Clatworthy Reservoir

This is is another scenic lake a couple of miles East of Wimbleball with fishingand lakeside walks and Nature Trail. Clatworthy reservoir is situated in the Brendon Hills on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in west Somerset. It impounds the head waters of the River Tone and the surrounding rolling hills provide a picturesque setting for walking and fishing.

Wessex Water´s Clatworthy Reservoir, near Taunton

Anglers can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout from the banks of this 130-acre reservoir or from a boat. fishing boats may be hired for rowing or you may use your own motor (electric outboard only). There are seven water inlets at Clatworthy which are all described as hot spots for fishermen, but generally the south bank is considered to be the best area. Clatworthy offers good top of the water fishing with nymphs or dry flies or, at the deep areas, with sinking lines and flashing lures.

Clatworthy Dam to the Trout Pond - image supplied by kind permission of Somerset Tourism, Somerset County Councils

In 2005 Clatworthy fished consistently well with 10,663 fish caught and the rod average for the season was 2.5. The largest rainbow trout caught in 2005 weighed in at 8lbs at Clatworthy while the reservoir record is 16lbs 10oz caught in 1998. The biggest brown trout caught in 2005 was 3lbs 8oz and the record is 8lbs 2oz caught in 1994. The fishing lodge has facilities for the disabled, plus an 'Allan' wheelie boat. For further information about fishing at Clatworthy, contact the ranger Dave Pursey on 01984 624658. The local fishing club is the Clatworthy Fly Fisherman's Association. More information about the club and competitions can be found on the fishing lodge noticeboard.

Clatworthy Reservoir

Clatworthy reservoir offers the chance to stroll at leisure through a short nature trail or, for the more adventurous, it is possible to walk the entire reservoir perimeter of five miles. There is ample parking and public toilets at the viewing area which is signposted from Wiveliscombe. From the viewing area visitors can take the perimeter walk - allow 2½ to 3 hours to complete this walk. The car park is open throughout the year, but is locked at sunset.

Leaflets about the trail are available from the viewing area or on request from the ranger for larger parties.

Because of safety concerns regarding incidents of dog fouling and lack of supervision by some owners, no dogs are allowed around this reservoir.

Clatworthy reservoir has a range of habitats including acid grassland, broadleaf woodlands and scrub leading to marshy areas around the inlet streams. Clatworthy wood is mainly beech with sessile oaks, silver birch and rowan. The site is home to a range of passage and woodland birds as well as geese, grebes and swans. Red deer, roe deer and badgers are often seen in the woods. Walkers are reminded to avoid disturbing anglers and to remember that fishermen may not see walkers when backcasting.

Access to the water is not permitted to walkers.

Clatworthy Reservoir Memorial Forest

Contributed by: Sarah Cox