Fly fishing is absorbing. For some it’s the scenery and solitude of the wild surroundings. For others it’s the anticipation of what that the next cast will bring. Hours of tranquility are punctuated by heart-racing excitement. It’s addictive, challenging, rewarding and no two days are the same – everyone should try it.

We have two full-time instructors, David Pilkington and Tim Smith. They hold the prestigious Association of Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors (AAPGAI) qualifications in both single and double-handed disciplines. You will find one or both of them in the Cockpit, the ancient former cock-fighting pit, in the hotel garden ­ every morning at nine o’clock and they are also available every evening at 6.30 p.m. They issue Environment Agency licences, beat-books, maps of the salmon pools, and give freely of their advice on tactics, flies and water conditions. If you do not have your own tackle you can hire everything you need from them, including waders. We also have a well-stocked tackle shop with the latest fishing equipment and a comprehensive selection of local flies. If you fall in or get drenched we also have a very efficient drying room.



Tuition and Ghillie Services
Over the past 60 years thousands of men and women, boys and girls have learned to fish at The Arundell Arms. It is a long tradition of the hotel and one that gives us particular pleasure. Each year we run a number of beginners’ fly-fishing courses on river and still water, and also give individual and group tuition from beginner to advanced level. In addition, we specialise in modern Spey casting techniques, sea trout night fishing and saltwater fly fishing. Lessons are tailored to suit your needs and requirements and will take place on one of our seven rivers, the lake or on the coast. All tackle can be provided at no extra cost. It is best to book tuition and ghillies in advance.

Specials

Guided Night Fishing
Fly fishing at night for sea trout is arguably the cream of westcountry angling. There is nothing quite like the electrifying surge of power as these fish take off into the darkness on a balmy mid-summer night. Best-suited to those who can cast competently, let one of our instructors introduce you to a sublime fishing experience.

Saltwater Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is not just about the pursuit of trout and salmon in rivers or lakes and, by taking to the coast, a whole new world is opened up to the angler. Being just 30 minutes from the north Cornwall and Devon coastline, we regularly take individuals and groups  saltwater fly fishing. The hard-fighting bass is the usual target, but pollack, mackerel and garfish also regularly feature in catches, all set under the stunning backdrop of the atlantic coast. Guided days saltwater fly fishing are best suited to people who can cast competently and walk a mile.Guided saltwater fishing – per day

The Devon McNab
Do you like catching wild fish on the fly? Why not try the Devonshire fly-rod McNab - a wild brown trout, bass and sea trout... on the same day!

On the spring tides of July and August, sea trout run the rivers of Devon and school bass swarm in the estuaries. Seize the opportunity to enjoy a full day's guided fly fishing for these truly wild fish, in spectacular surroundings.

If you think this is for you, if you can cast competently and walk a mile, then contact us for details. A typical itinerary would be as follows:

10.00am Trout fishing on hotel rivers

12.00pm Drive to Torridge Estuary (approx. 1hr)

1.00pm Packed lunch by the water

2.00pm Bass fishing on the flooding tide

6.00pm Drive back to hotel

7.30pm Dinner

9.30pm 'til late! Sea trout fishing on hotel rivers

The charge will be £420.00 per person inclusive of two night’s dinner, bed and breakfast, a packed lunch, all fishing and VAT. Suitable tackle can be provided if required.