Chew Valley Lake

Chew Valley is famous around the world for its scenic beauty and top quality sport. The size and condition of the trout caught here is second to none and anglers find success using a wide variety of fishing methods and fly patterns. It is a relatively shallow water with an average Depth of only 14ft at top level and a maximum depth of just 37ft.

The area it covers was once rich farmland, and is now fertile ground for the aquatic life so necessary for quality trout fishing. The deepest part of the lake is by the Dam and the outlet tower, where the steeply sloping shores of Walley Bank and the North Shore put depths of up to 20ft within the reach of bank anglers. Southwards the water gets progressively shallower until at Herriots End, where the infant River Chew enters the Lake, there are only a couple of feet of water covering the tree stumps and river bed.

Between these extremes are a variety of contours including the large offshore shallow areas of the False Island and the Roman Shallows where dense weed beds appear in the warmer months, producing huge quantities of aquatic and insect life, the never-ending larder of the Chew Valley trout.

Day and afternoon bank fishing permits are available at Woodford Lodge. No fishing is allowed from the Dam or stone embankments, the Sailing Club, in front of the Picnic Areas and in the Nature Reserve.

Care must be taken when fishing from the shore as deep holes and ditches occur around the lake side. There is a fleet of 32 motorboats for hire to fish on Chew Valley. Advance booking is advisable especially on weekends but can only be accepted on a two rod basis. Boats not reserved in advance can be booked on the day for afternoon or evening fishing sessions.

This year will see the introduction of a Wheely Boat at Chew. This boat, specially designed for use by anglers in wheelchairs, is available by advance booking only. Lifejackets must be worn by all boat fishermen, and these are available for loan on request.

Anchoring is not permitted from the Dam to the line of yellow buoys between the North Shore and Walley Bank. No boats are allowed in the area marked off by white buoys in front of the Stratford bird hide.

Season March 15 to November 30 

2007 Permit Prices (per person) 

Boat Day £30.50 8am £25.00 Afternoon £25.00 Evening £19.00 

Bank Day £14.50 Afternoon £11.50

Season Permit £485.00 (reductions on all permits for OAP, Registered disabled and juniors.

Total catch last season 17,149

Rod Returns 7,353

Average per rod 2.3

Average weight 2lb 4oz

Best fish Brown 13lb 4oz 

Rainbow 9lb 9oz

Fish Stocked 43,535