Cotswolds Fly Fishing: Salford Trout Lakes a Hidden Gem
- James
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Fly Fishing at Salford Lakes with Davo
Salford Trout Lakes Quick Summary
Salford Trout Lakes is a peaceful, privately owned stillwater fishery tucked away in the countryside near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds. Set on a traditional working family farm, it features two spring-fed, crystal-clear lakes holding hard-fighting Brown, Rainbow, Blue, and Tiger trout. Framed by rolling hills, rustic wooden bridges, and little islands, it’s a proper scenic escape for any fly angler, complete with a great gastro pub in the nearby village for a pint after your session.
Fly Fishing Scorecard
Fish Quality 🎣🎣🎣🎣
Setting & Views 🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣
Value for Money 🎣🎣🎣
Facilities 🎣🎣
Accessibility 🎣🎣🎣
Type: Stillwater
Day ticket price: £ 40
Catch and release: Yes
Stocked: Yes
Overnight camping: No
Best flies: Montanas, Black and Red Buzzers, Pheasant Tails, Damsels
Nearest town: Chipping Norton, 4.5 miles
Best for: Beginners / Intermediate / Advanced / All levels
When I’m camping in the Cotswolds, usually at Cotswold camping at Holycombe or Wolford Wood, I always try to make a beeline for Salford Lakes for some of the best fly fishing the Cotswolds has to offer. I've been coming here for 15 years on and off, sometimes go on my own, but I prefer heading out with Davo. He’s brilliant at fly fishing, so we always have a bit of friendly competition and good banter to see who catches the most. To my frustration he normally wins here!
Salford trout lakes has two great lakes if you're looking for a day ticket. The top lake is in the field a bit further up the track, but I prefer the bigger lower lake because it feels more natural and holds some nice brown trout. Both are proper picturesque, with nice bridges leading to little islands and plenty of wildlife around. The lakes are on a working farm run by the same family for many years, they really care about the lakes and the environment, which is very obvious when you fish here. A great attention to detail.
The Bottom lake: Has more Brown Trout, Rainbows, Blue and Tiger Trout.
The Top lake: Carries more Rainbow trout,Tiger, Blue and a small amount of Brown Trout.
The setup is dead simple. You can pay online for a day ticket or just put your cash in an envelope with your name and time on it and drop it into the metal box in one of the huts.
You’ll find the Salford trout lakes in the small village of Salford, near Chipping Norton. Just head to the top of the village and look out for the sign. Drive on track turn for a while turn left for the lower lake and drive down, or carry on up the track to the top lake, and park up.
Salford Fly Fishing Lower Lake Lower lake bridge at Salford fly fishing Brown trout caught at Salford Lakes Myself fly fishing at Salford Lower Lake
The Fishing:
The Bottom Lake: This one takes a bit more thought and detail. I usually use a 5 weight floating line with natural flies like buzzers, pheasant tails, or Diawl Bachs, depending on the time of year and what's hatching.
The Top Lake: I normally stick to lures here. Blue flash damsels, Montana or Cats whiskers work well, or something black like a Wooly bugger when the sun is bright. Check out my gear recommendations on the Gear Page.
I get a lot of my flies and lures from David at Peaks Fly Fishing.
And my leaders which i really like are from
But as we all know its a guessing game!
Info at Salford Trout Lakes:
Season 2026 :1st March to 1st November.
Day Tickets: Catch and release (with an option to take 3 fish) is £40 for the day.
Membership: £370 for 50 fish.
Gear & Tuition: You can hire rods and equipment on site. If you need a bit of tuition, just give them a ring beforehand to book it in.
You can check out their full list of rules or book a slot directly on the their website. Salford Lakes
Make sure you go to the toilet before coming, there isn't one any anymore.
Hut on upper lake with beach and seats to chill.
Very good gastro pub in the village called The Black Horse.
The Rollright Stones are very close, ancient megalithic complex, The Kings men. I always go up there in the evening, take it all in. Great views over the Cotwold's if you go over the other side of the road.
My Verdict:
It’s a brilliant spot with a proper old-school vibe. It doesn't feel like a big commercial setup at all, just wonderful Cotswold country surrounded by nature and loads of wildlife. If you need a great escape from the city, I highly recommend this place.
Overall 8/10
Thanks James | Fishing Field fork
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