EX19 8PP · seven lakes in North Devon between Dartmoor and Exmoor
Canadian-style lodges on a seven-lake Devon fishery run by the Coombes family, with a lake record mirror carp of 44lb 1oz and a specimen lake for bigger fish. Most lodges take up to two dogs and three have their own hot tub.
One of Devon's best-known carp waters, with a lodge on the doorstep. Seven lakes cover specimen, match and pleasure fishing, the lake record is a 44lb 1oz mirror and 30lb fish come out regularly. Reviewers credit the owners with transforming the fishery and Cherry Lodge gets singled out. It suits a family or group of anglers who want a choice of water and a proper lodge to come back to.
Book Cedar, Willow or Silver Birch for a hot tub
Only three of the nine lodges have a hot tub, so pick one of those if it matters. Rod and Rest is the one lodge that does not take pets.
Stafford Moor sits near Dolton in North Devon, between Dartmoor and Exmoor, with seven lakes across the site and an on-site tackle shop. The Coombes family run it, and reviewers keep naming Paul and Jo as the people who turned the fishery around.
The lodges are Canadian style, from Rod and Rest, a one bedroom lodge for two, to three bedroom lodges for six such as Aspen, Maple, Pine and Holly. All have free wifi, eight of the nine take up to two dogs, and Cedar, Willow and Silver Birch have their own hot tubs. Cherry Lodge, a two bedroom, gets particular praise in guest reviews.
The lake record is a 44lb 1oz mirror, taken from Beach 1 on Lodge Lake.
The fishing is the reason the place is known. North Devon Angling News described it as one of Devon's most prolific carp waters, and the lake record is a 44lb 1oz mirror taken from Beach 1 on Lodge Lake. Beatties Lake is the specimen water, and the other lakes cater for match and pleasure anglers.
Guest reviews describe the fishing as genuinely productive with good weights, and the lakes as well kept. The sample of reviews we found had no complaints, which is worth checking for yourself on the review platforms.
Written from guest reviews and the venue’s published details. We have not stayed here ourselves.
Seven lakes for specimen, match and pleasure fishing, including Lodge Lake and the specimen Beatties Lake. Lakes close from early January to early February for maintenance.
| Lake | Type | Pegs | Size | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Lake | Carp | – | – | – | Carp, lake record 44lb 1oz mirror |
| Beatties Lake | Specimen | – | – | – | Carp |
| Closed season | Early January to early February, for maintenance |
| Tackle shop | On site |
| Fishing included with lodges | Not confirmed |
| Night fishing and rules | Not confirmed |
| Peg outside your lodge | Not confirmed |
Nine Canadian-style lodges sleeping two to six, all with free wifi.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews. Read the reviews on Tripadvisor.
North Devon's countryside and coast are within reach for the days off the bank.
The Royal Horticultural Society's Devon garden, mixing formal and informal planting in a valley setting, with a garden centre and café. Open daily 10am to 6pm except Christmas; tickets are cheaper booked online in advance.
Great Torrington, EX38 8PH Plan a visit →A 44lb 1oz mirror carp, taken from Beach 1 on Lodge Lake. Thirty-pound fish are reported regularly.
Source: North Devon Angling News
Cedar, Willow and Silver Birch.
Source: Sykes Cottages listing
Yes, up to two dogs, in every lodge except Rod and Rest.
Source: Sykes Cottages listing
The lakes close from early January to early February for maintenance.
Source: Sykes Cottages listing
Four-night stays on Sykes Cottages start from £252 for Rod and Rest and from £470 for the three bedroom lodges. Prices vary by date.
Source: Sykes Cottages listing
Dolton, Winkleigh, North Devon. Postcode EX19 8PP.
Open in Google Maps · Phone 01805 804360
Lodges are booked through Sykes Cottages.
