River Avon

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 4

The River Avon in Devon is a classic, intimate West Country trout stream, cherished for its wild character and scenic beauty. It originates in the granite bogs of Southern Dartmoor, specifically at Ryder's Hill, before flowing into the Avon Dam reservoir. From there, it descends rapidly through wooded valleys, passing the villages of South Brent and Avonwick, and eventually meets the sea at Bigbury Bay near Aveton Gifford. This is a river of dramatic seasonal contrasts, transforming from a raging autumn torrent to a gentle summer brook, offering a mix of challenging pocket water, deep pools, and boulder-strewn runs. Its reputation as a premier, lightly fished wild trout fishery has been upheld by generations of dedicated anglers.

England licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at River Avon and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

European Eel

Anguilla anguilla

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on River Avon. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Lydia's Falls

POI

Know where you can legally fish on River Avon

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

England licenses and regulations

England Boating Regulations

Canal & River Trust is the navigation authority for most inland canals and rivers in England and Wales, covering boat licences, registration, and rules of navigation. For coastal/sea boating the national Maritime & Coastguard Agency guidance applies instead.

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England Fishing License

An Environment Agency rod fishing licence is required to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in England. Buy a short-term or annual licence online via GOV.UK; junior licences are free but must be registered.

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England Fishing Regulations

The official Environment Agency freshwater rod-fishing byelaws for England: close seasons, size and catch limits, permitted baits and methods, and rod limits. These apply in addition to holding a rod licence.

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England Stream Access Laws

Closest official page on public access to land and water in England. Note there is no general public right to fish - fishing rights are privately owned, so you need the owner's or club's permission or a permit even where access on foot exists.

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Take River Avon with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around River Avon to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for River Avon to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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