Fishing near Riverside Cottage Bed and breakfast in Bideford Devon

New Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5HB
Telephone +44 (0) 845 8735610
E-Mail: info@myriversidecottage.co.uk

Guest House &
Self Catering Accommodation

Riverside Cottage

Name: Torridge

Type of Water: River

Description: Riverside Cottage is in a very privileged position and sits proudly beside the River Torridge that rises in the North West corner of Devon and flows in a large loop before joining the River Taw at Appledore this then flow into the Bristol Channel. The river Torridge is mostly a grade 2 river and by International grading system is “Waves, small stoppers and other minor obstructions to avoid. Eddies and cushion waves may be strong.”

The river has few hazards other than some of the weirs, but at high water, the speed of flow can provide exciting and demanding conditions.

The river is important for game fishing and provides a varied catch of salmon, sea trout and brown trout all provides excellent sport at different times throughout the season.

Salmon fishing: Early to mid March to early to mid May & September (first rain)
Sea Trout: Mid to late April to May & Late June to early August (just before/after dusk)
Brown Trout: Early spring - April to June

As a resident at Riverside Cottage access to the River Torridge is very convenient and depending on the tide, you do not have to go far to cast your rod.

· you can simply walk from your room down to the waters edge and fish directly from the terrace or anywhere else you fancy around the property

· you can take a short 5 minute walk to the other end of the property (near Tarka Bridge) and join other fishing enthusiasts fishing from the bridge or sit in private on a lovely grassy spot in front of the ancient lime kiln just below the Tarka Bridge

· you may wish to take our cabin cruiser with or without a skipper – call to enquire/arrange – 01237-459203

Less than ½ mile from Riverside Cottage and a 5-minute walk away lies "Little America" a large lay-by with new river access steps making a good start point for trips on the head of the estuary, and Bideford Bridge is within a mile away. After you head under the Bideford Bridge you head towards Appledore, the hazards get bigger; catamarans, yachts, dinghies and wind surfers can be found, as well as a ferry and numerous moored boats.

Beyond this point, the river has the characteristics of an open sea, with strong tidal currents and a long swim to the next land, Lundy Island. You should not attempt to paddle here unless you are experienced at reading tidal data and dealing with strong currents.

Put-In’s & Take-outs: Please only use the access and egress points described below except in dire emergency.

Approximate Length: 27.5 miles from Hele Bridge

Time Needed: Unknown

Access Hassles: The season is 1st October - to - 28th February

Written permission from the LAO is compulsory. The river is important for game fishing so the importance of adhering to the Access Agreement cannot be overstated.

Please only use the access and egress points described below except in dire emergency

Buy your rod license online now

Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England (except the River Tweed), Wales or the Border Esk and its tributaries in Scotland must have an Environment Agency rod license.

Rod licenses are available from Post Office outlets throughout England and Wales, online, by Direct Debit and over the telephone on 0844 800 5386 begin_of_the_skype_highlightingend_of_the_skype_highlighting. The phone line is open from 8.30am to 8.00pm daily from March to September and 8.30am to 6.00pm from October to February.

How much does it cost?

Prices for 2010/11 rod licenses — valid from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011
Insert Table:

A salmon and sea trout license covers you to fish for non-migratory trout and coarse fish as well. Failure to have a license is an offence.

Remember, if you are fishing with 3 or 4 rods then you will need to purchase a second license.

Concessionary licenses

· You are aged 16 or under (Junior)

· You are aged 65 or over

· You have a Blue Badge parking concession, or are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. You will need to provide your Blue Badge Number or National Insurance Number when buying your license

Important information

· Anglers under the age of 12 do not need a rod license to go fishing

· Full and concessionary rod licenses expire on 31 March each year

· 1-day rod license is valid for 24 consecutive hours

· 8-day rod license is valid for 192 consecutive hours from the start time and date

Be warned!

If you fish without a rod license, you are cheating other anglers, it is an offence to fish for freshwater fish and eels without a valid rod license and if you are caught, you may be fined up to £2,500.

The money raised through rod license sales is invested directly in fisheries work that benefits all anglers.