Stafford Moor Fishery

Stafford Moor Fishery stands as a prominent destination for anglers seeking quality fishing lakes in Devon. This extensive site covers numerous acres with a variety of well-maintained waters that cater to different styles of angling, from match fishing to specimen hunting. Visitors often highlight the abundance of fish across the lakes, including carp, silvers, tench, perch, roach, and bream, making it appealing for those planning day tickets or longer stays.

Lake Variety and Fishing Quality

The fishery features multiple lakes such as Lodge Lake, Beatties, Woodpecker Lake, and others designed for specific purposes. Lodge Lake, for instance, holds a substantial stock of carp with many exceeding 30 pounds, attracting those targeting big specimens during 48-hour or 72-hour sessions. Anglers report consistent action, with catches including multiple double-figure fish even in challenging conditions like wind or rain.

Match anglers appreciate the silvers lakes where good weights of roach, skimmers, and bream are possible using groundbait and micros, though success depends on adapting to lake conditions. Specimen lakes offer overnight tickets for carp pursuits, with gravelled paths ensuring easy access to pegs. However, some sessions prove tough, particularly if weather turns poor or fish move to deeper areas, leading to blanks for less experienced visitors.

Accommodation Options

Lodges like Hollywood, Cherry, Silver Birch, Cedar, and Maple provide comfortable bases with modern amenities, some featuring hot tubs overlooking the lakes. Families and groups find them spacious, clean, and equipped for self-catering, ideal for combining fishing with relaxation. The setups suit multi-generational trips, with children enjoying bike rides around the grounds.

Caravan pitches are available for those preferring their own setups. While most praise the high standards and lake views, occasional mismatches occur, such as listings promising hot tubs that lodges lack, requiring on-site clarification. Cleanliness is generally excellent, though visitors advise bringing extras like tea towels or washing-up items for convenience.

Staff and On-Site Facilities

Owners Jo, Paul, and family members like Millie receive consistent praise for their welcoming approach and hands-on support. They offer advice on pegs, bait, and tactics, enhancing stays for newcomers and regulars alike. The on-site tackle shop stocks quality gear, baits, and essentials, proving handy during sessions.

Toilets are clean and accessible, adding to the site's appeal. Rules emphasise fish welfare, with barbless hooks, net limits, and no method feeders, which some find restrictive but necessary for sustainability. Enforcement is firm, potentially leading to ejection for non-compliance, ensuring fair play for all.

Strengths for Anglers

Fish stocks remain in excellent condition due to proactive management, including seining for relocation and debris removal to prevent oxygen issues. This keeps lakes productive year-round, with reports of 20-plus carp per session or hefty silver weights. The mature estate, surrounded by pines, creates a tranquil backdrop that encourages repeat visits, some on their 10th or 11th trip.

• Diverse carp lakes yield specimens over 30lb regularly.
• Silvers fishing supports strong match weights with proper feeding.
• Lodges offer luxury touches like hot tubs for post-session recovery.
• Family-friendly with space for non-anglers to relax.

Challenges and Drawbacks

Not every outing guarantees success; tough spells arise from snags, silty margins, or fish shoaling unpredictably, frustrating those expecting constant bites. Smaller carp sometimes infiltrate from adjacent waters via net gaps, diluting specimen hunts. Weather impacts heavily, with rain turning paths slippery despite gravel improvements.

Strict rules deter some, like bans on certain feeders or mixing species in nets, demanding adaptation. While facilities impress, minor oversights like missing hot tubs or the need for personal supplies can irk. Competition for prime pegs during peaks adds pressure, and remote location means stocking up beforehand.

Family and Leisure Aspects

Beyond rods, the grounds suit family outings with safe paths for bikes and peaceful surroundings for wildlife spotting. Lodges accommodate cooking and lounging, fostering quality time. Children thrill at lake views and occasional catches by parents, though fishing focus might limit non-angling activities.

Couples enjoy hot tub soaks amid nature, blending angling with downtime. However, persistent rain confines groups indoors, and lack of BBQs (per some policies) restricts outdoor meals. The site's maturity supports biodiversity, but anglers note occasional debris affecting swims.

Fishing Tactics and Tips

Success favours those using fishmeal groundbait, feeding little and often, and targeting margins for tench or perch alongside carp. Edges hold surprises beyond specimens, with sloppy balls kickstarting lines. Listening to staff like past bailiffs yields peg insights. Newcomers benefit from shop bait matching lake preferences.

• Margins produce tench, perch, roach beyond carp.
• Fishmeal baits outperform naturals on commercials.
• Gravel paths ease gear transport to pegs.

Overall Visitor Experience

Repeat business underscores appeal, with groups booking years ahead for socials or holidays. Transformations under current management elevate it among Devon's top fishing venues, prioritising fish health and angler satisfaction. Yet realism tempers enthusiasm: variable results test patience, rules enforce discipline, and self-sufficiency aids enjoyment.

For prospective visitors, matching expectations to skill level maximises value—experts reap rewards from prolific stocks, while casuals value ambiance and support. The blend of productive lakes, solid lodges, and attentive hosts positions Stafford Moor as a balanced choice amid Devon's angling scene, with management tweaks addressing isolated niggles.