What fish is in season in Devon? A month-by-month guide.

The catch at Brixham — the UK's largest fish market by value (Marine Management Organisation, 2024) — shifts significantly through the year. This guide covers the main species landed at Brixham and from the Exe Estuary through the year. The Galley Restaurant's menu is built around this calendar: Dan Kavanagh orders four or five days a week from the market and writes the menu around what arrives.

Spring (March to May)

Lemon sole and plaice

Both species come into good condition from March onwards as water temperatures rise. Lemon sole from the Western Channel is one of the best flatfish in British waters — finer in texture than Dover sole, more accessible on price. Plaice is at its peak May to August; the roe is at its best in early spring before spawning.

When does crab season open in Devon?

Brown crab potting on the reef ground south of Berry Head runs year-round, but the catch is most consistent and the crab is at its largest from April. Spider crab season in Devon waters runs March to October — most of the catch goes to Spain, but local restaurants with direct market access put it on when it's running. Worth asking.

When is sea bass in season in Devon?

Line-caught sea bass is available year-round from Devon boats, but spring brings stronger consistent supply. Note that bass from the Western Channel is under strict quotas — line-caught fish from day boats is the responsible choice, and that's what the Brixham day boats land.

Summer (June to August)

John Dory

John Dory is a summer fish in Devon waters — caught incidentally by day boats targeting other species. The yield from each fish is low (roughly a third of body weight), which is why it commands a premium. The flavour is distinctive: sweet, firm, almost prawn-like. When it appears on The Galley's menu it's because something came off the boats that morning.

Lobster

Lobster potting runs May to October in Devon inshore waters, peaking through summer. Native lobster — the dark-shelled European species — is meatier and more flavourful than Canadian imported lobster. The Galley uses Newlyn lobster for private dining menus and special occasions. It goes on the evening menu when a specific boat has been working the reef ground.

When are mackerel and sardines in season off Devon?

Summer brings the pelagic species into Devon waters. Mackerel runs June to October — at its oiliest and most flavourful in late summer. Sardines (pilchards — the same fish, different life stage) are caught off the Devon coast from July. Both are sustainable, delicious, and badly underused. If Dan Kavanagh has sardines on the menu, order them.

Gurnard

Red gurnard is a bycatch species historically thrown back. It has come into its own in the last decade as chefs have worked out what to do with it — the flesh is firm, sweet, and holds up to bold flavours. Available from Brixham through spring and summer. See our guide to the Exe Estuary in summer for a full day around the visit.

Autumn (September to November)

When is turbot in season?

The premium flatfish peak in autumn. Turbot — the finest flatfish in Northern European waters — is available year-round from the Western Channel but at its best in cooler water. Brill is closely related and similarly excellent; usually better value. Both appear on The Galley's menu when the boats have been working the right ground.

When are scallops in season in Devon?

Dive-caught scallops from Devon and Cornwall are available from October through spring. The hand-diving method avoids the dredging damage that makes trawl-caught scallops an environmental concern. Devon dive-caught scallops are some of the best in the UK — the shell is clean, the roe is intact, and the flavour is significantly better than anything frozen.

Mussels

Devon mussels from the Exe Estuary and the South Devon coast come into prime condition from September. The old rule — only eat mussels in months with an R — is approximately right for flavour (they're at their best outside the summer spawning season). Exe Estuary mussels are small and intensely flavoured.

Winter (December to February)

Dover sole

Dover sole is a cold-water fish at its best from November through to April. The texture is firmer than lemon sole, the flavour more pronounced. It's one of the few fish where the classic French preparation — meunière, on the bone — is also the best preparation. On the menu at The Galley when the Brixham boats have been working the right ground.

Oysters

Native oysters from the Exe Estuary — one of only a handful of native oyster beds still operating in England — are available from September to April. Rock oysters (the farmed Pacific variety) are available year-round from Devon producers. The Galley uses both; the native oyster season ending in April reflects the old rule about spawning condition rather than food safety.

Langoustine

Langoustine (Dublin Bay prawns, scampi) from Devon inshore boats is a winter and spring species in this part of the channel. The live, whole langoustine is a different product from the frozen tails most people know — sweeter, firmer, worth eating simply to understand what the difference is. Appears on The Galley's menu as a special when the catch is running.

Frequently asked questions about seasonal fish in Devon