Valley of Rocks Fishing

Last updated: 5 days ago

Valley of Rocks Fishing Map

Steep, rugged rock ledges on the headland just west of Lynton. Deep water is close in with strong tide run, kelp beds, and gullies. Productive from late spring through autumn for lure and float fishing; night sessions can produce larger fish. Best at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide with a slight to moderate swell. Access is via coastal paths from the Valley of Rocks car park; footing is uneven and exposed, so wear good boots/cleats and consider a PFD. Avoid big swells and onshore blows; swash and rebound can be severe, and landing fish may require a drop net.

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Valley of Rocks

🐟 Ballan Wrasse 9/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or hardback baits under a float or light ledger, fished tight to kelp-filled gullies; daylight on the flood to high water. Use strong gear and a rotten-bottom to beat snags.
🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Surface or sub-surface sandeel-type lures from the ledges at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; or float-fished sandeel. Work above kelp and keep lures high to avoid snags.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: After a blow with some colour; fish dusk/dawn on the flood. Shallow divers or weedless soft plastics through gullies, or peeler crab baits in the white water close in.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer–autumn; clear water. Cast small metals or sabiki/feathers from deeper points over the flood and high. Evenings best; keep gear high to miss kelp.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish baits or rag on a 1–2 hook paternoster, cast short into rough ground; best dusk into dark on the first of the flood. Expect snags—use a weak link.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night ledger big fish baits (mackerel/squid) into deeper gullies; neap tides near high water fish well. 40–60 lb mono trace and weak-link lead for rough ground.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small crab or ragworm under a float tight to rock walls/kelp; mid-water on the flood. Use small hooks (size 2–4) and keep tackle strong for snags.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark, drop large mackerel/squid baits under ledges on strong gear; fish the flood to high water. Keep baits static and be ready for powerful runs.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer nights. Work small sabikis or a single size 6 baited with mackerel with a slow retrieve under any light, around high water on the flood.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring to autumn. Float fish thin mackerel strips 2–6 ft deep in clear, settled seas; best on the flood with sun on the water and a steady drift.

Valley of Rocks Fishing

Summary

Valley of Rocks sits just west of Lynton on North Devon’s dramatic Exmoor coast, a north‑facing sweep of towering cliffs, kelp‑filled gullies and boulder‑strewn coves. It’s a classic rough‑ground rock mark offering fast access to deep water, with lure and bottom fishing options for pollack, bass, wrasse and nighttime conger and huss.

Location and Access

This mark is reached via the scenic road and coast path network from Lynton, with a pay‑and‑display car park signposted “Valley of Rocks.” From the parking, a mix of easy paths and steeper goat tracks lead to ledges and coves such as Wringcliff Bay, Lee Bay and the platforms around Duty Point and Castle Rock.

Seasons

This coastline holds fish year‑round, with the best variety from late spring to autumn. Expect rough‑ground species and summer pelagics tight to the rocks and tide lines.

Methods

The ground is snaggy and kelpy, so fish strong and think tactically. Lures shine in clear water at dawn/dusk; baits score for wrasse by day and for huss/conger after dark.

Tides and Conditions

Tide movement drives this mark; fish sit on the edges of tide runs, kelp tongues and rock points. Water clarity and swell dictate whether to pick lures or baits.

Safety

This is a serious rock mark beneath high cliffs, with loose stone, steep goat tracks and kelp‑slick ledges. Treat it like a mountaineering venue first and a fishing spot second.

Facilities

Facilities are decent by Exmoor standards, with services in nearby Lynton and seasonal amenities at the valley itself.

Tips

A bit of local know‑how goes a long way on this rough, tide‑swept coast. Travel light, fish smart, and keep mobile.

Regulations

Valley of Rocks lies within Exmoor National Park and along a section of protected coastline; recreational shore angling is generally permitted. Always check up‑to‑date national and local rules before you fish.