trout fishing is usually the best in July and August but we have experienced a good run of fresh fish in September in the last few years.
The first good runs of salmon traditionally begin in September and, from then on, fresh salmon enter the river with every spate or even just on the high spring tides until late season closes on December 15th. In the last few years we have also experienced early runs of multi winter salmon in May and June and reduced runs in late season.
River WebCam
