Fishing

The North Pennines boasts some of the finest upland reservoirs and rivers, renowned for the quality of their fishing. You can choose to fish in some of England's most spectacular landscapes and opportunities abound for complete beginners as well as experts

© Northumbrian Water

Reservoirs

Northumbrian Water looks after lots of well stocked and attractive upland reservoirs, with average catches of between four and five fish. There are opportunities for coarse, fly and multi-bait fishing at Derwent, Cow Green, Selset, Grassholme, Balderhead, Blackton and Hury reservoirs across the North Pennines AONB.

Find out more...

Have a go...

If you fancy an introduction to the world of fly or multi-bait fishing for trout why not sign up for a 'beginner day' at Derwent Reservoir?

  • Three-hour sessions between April and September
  • Call Derwent Reservoir Lodge on 01207 255250 for details and to book

Rivers & lakes

There are several excellent opportunities to fish on rivers in the North Pennines:

River South Tyne (Alston to Langley Viaduct)

  • Alston and District Angling Association
  • Fly and spinning only
  • Day and week permits from: Hughes News and the Post Office in Alston

River Tyne: Tyne Angling Passport

Fish Tyne

  • Dedicated website which acts as a definitive guide to fishing on the Tyne and its tributaries (including the South Tyne and River Allen)
  • The Fish Tyne website includes catch updates, rod availability, online booking, fishery descriptions and advice pages
  • Call Fish Tyne for general advice or to make a booking on 01573 470612 (info@fishtyne.co.uk)

River Tees (Barnard Castle)

River Tees (Upper Tees, North Bank)

  • Raby Estate
  • Fly only
  • Day permits from: Raines Ironmongers and Raby Estate Office in Middleton-in-Teesdale or the shop at High Force

River Eden

  • Day fishing beats on the Eden and its tributaries (voucher system). For more information phone 01768 866788.

River Wear (Stanhope Gauging Station to Rookhope Burn, Eastgate)

  • Weardale Fly Fishers Club
  • Fly until 1st Sept then also worm and spinning
  • Day permits from: Stanhope Newsagents, Front Street, Stanhope

Langley Dam

  • 14 acre lake, off the A686 near Haydon Bridge
  • Fly only
  • Stocked weekly with rainbow trout
  • Various day permits and boat hire available
  • 01434 688846 for details and to book

For further information on river fisheries, including regional guides, contact the Environment Agency  on 08708 506506

Rod licences

Any angler (12 years and over) fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels must have an Environment Agency rod licence. Your licence fees help fund work to look after fisheries. If you don't get one you risk a fine of up to £2,500.