I have recently had this question sent to me via email. I enjoy answering questions and helping people out, it also gives me inspiration to write and think of other articles. So please fire some questions at me.
Anyway, Mick has asked -
Hi, i am staying in a cottage which has access to the above river. This is in May, if possible i would like to know what fish are in the river and tips on how to catch them. Also do i need a licence to fish the river.
To answer your question Mick in revers order. As I understand it a Rod Licence is required when fishing for freshwater fish, eels, Salmon or Sea Trout anywhere in England or Wales as well as out to sea for up to 6 miles. So unless you are seeking these species you are in the clear, fishing the estuary (up to the region were tide still has an effect).
There are some tips regarding species and technique here in the beginners guide - Here is the most pertinent Estuary fishing also you might want to check out Kayaking fishing in the Helford. There is also another article here for Mullet fishing in the Helford
Okay a quick resume here for you,
- Mullet - light float fishing / spinning gear - bread for bait, ground bait with pilchard and bread mash.
- Mackerel - Spinning gear, small lures - best in warm conditions nearer the mouth of the estuary.
- Bream - light tackle - float fish but near the bottom - shell fish as bait, prawns, mussel etc
- Bass - DO NOT CATCH & KEEP - the Helford is a Bass nursery!!
- Pollock - beach casting, lures, floats - Generally smaller specimens - fish nearer the mouth.
- Wrasse - Light gear for best sport - Rag worm, near the rocks, again closer to the mouth.
- Dog fish, Ray, Flatties and Conger can all be caught with heavier beach casting gear and rigs.
So, I hope this helps. Please comment if I have missed something or you would like to add something.
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October 11, 2025 at 11:37
Nice rig/set-up in the answer, thoroughly enjoyed reading and seems like a great blog to revisit. Keep up the good work.
October 11, 2025 at 16:28
Thanks for the comment. I look forward to you commenting on some more posts. If you want send me an article about your rods and I will post it for you.
August 23, 2025 at 00:39
I would recommend you go fishing for mackerel. In the summer they are quite easy to catch and immensely enjoyable to fish for!
April 25, 2025 at 10:11
Hi there,
Explore Carwinion Gardens on foot and explore the safe and sheltered Helford River by open canoe & “sit on top” kayak with several stops along the way to take in the sights, history and splendor of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Falmouth Cornwall. This is a truly “eco aware” and safe way of seeing this beautiful area for active families and individuals that want an occasion to remember.
Our expeditions include paddling and walking in the tropical gardens in this Marine Protected Area.
We provide a safe, fun and exciting expedition in this Special Area of Conservation that will leave you feeling like you’ve really seen and experienced Wild Cornwall.
To mark your expedition and ensure your return to this beautiful place we plant a tree after every expedition!
April 15, 2025 at 16:06
i love fishing ive always loved it, i think it is a great weekend away idea.
April 15, 2025 at 11:48
Man you really do take your time with answering tjis question.. I commend you for taking so much time with this blog.. I haven’t been fishing in a year, a whole year all because Im sat behin a computer trying to get my head around my day job and actually start making money from it lol… Cool blog.