Durleigh reservoir
A coarse angling mecca
Durleigh is the only one of our reservoirs which is dedicated to dayticket coarse fishing. It's ideal for the angler seeking to catch carp, pike, bream and roach.
With depths of up to 26ft, you can fish from both banks, although there is no fishing from the dam wall itself.
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The reservoir is renowned as a superb carp water and while there are a lot of common carp, there are also a good number of mirror carp there to be caught. Between 10 and 20 doubles can be caught in the right conditions.
Durleigh carp love boilies and will respond to accurate baiting, with many fish coming at longer range and being caught from all around the reservoir. In spring and early summer the shallow end can be very good, but as the season progresses and the levels drop they move into the deeper water towards the dam.
Specimen pike are also a big feature at Durleigh and can even exceed the 30lb mark, with a good number of 20s, doubles and jacks also in the water. Pike anglers regularly report 10 or more fish in a day when they are feeding. Dead-baiting is a very popular tactic, but lures can also work well.
In the winter they can be found at the deeper end, but throughout the year you will often see pike activity in the margins all round the reservoir.
Abundance of species
Each year we run a competition for the biggest carp and pike of the season, with £150 worth of tackle vouchers for the winners. The reservoir is also well regarded for its bream fishing with good average sized fish.
Although most bream fall into the 2lb-5lb range, there are larger specimens approaching double figures. There is also an abundance of skimmers from under 1lb and up to 2lb and there are vast shoals of roach that can make up 50lb-80lb nets on their own.
This year we have also stocked tench for the first time and hope to see them grow over the next few years. Perch weighing more than 2lb are also taken by anglers who are prepared to target them. Match bookings are welcomed and the nature of the fishing makes Durleigh a very good venue already popular with a number of clubs and match organisers.
Day tickets are available from the self-service kiosk in the fishing lodge. Dedicated ranger Paul Martin has more than 20 years experience at Durleigh and is a good source of up to date information and the man to speak to for match or pike boat bookings.
Sailing and windsurfing
Members of Durleigh Sailing Club are able to sail and windsurf at the reservoir which is also used for training by Somerset Youth and Community Sailing Association. The club offers both beginners and advanced courses for all age ranges.
For more information contact Pete Branson on 07974 808972. For more information on sailing at the reservoir contact Steve Briggs on 01278 663511.
Wildlife
Many ducks, waders, wildfowl and woodland species can be found at the reservoir and viewed from the bird hide which is accessed via the lodge.
Species include the great crested grebe, swans and geese and sand martins, a locally rare bird, nest in the nearby water treatment works. Because of safety concerns regarding incidents of dog fouling and lack of supervision by some owners, no dogs are allowed around this reservoir.
Find us
Durleigh - TA5 2AW
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