Helford Passage

Helford Passage is a small hamlet located on the North side of the River Helford, opposite Helford Village. Launching is from a small sandy beach in front of the Ferry Boat Inn, so called for the passenger ferry that runs between the Helford Passage and Helford Village. The Helford Passage gives good access to both the Lower Helford and Upper Helford. Clean sand predominates in the lower Helford with mud in the upper reaches of the river. Launching is from the rivers edge and can be muddy when the tide is low. Time a paddle up the River Helford with an incoming tide as paddling against a falling tide can become exhausting particularly near the entrance. Likewise, if you have paddled down to the entrance of the river time a paddle back with an incoming tide.

The Helford is a designated Bass nursery and from the 1st May to 31st December, fishing for bass from boats and kayaks, by any method, is an offence and, whilst fishing for other fish from a boat is still permitted, ALL bass caught must be returned to the water. A large seagrass bed is located between Durgan and Toll Point on the North side f the Helford - anchoring is forbidden in this area.

Parking: A pay and display car park is located approx. 150m uphill of the launch site.

Species: Thornback Ray, Bull Huss and Dogfish can be caught at anchor in the entrance to the River Helford. Red Gurnard are a possibility. Flounder, Gilthead Bream and Thick Lipped Mullet are possible upstream of Helford Village in season. Wrasse are a possibility around the rocks at the entrance to the river and  Mackerel and Garfish can be caught in season.

Nearest Tackle Shops: Terminal Tackle at Penryn

Scenic views and tree-lined banks on the River Helford

Launching is possible at all states of the tide

The River Helford provides a sheltered place to kayak fish