RIVER EXE, SHILLHAY – EXETER CITY CENTRE

Fishing on this stretch can at times be excellent with massive shoals of big bream in residence along the entire length, location of these shoals, however, can at times be difficult. Those anglers that do find them are rewarded with large nets of fish as they are easily caught on conventional methods such as feeder or waggler. The latter bream shoals are further added too with large shoals of dace and roach, with the occasional big chub and carp for good measure. These specimen fish can easily be seen cruising the shallow water in the summer months; just below the weirs around the overflow wall; opposite the pub (Mill on the Exe). The largest carp reported from this area being just below the 30lb mark.

Apart from the fish location problem of Shillhay there is physical problem to overcome, namely concrete….. The entire length of this fishery has concrete banks both sides, whilst further downstream toward the Quay area there is a stone quay wall to contend with. Additionally, around the Quay itself there are many swans and ducks in residence with as many people regularly feeding them, despite this disturbance, some anglers move only a short distance away from the wildlife and still catch fish. As an alternative, anglers have caught big nets of fish during the summer months by fishing from first light or by fishing evenings and into the dark.

Note: As with the Exwick stretch of the Exe, there have been unconfirmed reports of barbel being caught immediately below the Weir.

Directions: On the lower side of the city centre on the inner by-pass, up and downstream of the river bridges.

Rules: As per the Association handbook

Season: 16th June – 14th March

Additionally: Members must give way to E.C.C salmon permit holders - 13th February – 14th March

Boundaries: Continuing down from our Exwick fishery, from the railway bridge below St David’s Station (Flowerpot) down to the weir by the “Mill on the Exe” public house & the newly built pedestrian footbridge, our fishing then continues down on both banks (except by the pub), downstream through the town for approximately ½ mile and finishes 200 yards above the next downstream weir - Trews Weir; the river also enters the Exeter canal (The Cut) at this point.