These spectacular lodges in Somerset offer some of the finest angling experiences in the West Country. With well-stocked lakes, rivers teeming with fish and stunning countryside views, we’ve selected the best fishing lodges to cast your line and unwind!
Somerset boasts an impressive variety of fishing opportunities from traditional coarse fishing for carp, tench, perch and bream to exciting trout fishing on reservoirs and private lakes.
There are some beautiful modern lodges with fishing on-site in Somerse in 2025!
The county features over 60 established fisheries, including famous venues like Viaduct Fishery with six mature lakes in the Cary Valley, and Wimbleball Lake – a 374-acre reservoir on Exmoor stocked with rainbow and brown trout.
Exmoor Gate Lodges in peaceful wooded valley setting with fishing available
Set in a peaceful wooded valley on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Exmoor Gate Lodges offer the perfect base for fishing enthusiasts. These Scandinavian-style lodges sleep up to 9 guests and welcome up to 3 pets, making them ideal for family fishing holidays. Each lodge features its own private hot tub on a covered decking area where you can relax after a day by the water.
The nearby Wimbleball Lake provides excellent trout fishing just minutes away. This 374-acre reservoir is managed by South West Lakes Trust and offers fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout from both bank and boat. Day tickets cost £35 with boats available for hire. The lake is stocked regularly with rainbow trout up to 8lb and holds a good head of wild brown trout. The fishing season runs from February to December.
On-site facilities include an indoor swimming pool available for private hire, games room with pool and table football, and nature trails through the surrounding woodland. The location puts you within easy reach of other Somerset fishing venues including the River Tone and various commercial fisheries around Taunton.
Woodpecker Lodge at Redlake Farm offers luxury accommodation with fishing
Located on a working farm near Somerton, Woodpecker Lodge at Redlake Farm delivers a perfect fishing retreat for couples. This luxury one-bedroom lodge sleeps up to 2 guests and features wheelchair access via ramp, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs. The lodge comes with a private hot tub on the decking area and free trout fishing on the farm’s well-stocked lake.
The on-site fishing lake contains a variety of trout species and provides peaceful angling in beautiful countryside surroundings. You’ll be able to spot farm animals roaming the grounds and enjoy fresh eggs provided as a welcome gift from the farm’s own hens. The single-storey design includes an open-plan living space with modern kitchen and a king-size bedroom with freestanding bath.
This Somerset location puts you within reach of some of the county’s best fishing venues. Cheddar Gorge and the historic city of Wells are nearby, whilst Glastonbury with its famous Abbey and Tor is just a short drive away. The surrounding area offers excellent coarse fishing on the Somerset Levels with venues like Viaduct Fishery and Avalon Fisheries within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Somerset Fishing Lodges
What types of fish can I catch in Somerset?
Somerset waters contain excellent stocks of coarse fish including carp (many venues hold fish over 30lb), bream, tench, perch, roach, rudd, barbel and chub. The River Avon at Claverton produces numerous big barbel with plenty of doubles, plus good-sized chub and pike. For game fishing, Bristol Water’s Blagdon Lake is regarded as the home of stillwater trout fly fishing with records dating back to the early 1900s.
Which Somerset rivers offer the best fishing?
The county features numerous productive rivers including the Avon, Axe, Brue, Chew, Cary, Parrett, Sheppey, Tone and Yeo. The River Avon from Newbridge to Kelston has produced excellent catches of large bream and roach in recent years. The Frome Angling Association offers day and annual tickets for 12 miles of River Frome fishing. Many angling clubs control key stretches – Taunton Angling Association manages six miles of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal known for large nets of bream and specimen carp.
Do I need fishing permits in Somerset?
Yes, you’ll need a valid Environment Agency rod licence for all fishing in England. Many venues also require day tickets or club membership. Purchase your rod licence online before arriving. Popular venues like Viaduct Fishery and Summerhayes offer day tickets, whilst reservoir fishing at Blagdon or Clatworthy requires separate permits from the water companies.
What are the best fishing tackle shops in Somerset?
Somerset has tackle shops in most major towns including Bridgwater, Taunton, Bath, Wells, Glastonbury, Weston-super-Mare, Frome, Burnham-on-Sea, Wellington, Minehead and Yeovil. Many fishing lodges provide basic tackle for sale on-site, but it’s worth stocking up in larger towns for the best selection and prices.
Which Somerset reservoirs offer trout fishing? Blagdon Lake covers 440 acres at the foot of the Mendip Hills and is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Litton Reservoir offers two lakes – Lower Litton (8 acres, shallow and tree-lined) and Upper Litton (11 acres, deeper water). Clatworthy Reservoir on the edge of Exmoor National Park provides 130 acres of rainbow and brown trout fishing with boat hire available.
Can I fish for carp in Somerset?
Absolutely! Somerset boasts some outstanding carp waters. Cheddar Reservoir holds tench averaging 6lb plus 30lb pike and 2lb+ perch. Avalon Fisheries features double-figure carp with fish over 30lb. Perry Street Pond near Chard is stocked with carp to 20lb, whilst Chard Reservoir holds carp to 33lb. Many commercial fisheries like The Sedges near Bridgwater specialise in carp and bream fishing.
Are there fishing lodges with on-site lakes?
Yes, several Somerset venues offer accommodation with immediate fishing access. Viaduct Fishery provides lakeside lodges with private fishing pegs, whilst Mill Meadow offers luxury lodges with exclusive access to their private fishing lake. Summerhayes Fisheries combines holiday lodges with five on-site lakes across 24 acres.
What fishing is available on the Somerset Levels?
The Somerset Levels feature numerous drains, canals and fisheries. Bridgwater Angling Association controls South Drain from Edington to Ashcott Station, North Drain from River Brue junction upstream to Wedmore, plus sections of rivers Parrett and Isle. Trinity Waters operates five historic brick pit lakes, whilst Avalon Fisheries provides three lakes with excellent mixed fishing regularly producing 100lb+ bags in summer.
Can I fish the Bristol Channel from Somerset?
Yes, Somerset’s northern coastline along the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel offers sea fishing opportunities. The county provides access to beach fishing and several harbours and fishing villages. Many fishing lodge guests combine freshwater angling with sea fishing trips for a varied experience.
Which angling clubs operate in Somerset?
Major clubs include Taunton Angling Association (Bridgwater and Taunton Canal), Frome Angling Association (12 miles of River Frome), Bridgwater Angling Association (established 1905 with extensive portfolio), Ilminster Angling Association (rivers Parrett, Brue, Isle and drains), and Chard & District Angling Club (Perry Street Pond, Chard Reservoir, River Isle). Contact clubs directly for day ticket availability and annual membership options.
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