Fishing at Duckpool
A small, wild National Trust cove at the mouth of Coombe Valley, split by a stream and hemmed in by cliffs — rock and broken ground either side give bass and bull huss, with clean sand patches in the middle for flatfish.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Apr–Nov | Soft plastics or peeler crab worked around the rocky outcrops either side of the cove. |
| Bull huss | May–Oct | Whole fish or squid bait fished hard on the bottom over broken ground after dark. |
| Plaice | Apr–Oct | Small strips of fish or worm fished over the clean sand patches at low water. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers or spinners off the rocks on a rising tide when shoals are in close. |
| Garfish | Jun–Sep | Fished shallow under a float with a sliver of mackerel, same rock marks as the mackerel. |
Tactics
Duckpool splits into rock and broken ground either side of the stream, with cleaner sand in the middle at low water — fish crab or worm baits tight to the rocks for bass and bull huss, and use the clean sand for plaice.
Best tide: Low water up to two hours into the flood · Best time: Daylight for flatfish and summer mackerel/garfish; after dark over the broken ground for bull huss and bass
Dogs
Access & parking
Down the lane through Coombe Valley from Stibb/Kilkhampton. Small National Trust car park at the valley bottom, then a short level walk and footbridge over the stream onto the beach. Sat-nav: EX23 9JN.Get directions → Family rating: ★☆☆ — The wildest of the three marks — a non-lifeguarded beach with strong currents, rockfall-prone cliffs, big boulders at the top and patchy phone signal.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Duckpool?
Yes, all year round under close control — it isn't on Cornwall Council's list of beaches with seasonal dog restrictions.
Is Duckpool safe for fishing and swimming?
There's no lifeguard cover, strong currents and rockfall-prone cliffs, so check tide times carefully, as phone signal is poor.
What can you catch at Duckpool?
Bass and bull huss over the rocks and broken ground, plaice over the sand, plus mackerel and garfish in summer.
Nearby marks
Last updated 7 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.