Flies should include :
Dries : March Brown, Adams, Black Gnat, CDC F Fly and Elk Hair Sedge in sizes 18 - 12 Colours Black, Dark Olive Nymphs / Spiders : Snipe and Purple, Sawyer PT, Goldhead Hares Ear and Czech Nymphs in sizes 16 - 10.

Migratory species such as Salmon and Sea Trout should be approached with stronger equipment to cope with the hard fighting character of these fish. A rod of 9 - 10ft long matched with a 7 to 8 weight line is the order of the day. Floating lines are all that is really needed, using various sink tips to gain depth. Leaders should not go below 6lb for the Sea Trout and 8lb for the Salmon. During spate conditions 10lb is recommended. A net is a must due to the large size of these fish, (hopefully!) A Gye net with shoulder strap is ideal. Expect Sea Trout in the 2 - 6lb region and Salmon going into double figures.

For Salmon, Flies should include not much more than Regular and Silver Stoats tails. This is a fantastic pattern which can be fished in mostwater conditions other than full spate. A good supply in size 14 - 8low water doubles is ample and don't forget a few tube versions in 1 - 2 inch. When it is mucky the Willie Gunn is superb in similar sizes, although it would be sensible to carry a few larger, say a 6 in hook and 2 1/2 inch in tube. Various other patterns such as the Allies Shrimp will also catch but the Stoat and Gunn are well proven.

Sea Trout are not Salmon ! Many anglers fish for this species as they would it's elder cousin. However, leaders need to be finer, flies smaller and the places fished, chosen with care. Slow deep pools will often yield a Sea Trout by day (yes they can be caught by day!!!) and during the hours of nightfall try the tails and throat of well known pools. These pools are easily found with some careful reconnaissance in local hostelries! The Stoats tail in small sizes such as 14 - 12 low water doubles will do some damage, but also try the Alexandra, Teal Blue and Silver and by day a selection of Nymphs from 12 - 8. GH Hares Ears are often snapped up!

It is not true that all licence holders can fish anywhere in the National Park!

Conservation has helped Salmon stocks to recover, it is an on going process and all who fish Exmoor can help. Keep to fish limits where applicable, and check size rules. Any fish that are not to be kept should be carefully returned to the water allowing plenty of time for them to revive. Where possible always use barbless or de barbed hooks.
Similar measures should also be practiced when handling Trout. 

Should the worst happen and you spot a pollution incident quick reactions could save many fish, invertebrates and other animals who rely on the river. 
Call the emergency hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

There are a good number of these throughout the region. Species include Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and at some fisheries unusual varieties such as the Blue and Tiger Trout. There are Day permits available which are often self service from a kiosk on site. Venues from 2 acres to 385 are to be found, some providing boat fishing.

Tackle should be as for most other lakes, 9 - 10ft rod, 7 weight lines of varying densities, leaders of 6lbs or so and a net. Flies need not be complicated and favourite patterns would be : Black and Peacock, Hares Ear, Buzzers, Mini Lures and Hoppers or Bobs Bits. Most food which these fish expect to see is of dark colouration so opt for blacks and browns. Beware, especially when Boat Fishing, that the climate of Exmoor is prone to extreme and sudden changed! Always wear a buoyancy aid.

Seasons vary enormously, with many of the small venues open all year. As a rule of thumb most reservoirs on Exmoor open during March and close in October. Once again a rod licence is compulsory.

CLATWORTHY RESERVOIR.  MAP ST043313  12m from Taunton in Brendon Hills; 130 acres brown and rainbow trout; fly only; 2¼m bank fishing. Season Mar 25-Oct 18. Tel: 01984 623549.

Bass and Pollack are to be found in many areas in and around Exmoor. It is possible to hook these using conventional heavy Trout gear and streamer style flies incorporating silver / white. Sizes should be 10 -6 longshank in most circumstances. Try various rock marks, estuaries and harbours on a rising tide. Mullet also fall to the fly, but are very difficult. Dries, Nymphs and patterns to look like Bread! or Maggots! will work with patience.
Pay particular attention to Harbours and tidal rivers.  Best of all, many locations are FREE and there is no need for a rod licence!

So while taking in the relaxing atmosphere of Exmoor why not try and outwit a fish or two ? My perfect holiday would be a day or two on the Exe for Wild Brown Trout, followed by a spot of Sea Trouting on the Lyn and a session boat fishing Wimbleball. Of course the grand finale would be a trip to the coast!