RIVER CULM– BEARE GATE

The Association fishing on the River Culm at Beare Gate runs more or less parallel with the M5 motorway; our fishing rights start approximately 1,000 yards downstream from the Hele paper mill/level crossing near Bradninch, the actual beginning being immediately below the railway bridge that crosses the river. Our fishing continues downstream from the bridge for approximately 1½ miles; down to the now disused Silverton paper mill and connecting up just past the Mill with the Association water - Killerton. Water depths at the top end of the fishery are not great, however; as you go further down stream some areas can go to 8’. There are many bends throughout the length; with many, slow flowing back eddies, fishing these areas can be extremely productive, especially after heavy rain when there is a slight colour in the water.

The River Culm has a good head of pike, dace, chub, roach & gudgeon, with carp in places. The Culm is ideally suited to the roving angler. During the summer months many anglers tend to fish between the many weed beds found in mid-river, employing this method can produce large catches of dace, chub, and roach & gudgeon. The Culm offers excellent fishing for the pike angler, particularly in the winter months, again roving being the favourite approach. Whilst for the adventurous carp angler it might prove worthwhile to fish the mill race as during the summer months large carp have been seen there.

Directions:
From Exeter take the A3181 heading for Cullompton, go through Broadclyst village and continue on, for approximately 1½ miles, go past the turning for Killerton House and continue on for ½ mile on a slight bend turn left you will immediately go over the M5 motorway bridge, (if you come to Beare village on the main road you have gone to far) immediately the other side there is a small lane to the right, either park around here or go to the end of the small lane & park, being careful not to block any field gates, the river can then be accessed 500 yards down across the field. If you go downstream to the left you will come to the Silverton paper mill, go right upstream and you will eventually come to the Railway Bridge, this is the top end of our water. Alternatively: Continue as above until you see the paper mill sign, do not turn right but continue on for approximately 1 mile, turn left signposted Bradninch, you will go under the M5 motorway, immediately the other side of it you will see on your left (opposite a pub car park) a long track that runs adjacent to the motorway, walk down this track and on the right; across a field you will see a railway bridge, this is the top end of the Beare Gate Fishery.

Rules: As per the Association handbook

Additionally: No fishing with worm from 13th February – 14th March

Season: 16th June – 14th March

Boundaries: The top end of the fishery, (approximately ¼ downstream of the Hele Paper Mill) starts from the railway bridge, downstream, left hand bank until you come to Silverton Paper Mill, our fishing includes the actual mill race, above and below the weir.

WARNING: Beware of power lines on this water