Farmyard Pool
Residents at West Pitt not only have access to the fishery pools at no additional charge, but also have exclusive use of the half-acre Farmyard Pool, which is located close to the cottages.
With an average depth of four feet, Farmyard Pool holds common and mirror carp to around 14lbs, roach to over a pound and rudd to 12oz. Waggler is the favoured method used by anglers, although a number of residents often improve their pole technique here with the obliging carp. Popular baits are corn, meat, worms and bread - the latter often being used to target the carp on the surface, particularly early in the morning or on warm sumer evenings.
A delightful pool for anglers to enjoy a peaceful day's fishing. It is close to the cottages and surrounded by lovely grounds where anglers and non-anglers can relax and take in the lovely views across the valley.
Kingfisher Lake
The predominant species on this pool are golden tench which run to over 5lbs and the good numbers of roach to 1lb 8oz, bream to 8lbs together and some beautiful golden orfe and koi. Crucian carp can be caught in bags into double figures together with the occasional mirror carp. The lake record currently stands at around 150lbs.
The newest of the West Pitt waters, Kingfisher was completed in 1995 and has matured nicely. It is slightly deeper than the other waters being between five and eight feet deep, although 10 feet of water can be found off the grass dam wall. All swims are popular.
All techniques work here with the pole and waggler being most popular, but do not neglect the feeder. Pole and waggler fishing between nine and 11 metres is productive, the bed contours can easily be found with careful plumbing.
Start by fishing the deeper part of the swim but be aware that the fish may come up in the water, particularly where loose feed is being used. Do not neglect the margins as good numbers of fish can be caught close in, literally within a rod length of the bank.
Maggots, casters, worm, corn, meat, pellets and paste all work well. Whatever bait is chosen the golden rule is accurate feeding, use a pole pot or when waggler fishing a catapult. If small roach become a nuisance on maggot, change to a larger bait such as corn as this will bring a better stamp of fish.
In winter, good catches of roach can be taken on red maggot and pinkie with the odd bonus fish falling to corn.
Mallard Lake
At about one and quarter acres in size, Mallard Lake is the largest of the West Pitt waters with carp which run to 22lbs, large numbers of which are in the 3lb to 7lb range. Carp nets of 120lbs are not unusual to competent anglers. Other species include tench to 5lbs, roach to 1lb 8oz and numerous rudd.
Mallard is shallow around the island at two to three feet deep and the lake slopes off to deeper water at the dam end near the outlet where between nine and 11 feet can be found. The most popular techniques are pole, waggler and feeder including the "method". Again, do not forget the margins and keep loose feeding accurate.
Corn, meat, pellets and paste are all popular baits. Bread has proved effective both on or just below the surface or on the bottom.
The whole lake fishes well in the summer with the island and dam being popular, the deeper water near the outlet is favoured in winter when 30lb bags are not uncommon.
Willow Lake
Although only half an acre in size, Willow Lake should not be underestimated. It holds carp to 10lbs, tench to 7lbs, chub to 3lbs, crucian carp to 2lbs, perch to 2lbs and plenty of smaller rudd and perch to keep the novice angler happy.
Depth at the farm end is two and a half feet gradually deepening to eight feet at the outlet end. Willow Lake is usually sheltered from prevailing winds and fishes well all year round - making it well worth the walk!
Waggler and pole are the favoured methods, using corn, pellet, meat and bread to target bags of tench and crucians. Select and feed two areas, one close in, the other further out. If you are catching tench and crucians and it goes quiet it probably means that a carp has moved in. If your tackle is robust enough carry on feeding and you are likely to catch it, but it will probably weigh in excess of 5lbs. If a bite is not forthcoming, switch to your second line. Bags made up of a dozen crucians with a similar number of tench are not uncommon.
Floating baits such as bread and mixers can be used to target the chub and carp during the warmer months with the evenings being a favourite time to use this exciting method.
West Pitt Farm launches its own new website
 2008 saw the launch of West Pitt Farm's own website which gives further information on the accommodation, angling, local attractions and other information of interest to visitors to this delightful venue. To visit the site, click on www.westpittfarm.co.uk.
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How to get there...
Exit the M5 at Junction 27 and head for Tiverton on the A361. Almost immediately exit by the slip road towards Sampford Peverell. At the roundabout, turn right and cross over the dual carriageway. At the next roundabout, straight over towards Holcombe Rogus.
After half a mile, turn left to Whitnage and after a further half mile turn right at Stoneland Cross. Half a mile on, turn left at Pitt Crossroads. The fishery is signed on the left shortly after West Pitt Farm Cottages.
Click on the map for a larger image.
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West Pitt Farm
This charming group of cottages, including a 16th Century farmhouse and stable conversions, also has an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna. There is a sun terrace and well-maintained grounds with spectacular views.
Disabled anglers are asked to contact the owner in advance who will be happy to arrange for access to the lakeside.
The indoor heated swimming pool also offers a sauna and solarium. There is a large games room with table football, pool and table tennis.
West Pitt at a glance...
For West Pitt Farm Holiday Cottage Guests, fishing is included in the tariff prices