Chew Valley Lake

Find out more about the scenic beauty, top-quality fly-fishing 
and great activities available at Chew Valley Lake.

Chew Valley Lake is a well known scenic beauty spot and top quality fly-fishing destination. The size and condition of the trout caught here is second to none and anglers find success using a wide variety of fishing methods and fly patterns, making it a popular competition venue. 

Opened in 1956 Chew is a relatively shallow reservoir with an average depth of only 14ft at top level and a maximum depth of just 37ft. The area it covers, once rich farmland, is now fertile ground for the aquatic life necessary for sustaining quality trout fishing.

As the water starts to warm in early season, buzzer hatches can be prolific before giving way to a rich larder of non-hatching aquatic insects later in the season, including corixa, snail, hoglice and shrimp. With such a plethora of natural feed it is easy to understand why fishing imitative dries, emergers and nymphs on floating lines prove so popular among our regulars. Chew has an excellent capacity for producing grown-on fish and the lake records stand at 22lb 7oz for brown trout and 14lb 9oz for rainbow trout.

a map of chew valley lake. for more information please contact the Bristol Water Fisheries Team on 01275 332339


The deepest part of the lake is by the dam and the outlet tower, where the steeply sloping shores of Walley Bank and the North Shore put depths of up to 20ft within the reach of bank anglers. Southwards, the lake gets progressively shallower towards Herriots End, where the Upper River Chew enters the lake.

Chew is fortunate that it does not only rely on littoral habitat to contribute towards its productivity, as large offshore areas around False Island and the Roman Shallows grow dense weed beds in the warmer months providing further valuable habitat for insect life.

Chew Valley tackle shop

Our tackle shop at Woodford Lodge on Chew Valley Lake can supply all the needs of the reservoir trout fisherman. The well-stocked shop has the full range of fishing tackle to cater for every trout angler’s needs.

The shop is run by experienced fisheries staff who fish the lakes regularly and are able to give the best information and advice on how to fish the waters and what flies and methods to use. More than 400 different flies are on sale from the smallest nymphs and dries to large pike and predator flies.

Alongside the tackle, find a wide range of waterproof clothing, fly fishers’ vests, life jackets, landing nets, bags, basses, boat seats, and more – everything an angler needs for a day’s fishing on our waters. To top this off, we have a huge variety of fly-tying materials and equipment, and a range of gifts and cards.

For pike anglers there is a full range of successful lures for use at Chew and also a selection of frozen salt water baits. (Winter pike fishing dates only.)

Parking is never a problem and the shop is open every day during the season from 8.10am until 4pm.

Walking & eating out
Walking & eating out

The lake is a very special site and has a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) status. Many areas are accessed by permit only. Chew Valley is a beautiful spot to visit and we encourage visitors to use the permissive path found on the northwestern side of the lake.

Why not visit the renowned Salt & Malt restaurant at our main picnic area site, pause at our smaller picnic area, or enjoy a mealat the fantastic lakeside restaurant, The Woodford?

A polite reminder that dogs must be kept on leads at all times and please pick up after your dog. It is important that visitors understand public access isn’t openly available on Bristol Water property.

Places to eat & drink

Birdwatching
Birdwatching

More than 270 species of birds have been recorded at Chew Valley Lake, and the lake is the third most important site in Britain for wintering wildfowl. It is a designated SSSI and a special protection area (SPA). From late July to February, up to 4,000 ducks of 12 different species could be present, including internationally important numbers of shoveler and gadwall. Some 400 great-crested grebes gather on the lake in autumn.

For pricing and to book season or day permits, use the button below. 

Permits & Pricing

Public walks
Public walks

There are various public walks on Bristol Water property and adjoining public footpaths.

Activities

Chew Valley Nature Trail
Small section title
Read our information leaflet to find out more about wildlife, recreational activities, visitor information and the history of Chew Valley Lake in our Chew Valley Lake Nature Trail information leaflet.

Read the Chew Valley Lake Nature Trail leaflet

Walking & eating out

The lake is a very special site and has a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) status. Many areas are accessed by permit only. Chew Valley is a beautiful spot to visit and we encourage visitors to use the permissive path found on the northwestern side of the lake.

Why not visit the renowned Salt & Malt restaurant at our main picnic area site, pause at our smaller picnic area, or enjoy a mealat the fantastic lakeside restaurant, The Woodford?

A polite reminder that dogs must be kept on leads at all times and please pick up after your dog. It is important that visitors understand public access isn’t openly available on Bristol Water property.

Places to eat & drink

Birdwatching

More than 270 species of birds have been recorded at Chew Valley Lake, and the lake is the third most important site in Britain for wintering wildfowl. It is a designated SSSI and a special protection area (SPA). From late July to February, up to 4,000 ducks of 12 different species could be present, including internationally important numbers of shoveler and gadwall. Some 400 great-crested grebes gather on the lake in autumn.

For pricing and to book season or day permits, use the button below. 

Permits & Pricing

Public walks

There are various public walks on Bristol Water property and adjoining public footpaths.

Activities

Small section title
Read our information leaflet to find out more about wildlife, recreational activities, visitor information and the history of Chew Valley Lake in our Chew Valley Lake Nature Trail information leaflet.

Read the Chew Valley Lake Nature Trail leaflet