Salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout guiding and tuition on Devon and Cornwall rivers — built on decades of local knowledge.
✔ Private East Lyn river access
✔ Local West Country River Knowledge
✔ Fully qualified, insured & first aid trained
✔ Calm, Practical Teaching & River Guiding
✔ One-to-one or two anglers maximum
✔ Multi-Method Expertise (Fly, Bait, Spin/Rapala)
This service is for anglers who value wild rivers, thoughtful fishing, and learning how to read water properly, whether you are new to river fishing or have years of experience but want local insight and genuine improvement. Jon Kenyon has spent decades fishing Exmoor and West Country rivers, not just visiting them. He also provides limited-pressure access to a privately managed stretch of the East Lyn river. Learn why decisions are made, not just what to do. Fly, worm and spinning are used appropriately for conditions. Anglers participate at their own risk.
Core Experiences
Guided Fishing Days
Salmon, sea trout and brown trout guiding for one or two anglers on selected West Country rivers.
Fishing Tuition
Beginner instruction, tailored to rivers and real fishing situations.
Multi-Day Fishing Experiences
Fishing breaks with trusted local accommodation partners.
“I had a fantastic day with Jonny on the River Taw. This fellow knows his stuff; he understands the rivers in detail and can offer precise advice on relevant techniques, flies, etc., whilst respecting my own abilities. The downtime was as entertaining as the fishing was successful. Jonny is indeed the complete guide.”
— Roland Haynes, Newton Abbot (S.Devon)
River Fishing Seasons, Methods & Requirements
(Devon & Cornwall)
Fishing takes place on carefully chosen rivers across Exmoor, Devon and Cornwall, including the East River Lyn, with plans always guided by water conditions and seasonality.
| River | Species | Best Fishing Periods | Methods Permitted | Time of Day | Skill Level | Fitness & Access Requirements |
| River Teign | Sea trout | End of May – end of August | Fly fishing | Night | Some experience required (night fly fishing techniques) | Good nighttime stamina required. Wading necessary with frequent entry/exit from the river. Moderate fitness needed to move up and down riverbanks in low light. |
| River Teign | Wild brown trout | May – end of September | Fly fishing | Day | Beginner upwards (can be taught) | Some wading required. Moderate fitness needed to access and move between pools. |
| River Taw | Sea trout | End of May – August | Fly fishing only | Night | Basic fly casting required (can be taught) | Wading required. Moderate fitness needed to get in and out of the river and walk between beats. |
| River Taw | Salmon | August – September (best back-end fishing in September) | Fly fishing only | Day | Basic fly casting required (can be taught) | Wading required. Moderate fitness for river access and bank movement. |
| River Taw | Wild brown trout | May – June (when water levels are suitable) | Fly fishing only | Day | Beginner upwards | Wading required with some physical effort accessing the river. |
| East River Lyn | Salmon | May – September (bait permitted after 16 June) | Bait fishing | Day | Beginner bait fishing skills (can be taught) | Moderate fitness required. Expect 1–2 miles of walking over steep hills, gorges, and uneven terrain. |
| East River Lyn | Sea trout | May – September (bait permitted after 16 June) | Bait fishing | Day | Beginner bait fishing skills (can be taught) | As above – physically demanding terrain with sustained walking and river access. |
| East River Lyn | Wild brown trout | May – September | Fly fishing only | Day | Basic fly casting required (can be taught) | Moderate fitness essential due to steep banks, gorges, and continuous movement along the river. |
| River Camel | Salmon | June – November (local bylaws apply) | Spinning & bait fishing | Day | Basic fishing skills (can be taught) | 1–2 miles of walking. Mostly bank fishing with some wading. Moderate stamina required. |
| River Camel | Sea trout | June – November | Spinning & bait fishing | Day | Basic fishing skills (can be taught) | Mostly bank fishing with occasional wading. Moderate fitness for walking river sections. |
| River Camel | Wild brown trout | June – November | Spinning & bait fishing | Day | Basic fishing skills (can be taught) | Moderate stamina. Some wading and uneven banks. |
| River Fowey | Salmon | June – November (local bylaws apply) | Spinning & bait fishing | Day | Basic fishing skills (can be taught) | 1–2 miles of walking. Mostly bank fishing with some wading. Moderate fitness required. |
| River Fowey | Sea trout | June – November | Spinning & bait fishing | Day | Basic fishing skills (can be taught) | Bank fishing dominant with occasional river access. Moderate stamina. |
| River Fowey | Wild brown trout | June – November | Spinning & bait fishing | Day | Basic fishing skills (can be taught) | Moderate walking and light wading required. |
“I had the opportunity and pleasure to have a guided experience worming on the 16th June 2025 for salmon and seatrout with the incredible “Jonny the Salmon Kenyon”. Throughout the day, he passed on valuable river craft, and we were fishing in spots that most amateur anglers would walk past without a second thought. I had the most amazing days fishing, 1 salmon of 9lbs and 3 feisty sea trout. A true gentleman with a great sense of humour, highly recommend!”
— Klaus Ward, Arundel(W.Sussex)
Based in North Devon, I’ve spent decades fishing and learning these rivers in all conditions. My approach to guiding is traditional, calm, and focused on understanding wild water rather than chasing numbers.
What a Day looks like?
- Meet at the river and assess conditions
- Choose tactics suited to water and season
- Fish at a relaxed, unhurried pace
- Ongoing instruction and feedback throughout the day
If you’re looking for thoughtful, professional river fishing guidance in the West Country, I’d be happy to discuss availability and the right option for you.
West Country River Guide 