Fly Fishing with John Dawson The Anchor Inn at Exbridge is perfectly situated to provide the base for a relaxing couple of days fishing with John Dawson. Sited on the banks of the River Exe, The Anchor Inn has teamed up with John to put together fly fishing packages to suit all levels of experience. Fishing licences are available at the Inn to both residents and visitors.

The Rivers Exe and Barle The Rivers Exe and Barle are situated in some of the most stunning Exmoor countryside and have a natural supply of salmon, wild brown trout and grayling (depending on the weather and the water levels). Fishing seasons on the River Exe run from March 15th to September 30th for trout, and from February 14th to September 30th for salmon.

A few miles from The Anchor Inn is Wimbleball Lake, a man-made reservoir run and maintained by South West Lakes Trust. The 370 acre lake is situated in beautiful surroundings within Exmoor National Park and offers excellent bank and boat fly fishing for rainbow trout. The season runs from the last weekend in March to the end of November. Charges range from £19.00 for a full day (up to six fish), £15.00 for evening fishing and £12.00 (plus £5.00 engine charge if required) for boat fishing.

Exe Valley Fishery

Situated less than a quarter of a mile from The Anchor Inn, The Exe Valley Fishery offers a very well maintained small water stocked with rainbow trout.

About John Dawson

John Dawson has been fly fishing for as long as he can remember, and has been a qualified and licenced instructor for over 20 years. He has an intimate knowledge of the River Exe and the River Barle and combines a passion for the art of fly fishing with a wealth of professional knowledge and experience.

Fishing Breaks on Exmoor

John has teamed up with The Anchor Inn to offer mid-week breaks to guests interested in improving their fly fishing skills. The one, two or three day breaks include tuition and guided fishing sessions on the River Exe, the River Barle, Wimbleball Lake or fishing for sea bass off the North Devon coast. The cost includes bed and breakfast at The Anchor Inn, permits and licences for the duration of the break and all tuition with John Dawson (evening meals are not included). The Anchor Inn can also offer facilities to gut and freeze rainbow trout and salmon for you to take home. Alternatively, Exbridge Smokery can hot or cold smoke your catch and then send it on to your home address.