England

ENGLAND

 

England is the part of the British Isles, which seems to have the greatest diversity of rivers with thriving populations of grayling. It has also a North South divide, with the free stone spate rivers with their headwaters high in the northern hills and Pennines, tumbling their way towards either the Irish or North Seas. In the South however we have chalk streams with their high pH, lush rafts of water plant life and their relentless steady flow bubbling up from the aquifers of the chalk downs. There are inevitably exceptions that prove the rule; the most famous of these is Driffield Beck, in East Yorkshire, which is the most northerly true chalk stream in England, drawing its waters from the Yorkshire Wolds.


Prince Albert Angling Society has around 30 rivers throughout England and Wales that have resident grayling in them. PAAS is the largest angling society in Europe which is highlighted by the waiting list for membership. However, there is NO waiting list for juniors, females, or senior citizens. For more information visit www.paas.co.uk/

 


THE NORTH WEST - Grayling Society Area 10

 

The rivers in this part of England flow mainly West from their head waters high in the Pennine fells to the Irish Sea. These rivers are known for their very good salmon, sea Trout and wild brown trout fishing. Some of these rivers are also known for their excellent grayling fishing. Unfortunately, in Lancashire, the home county of Pritt, day ticket waters are very limited, but nevertheless well worth investigating.



CUMBRIA

 

River Eden

 

1) Carlisle A.A. has 7 miles of fishing on the Eden and River Caldew (an Eden tributary). There are some big grayling and both fly and bait methods are allowed. Grayling season 15th October to 14th January, inclusive. No day tickets available, but weekly tickets are £15 and season tickets £25. Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Carlisle city centre or contact Nigel Austin, CAA secretary on 01228 592745. CAA website: www.carlisleanglingassociation.org.uk/

 

2) Warwick Hall Estate has an excellent two mile stretch of the lower Eden. All methods permitted and grayling fishing is available from 15th October to 14th February. Day tickets cost £10, and are available from the keeper, Graham Moffat on 07985 933103 (please do not phone after 7pm).


3) Lazonby Manor (Garden of Eden) has a beautiful stretch of water with winter grayling fishing. The grayling season is 16th June to 14th of March inclusive. Day tickets from Linda Atkinson, £20 per day. Contact Linda on 01768 898229.


4) Lazonby Parish have a section of river where day and weekly permits are available and both fly and bait methods can be used. Access website www.lazonbyparishcouncil.org click ‘Angling for all information’. Those wishing to pay by bank transfer contact clerk by email for details.


5) Eden Lacy. 1.8 miles of beautiful river Eden as captured on this YouTube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8jQJJzAZWQ Day tickets are £15 and can be obtained by contacting Mr Victor Gubbin Tel: 01768 898316.


6) Kings Arms Hotel has grayling fishing on the Eden at Ousenstand Bridge, subject to availability (hotel guests are given first preference). Day tickets cost £10 and are available by contacting Mally Churchman Tel: 01768 362944.


7) Appleby A.A. control 14 miles of the Eden and offer grayling day ticket at £10 per day. Buy online through website www.applebyangling.co.uk/


8) Kirby Stephen A.A. has 9 miles on the upper Eden with some good grayling fishing. Day tickets and weekly tickets are available from Hall’s Newsagents, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen during shop opening hours or via the FishPal website. Further information contact Mrs Irene Downing 017683 71256. The KSDAA website has a useful link to a live web cam and details of sections of the river which may be closed to winter grayling fishing at times of pheasant shooting.

www.kirkbystephen.net/day_tickets.htm


River Irthing (Tributary of River Eden)

 

1) Brampton AA has winter grayling fishing available on a season ticket basis. Season tickets for grayling (1st October – 14th March inclusive), cost £10, available from Brampton Post Office, 5 Front St, Brampton CA8 1NN. Further information from Steven Mark, BAA Secretary Tel: 01697 72359. www.bramptonangling.co.uk/index.html



LANCASHIRE

 

River Ribble (Tributaries River Hodder and River Calder)

 

1) Ribble Rivers Trust Beat: Ribble and Calder, Mitton. 2.5 Km on left bank of Ribble and right bank of Calder. See R.R.T. website: www.ribbletrust.org.uk/buy-tickets

 

River Hodder

 

1) Whitewell. The Inn at Whitewell has 6 miles from Burholme Bridge to below Doeford Bridge. Day tickets from The Inn at Whitewell, Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe BB7 3AT. Tel: 01200 448222 Website: www.innatwhitewell.com/things-todo/ fishing/ Day tickets are for hotel guests only. £15 from Nov 1st to March 14th.


2) Slaidburn. 2 mile stretch on the upper Hodder around Slaidburn. Day tickets £10 from Slaidburn Central Stores and Post Office, 2 Church Street, Slaidburn BB7 3ER. Tel: 01200 446268. More information is on the Slaidburn Central Stores and Post Office Facebook page.



THE NORTH EAST - Grayling Society Area 11

 

The north of this region is noted more for its salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout waters, but nevertheless has some impressive grayling fishing. Rivers like the Tyne, Tees, and Wear tumble steeply from their headwaters high in the rugged northern Pennines to become mighty rivers flowing to the East Coast and the North Sea.

 

All our main rivers run from the west to east off the Pennines and feature various pocket water, runs, flats and glides to suit all tastes and methods.


Due to their freestone nature, the water often carries some peaty colour after rain and a wading staff is highly recommended especially the rockier, faster, and deeper sections!


The River Tees runs from Cow Green and grayling are found in good numbers throughout from Low Force above Middleton in Teesdale right downstream to below Darlington & Croft.


The River Wear is primarily known for its migratory fish and large sea trout however there is a good head of trout & grayling, and the fishing has improved a lot over the last few years. Some large 2lb+ grayling are frequently caught. A recent Area 11 produced 120 grayling with a good number over 30cm.


The River Derwent is a tributary of the River Tyne and runs out of Derwent Reservoir. It is a small tailwater and accordingly is not affected so much by heavy rain.


Tactics and techniques

 

The varied characteristics of our rivers makes it suitable for all methods. Whether you prefer to fish a single dry, duo, a team of wets or nymphs there is water to suit all. Trotting can be an effective method, but maggots are not allowed on some beats – better to rely on small worms. Trotting is prohibited on some beats.


October is usually the best month for top of the water dry fly sport for our Grayling. So as long as the weather & water conditions are kind, the opportunity for fishing dries and traditional North Country Spiders should be excellent.


Fishing nymphs using French Leader, Euro style and short line Czech style is extremely popular and productive. Like any freestone river its always worth having a few methods up your sleeve.


Flies

 

Fly hatches will be mainly, Olive Up-wings, Stoneflies, Midges and Terrestrials so bring your favourite patterns. I passionately believe that getting your presentation right and the size of fly is far more important than particular dressings.


So, many patterns to choose from these days and we all have our favourites but as a guide, I would suggest that the following would be useful.


Dry: Your favourite Up-wing Olive, Elk Hair Caddis, F Flies, Parachutes, Klinkhammers and Sedge/Caddis are go to flies. Hares ear and black are popular colours. Traditional dries such as Red Tag and Treacle Parkin still very much have their day. Sizes #14,16,18 and also don’t forget your micro dries and fine tippet for the flats.


Spiders: is a deadly North Country method and the following flies & variants are very popular: Waterhen Bloa, Black Magic, Snipe & Purple, Greenwell’s Spider, Hares Lug & Plover, and the Partridge & Orange can be relied upon all year round in Sizes #12 -18 (#14 &16 being most popular) Make sure you have a few with beads or add a beaded nymph to the point just to get down that little bit if necessary.


Nymphs: unlimited choices but the following work consistently well on all the rivers in sizes #12-18: Pheasant Tail & Hares Ear variants as well as shrimps are all really effective. Carry a good range of sizes and weights so you can match the water and have some with a bit of flash or hot colours too…a touch of orange, red or pink can make all the difference as well as a few drab patterns.


We are blessed in the North of England as we have some fantastic rivers and some wonderful countryside that makes for a truly great fishing experience. To top that, the locals are really friendly folk too and I’m sure the Northern hospitality will shine through.


River Tees

 

Visit: www.teesriverstrust.org/


Upper Tees

 

1) Permits are available to fish on the North & South Bank of the River Tees between Cauldron Snout and Dent Bank, Middletonin-Teesdale, except between the Ford at Newbiggin-on-Tees and Scorberry Bridge through Raby Estates & Strathmore Estates www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/fishingpermits Both Strathmore & Raby Estate day permits

are available from - G&J Newsagents in Middleton in Teesdale 01833 640834

 

2) Wodencroft Holiday Cottages with Private Fishing www.wodencroftholidaycottages.co.uk

 

Middle Tees

 

1) The following clubs and associations can be approached for fishing on the Tees. Darlington Anglers Club www.darlingtonanglersclub.org.uk Barnard Castle Angling Club www.bcaclub.co.uk

 

2) River Tees Passport Scheme is a new initiative opening up some waters for day permits and worth checking out: www.fishingpassport.co.uk/fishing/tees

 

River Tyne (Tributary: River Derwent)

 

Visit: www.tyneriverstrust.org/

 

River Derwent (County Durham)

 

The following clubs and associations can be approached for fishing on the Derwent:

Derwent A.A. www.derwentangling.co.uk

Axwell Park & Derwent Valley A.A. www.apdvaa.co.uk

 

River Wear

 

Visit: www.tyneriverstrust.org/


The following clubs and associations can be approached for fishing on the River Wear:

Willington and District A.C. www.willingtondistrictanglingclub.com

Ferryhill & District A.C. www.ferryhillanddistrictanglingclub.com

Bishop Auckland A.C. www.bishopaucklandanglingclub.com

Finchale Abbey www.finchaleabbey.co.uk/fishing

 

River Till (Northumberland)

 

A tributary of the Tweed but it’s still in England and part of Area 11!

 

1) Till Fishing Tiptoe Beat with accommodation www.till-fishing.co.uk/river-till

 

2) Ford & Etal Estates www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/attractions/fishing

 


YORKSHIRE - Grayling Society Areas 8 and 9


For centuries Yorkshire has been the traditional home of the grayling. Over the years population numbers in some waters have fluctuated drastically. Archive records show restocking programmes for grayling from river to river as far back as the late 1800s. Today many riparian owners, clubs, associations, etc together with the Environment Agency are working hard to restore and preserve stocks of the grayling. 


Most of the rivers in Yorkshire, as with other northern rivers, have their headwaters high in the Pennines and flow south east to the Humber and the North Sea. There are three notable exceptions, the Esk which flows east from its source on the North Yorkshire Moors, the Derwent which flows south from its headwaters on the North Yorkshire moors. Lastly the Hull, whose headwaters rise in the east Yorkshire Wolds and contain the most northerly chalk stream.

The availability of day tickets in this region is sporadic, but some excellent fishing can be found.

 

River Aire

 

1) Skipton. Skipton A.C. has water on the Aire and on Whinny Gill. Information on membership and subs on the website. Note: grayling have in this area suffered a decline in numbers, but recent reports give the indication of an increase in numbers. www.skiptonangling.co.uk


2) Cononley and Skipton. Bradford City A.A. has a number of waters in the area that hold grayling. Day tickets are not issued, but annual membership is open at very reasonable prices. Although Cononley has been seen as a coarse-fishing water, increasing water quality has favoured trout and grayling. The stretch at Broughton and Gargrave is solely trout and grayling water. Maps and information on the BCAC website: www.bradfordcityaa.co.uk Alternatively, contact: Mike Briggs 01274 684906 / 07759 815202


3) Keithly A.C. has considerable waters in the area, but they are predominantly coarse waters with trout and grayling. Permits from K.L. Tackle, 127 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 3AD. Tel. 01535 667574. More information on the club’s website: www.keighleyanglingclub.co.uk

 

River Calder (Tributary: Colne)

 

1) Slaithwaite and District A.C. have water on the river, no day tickets but cost of membership reasonable. For details contact Huddersfield Angling Centre, 22 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, Tel: 01484 545032.


2) Huddersfield. Free public access in the town area. Not so pleasant surroundings but good grayling are to be had. Contact Chris Roberts 01484 545032.


River Derwent (Tributaries: Rye and Scalby Beck) (Tributaries of Rye: Dove, Seven, Pickering Beck and Costa Beck)

 

Day ticket waters on the Derwent are a little thin on the ground, but several clubs and associations have membership prices at a reasonable cost and therefore well worth investigating.

 

Scalby Beck

 

1) Scalby Beck AC has the fishing from Scalby Mills to approx. one mile above Scalby village. Grayling Season 16/6 14/3. Although grayling are not in the numbers they used to be the water is worth a try.

For details and permits contact Peter Kay 07777 650923.


River Don

 

No day ticket waters but some clubs are open to new members at a reasonable cost.


1) Tin Mill Angling Club has one and a half miles of good grayling water at Stocksbridge. Details from: Roger Preston 01142 883728


2) Sheffield. Urban fishing in Sheffield. Contact Brian Clarke, Area 8 Secretary for details.

 

River Esk

 

A beautiful little river, with only a small head of grayling, but worth trying. For details of day tickets contact Anglers Place, Guisborough, 01287 635959.


1) Danby and District AC have 7 miles of the Esk from Castleton to Grt. Fryup beck. Grayling fishing to the end of September only. For permits and information contact Mr. F. Farrow, Tel. 01287 660387.


River Hull (Tributary: Driffield Beck)

 

1) Mulbery Whin Fly Fishery, Skerne, Driffield have approx. one mile of water on the most northerly true chalk stream. For details contact Brian or Andrew Dixon on 01377 249273.

 

River Nidd

 

1) Nidderdale AC have 8 miles of water around Pateley Bridge, much of which is available to visiting angers via day tickets. Permits can be purchased directly from the website www.nidderdaleac.co.uk   and from local outlets.


2) Harrogate A.A. has several miles of fishing on the river from Little Ribston downstream. No Day tickets are available but for membership enquiries contact Mr. B. Wheeler Tel. 01423 323945.


River Swale

 

1) Richmond and District AC have 5 miles of good grayling waters on the River Swale below

Richmond Falls. Day tickets details on their website: www.richmondangling.org.uk/


River Ure (Tributary: River Laver)


There is very good fishing to be had by joining some of the local clubs and Associations who have water on the River Ure, even for the traveling rod the cost of joining could be well worthwhile.


1) Hawes and High Abbotside AA have water around Haws. Grayling in this area are not numerous but it is well worth the try. For details and permits contact Three Peaks Ltd, Hawes. Tel: 01969 667443.


2) Wensleydale AA have water above and below Bainbridge. As with Hawes, grayling are not numerous but can be large when found. Fly and worm only. Permits, information and accommodation can be obtained from The Rose and Crown, Bainbridge. Tel: 01969 650225.


3) Aysgarth. The Aysgarth Falls Hotel has 440 yards of bank. For information and permits contact the hotel on 01969 663775.


4) Bradford City AA has four miles of fishing to the west of Aysgarth and a short stretch at Worton Bridge, upstream. No day tickets are sold. Membership application forms and full details can be found on the website at www.bradfordcityaa.co.uk Alternatively, contact Mike Briggs, Membership Secretary Bradford City AA. Tel: 01274 684906 / 07759 815202


5) Masham AC has 2.5–3 miles of excellent fly only water around Masham. Although there are no day tickets, the club does have a limited number of grayling season tickets (1st Oct – 28th Feb). Apply to John Bosomworth, Tel: 0774 7031619.


6) Ripon Piscatorial Association have 6 miles of water in the Ripon area, the top two miles being the better for grayling. For details see website www.riponrpa.co.uk/


7) The Grantham Angling Association has some grayling fishing but does not issue day tickets. Information and membership details from Grantham Angling Association Fly Fishing Section, Hon Sec Paul Kitson. www.gaaffs.org/about_us.html

 

River Laver

 

This small river is predominantly a trout water but does hold nice grayling.

 

1) Ripon Piscatorial Association have two miles of the River Laver. For details see website www.riponrpa.co.uk/

 

River Wharfe


There are several clubs that have grayling water on the river but do not issue day tickets. They do have membership at a reasonable cost. These clubs are:

Bradford No.1: www.bradfordno1.com/

Bradford City AA: www.bradfordcityaa.co.uk

Keighley AC: www.keighleyanglingclub.co.uk


1) Appletreewick, Barden and Burnsall A.C. has several miles of river from Grassington downstream to Barden Bridge. Permits and information from The Red Lion at Burnsall or from Bryan Ayton, Tel: 07710 240537. Grayling season from 1st of Nov to 31st Jan.


2) Bolton Abbey Estate has 4 miles of double bank fishing from Strid Wood down to below Bolton Bridge. Grayling season from 1st Oct to 31st Dec, fly only and all fish to be returned. Permits from Estate Office, Tel: 01756 710227.


3) Addingham AA have a short length of water close to Lobwood Pumping Station. Fly or bait. Permits from Addingham Post Office.


4) Bradford City AA has fishing at Addingham. No day tickets sold. Same contact details as for River Ure above.


5) Ilkley AA control water from New Brook St Bridge, Ilkley to the stepping stones at Ben Rhydding. Permits from the Tourist Information, Ilkley, Tel: 01943 602319 or Ilkley Riverside Hotel, Tel: 01943 607338. www.ilkleyanglingassociation.co.uk/

 

6) Leeds and District ASA have a long length of the river at Pool in Wharfedale, from above Pool Bridge downstream to below Arthington. Any method no night fishing. Permits from Pool Bridge Service Station, Tel: 0113 203 7140.



PEAK DISTRICT - Grayling Society Areas 8 and 5


The waters of Izaak Walton fame. Derbyshire in the north has the Dark Peak area, peat moorland laying on millstone Grit, with the River Derwent and its tributary the River Noe. Further south, the White Peak, lush grassland with rivers like the Dove, Manifold, and the Wye with its tributary the Lathkill bubbling up from deep underground in the limestone. There are many other small streams, brooks and becks holding grayling, mainly in the south of the Peaks area. All of these waters flow into either the River Dove or Derwent systems, into the River Trent, then into the Humber and the North Sea.


Derbyshire's and Staffordshire's grayling waters unfortunately are in an area where long-established clubs, syndicates and fishing groups own or lease the fishing, membership fees can be high and waiting lists can be long. Recently Staffordshire’s River Churnett has joined the list of rivers to produce good grayling joining the Dove above Utoxeter. But fear not, there are options below.


The rivers mentioned below eventually join the River Trent, then proceed via the Humber into the North Sea.


River Derwent

 

1) Matlock A.C. has bait fishing through Matlock Bath. As there is close public access, fly fishing is not permitted. Permits available from Bob Price Newsagent, Matlock Bath. Tel: 01629 582560.

 

(COARSE SEASON ONLY)

 

2) The Derwent Hotel has a short but well worth fishing section of water upstream of the road bridge at Whatstandwell. Day tickets from hotel, Tel: 01433 651395.


3) Derby Railway A.C. has water on the Derwent below Whatstandwell. Although it does not give Day tickets this club is well worth considering joining, even for non-locals. For membership details see club listings or website www.drac.org.uk


4) The Square and Compasses at Darley Dale, upstream of Matlock, has a short (approx. 300 yd) stretch of mixed fishing, suitable for trotting, but fishable with fly. Tel: 01629 733255 for ticket information.


River Dove (Tributaries: River Manifold, Bentley Brook, River Churnet, River Tean and Sutton Brook)

 

The River Dove forms part of the county boundary between Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Staffordshire’s River Churnet which joins the River Dove above Uttoxeter is part of the long list of rivers that are known to produce good grayling.


1) Prince Albert Angling Society has fishing rights on beats of the River’s Dove, Trent, and Sow. For more information visit (see earlier for website details).


2) Leek And District Fly Fishing Association has several beats on the rivers Dove and Churnet, the main one being upstream of Ilam in the famous Dovedale. No day tickets are issued by the club but, it is a

club well worth considering. For more information visit www.ladffa.com/


3) Derby Railway AC has several stretches of water on the River Dove which are worth a try. For more information visit: www.drac.org.uk/


4) Dove Valley Angling Association has approximately 6 miles of fishing on the middle Dove, and also some fishing on the Churnet. For more information visit: www.dvaa.co.uk/


5) Fenton and District Angling Society have many and varied stretches of the Rivers Dove, Churnet, Sow and Blythe along with Sutton Brook. For more information visit: www.fdasofficial.co.uk/


6) Saracens Head Angling Group has a selection of waters on the Rivers Dove, Tean and Blithe. For more information visit: http://saracensheadanglinggroup.co.uk/

 

The Peak Passport Scheme allows access to beats on the rivers Dove, Manifold. Hamps and Sence using a pre-pay token system. See the website at: www.peakpassport.co.uk/


Sutton Brook

 

1) Derby Railway A.C. has water on the brook, a beautiful little stream Nr. Sutton on the Hill. For details see Derwent.

 

River Wye

 

1) Haddon Estates. Fishing on the Wye through Bakewell to Rowsley. There are a limited number of day tickets for the trout season and fly fishing only. Grayling fishing through the winter is by syndicate members only. For details of all the fishing contact the River Keeper Tel: 01629 636255.


2) Accommodation and fishing can be arranged through the Peacock Hotel at Rowsley. www.thepeacockatrowsley.com


River Dane


The River Dane is a tributary of the River Weaver that originates in the Peak District area of England. It forms the border between first Cheshire and Derbyshire on the west and east, and then between Cheshire and Staffordshire where it then flows north-west through Cheshire before meeting the Weaver near Northwich.


1) Middlewich Anglers. Byley Bridge. Day tickets £5 available from Daves of Middlewich, Lewin St, Middlewich CW10 9BG. Tel: 01606 833853 www.davesofmiddlewich.co.uk Email: davesofmiddlewich@fsmail.net


River Rother

 

Urban fishing around Rotherham and Chesterfield. Contact Brian Clarke, Area 8 Secretary for details.



SOUTHERN COUNTIES - Grayling Society Area 2


Grayling can flourish in the clear waters of the southern chalk streams. Yet for years they have been regarded by some riparian owners and river keepers as vermin that competed with the brown trout population and needed to be eradicated. Thankfully a more enlightened attitude is gradually prevailing and on many stretches of the chalk streams grayling are now being given the respect they deserve. Wholesale electro-fishing to remove the grayling is a thing of the past and whilst there is still some way to go, the grayling is increasingly being seen as a valuable and truly wild sporting fish.



HAMPSHIRE

 

River Test (Tributary: River Anton, River Dever)

 

1) Wherwell Estate, Wherwell has 7 beats on several miles of the Test and carriers. Upstream dry fly or nymph, with barbless or debarbed hooks. Grayling season 11th Oct to 12th March. For bookings Tel: Estate Office 01264 860242.


2) Fullerton Fishery has 900m of river north of Stockbridge near the Mayfly public house/restaurant. The grayling season is from 1st October to 31st December. Single barbless or debarbed flies and all fish to be carefully returned. Prior bookings only (for 4 rods maximum) contact Mr. Tom Liddell on

01264 860221.


3) River Test at Romsey. For charges and fishing locations, contact Test Valley Borough Council at 01794 527700.


4) Timsbury. 1.5 miles of main river and 1mile of carriers. Fly or bait from 1st October to 15th March. For bookings and further information contact Heidi Dear, Tel: 01264 365165 or 07759 331385.


5) Broadlands. Grayling fishing available from November 1st by appointment/ booking only. Please contact Jon at jon@broadlandsfishing.com to arrange.


River Anton

 

Fullerton Fishery has 900m of fishing on the river, max 4 rods only. For details see River Test.

 

River Dever

 

Bransbury Mill Fishery, Barton Stacey, has 0.75 miles of water with good tree cover and good stocks of grayling. Fishing for GRAYLING SOCIETY MEMBERS ONLY from 1st October to 7th November (when trout start to spawn) for details and permits contact Chris de Cani, Tel: 01962 760442.

 

River Itchen

 

Lower Itchen Fishery, Southampton. Bookings and information from 02380 472672 (Keeper), or 02380 814389 (Office).



WILTSHIRE

 

River Avon

 

1) Upavon. Peter Prince has 2/3 of a mile of the upper Avon, a short but prolific section of river. He issues Full Season permits (trout and grayling seasons) Grayling Season permits, Oct to Feb, and Day tickets. All Day tickets to be pre-booked, fly only before Oct after which bait may be used. Wading is advised though bank fishing is possible. For permits and details Tel: Peter Prince 01980 630008 or 07770 92544.


2) Salisbury and District Angling Club issue Day tickets for a limited number of their waters on the Avon. For details of available waters and permits contact Mrs J. Elliot, Tel: 01980 622828.


3) Avon Springs Fishery at Durrington, all tickets for the river are now sold via the agent Fishing Breaks (details overleaf) and not directly through the fishery.

 

4) Manningford Trout Fishery Pewsey SN9 6NR. Tel: 07544 801844. Email: fisherymanager@manningfordtroutfishery.co.uk Website: www.manningfordtroutfishery.co.uk/pricesavailability/


5) Ben Bangham Fly Fishing Please contact Ben at: flyfishingben@gmail.com or call 07736 326858 to arrange.


River Wylye

 

1) Langford Lakes Nature Reserve. Half a mile, single bank, at Steeple Langford. Contact the Reserve Office on 01722 792011, or at www.wiltshirewildlife.org



Agents:


Grayling fishing is available through the following agents, but expect to pay more:

 

River Wylye:


Steeple Langford, book through Mark Shuldham, Tel: 07798 730974.

 

Rivers Itchen and carriers:


The Rod Box, for details see www.rodbox.com or Tel: 01962 883600.


River Test and Itchen:


Orvis. For details see www.orvis.co.uk/pages/day-rod-lettings or Tel: 01264 349519


Rivers Test, Anton, Dever, Avon, Lambourn, Kennet, Itchen, Wylye, Nadder and Frome:

 

Famous Fishing offers the finest beats on the major chalk rivers and their tributaries Tel: 01722 716050. Website http://www.famousfishing.co.uk/ Email: enquiries@famousfishing.co.uk


Upstream Dry Fly are very proud to offer a portfolio of English chalk stream fly fishing. A broad variation of fishing on the most exclusive, private estate chalk stream beats available. Over 70 beats on more than 20 named rivers and streams. Website: https://www.upstreamdryfly.com/ Email: howard@upstreamdryfly.com Tel: 01264 560976

 

Fishing Breaks have over the past thirty years gathered an extensive portfolio of the very best fly fishing England has to offer. From the wild streams of Dorset, the famous River Test, the special chalkstreams of Yorkshire and the glorious limestone rivers of the Derbyshire National Park, I have the pick of them all. Email: info@fishingbreaks.co.uk Tel: 01264 781988. Website: https://fishingbreaks.co.uk/index.htm

 

Aardvark McLeod offer day tickets on 32 miles of the Rivers Test, Anton, Dever, Avon, Lambourn, Kennet, Itchen, Wylye, Nadder and Frome all year round in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Dorset. Website: www.aardvarkmcleod.com Email: mail@aardvarkmcleod.com Tel: 1980 847389.

 

Fly Odyssey offer day tickets on the Rivers Test, Itchen, and Anton in Hampshire up until the end of January on some beats. Further details are available on www.flyodysseychalkstream.co.uk or contact Gilly Bate on 07817 304232 Email g.bate@flyodyssey.co.uk



FREE FISHING!

 

1) River Itchen, Winchester. The river proper and the Navigation. Details on 01962 840500.


2) The Swan at Stoford has a very short section of water on the Wylye for guests only. Although very short, for the angler visiting the area it is worth a cast. Fly only, and for details Tel: The Swan 01722 790236.


3) Lambourn. Behind The Swan Pub, Newbury. Check for details.



SOUTH WEST - Grayling Society Area 1

 


CORNWALL

 

River Tamar & Tributaries


The Tamar and tributaries; Inny, Lyd, Kensey, Carey and Ottery are typical moorland streams, running over a mixture of gravel, rocky and clay riverbed, the rivers are rain fed and subject to spates. The grayling are mainly found in the middle reaches of the river and the tributaries named can be particularly good rivers to try.


1) Launceston Anglers Association Day tickets and annual membership available. www.launcestonanglers.org.uk/

 

2) Arundell Arms Hotel Lovely fishing hotel with day tickets, guiding and tuition available. www.thearundell.com/


3) Westcountry Angling Passport www.westcountryangling.com/ Beats available in Devon and Cornwall and beyond. A token system is used which can be purchased online or in various retail outlets. They are now running an online app (The Fish Pass) which may help for those happy with modern tech.


4) Devon School of Fly Fishing Exclusive beats on the Tamar and Inny with tuition and guiding available. www.devonschoolofflyfishing.com/



DEVON

 

River Exe & Tributaries (See also SOMERSET)

 

The River Exe and tributaries; Batherm, Culm, Barle, Creedy and Haddeo. A moorland empties into the sea at Exmouth. Grayling are mainly to be found in the middle and upper reaches along with the tributaries, you also may come across chub and other coarse fish which gradually become more predominant in the lower reaches.


1) Dulverton Angling Association For annual membership offering several beats in

the area. www.dulvertonanglingassociation.org.uk/


2) Lance Nicholson Tackle Shop Day tickets available on the Barle and Little Exe. www.lance-nicholson.co.uk/fishing/


3) Crediton Fly Fishing Club Day tickets and annual membership available for the Creedy and Culm. www.fly-fishing-club.co.uk/


4) Tiverton & District Angling Club Day tickets and annual membership available for the River Culm. Predominately a coarse fishing club so suited to those who enjoy trotting. www.tivertonanglingclub.com/


5) Exeter & District Angling Association Day tickets and annual membership available for the Rivers Exe, Culm and Creedy. At the lowest reach of the grayling population and predominately a coarse fishing club so suited to those who enjoy trotting. www.exeteranglingassociation.co.uk/


6) Westcountry Angling Passport Beats available in Devon and Cornwall and beyond. A token system is used which can be purchased online or in various retail outlets. They are now running an online app (The Fish Pass) which may help for those happy with modern tech. www.westcountryangling.com/


6) Devon School of Fly Fishing Exclusive beats on the Exe with tuition and guiding available.

www.devonschoolofflyfishing.com/



DORSET

 

River Frome / River Piddle


Although the River Frome is a chalk stream below Dorchester town the river widens and the banks are quite steep sided, therefore the river is prone to flooding and takes on the appearance of a spate river and care must be taken in high water. Most of the lower reaches are suitable for fly fishing, but bait fishing is the most common method practiced during the winter months.


1) Dorchester & District Angling Society Annual membership and day tickets are available. Mainly coarse fishing but a couple of nice beats on the Frome for grayling. www.d.das.com


2) Frome Valley Fly Fishing Beat available from this trade member of the Grayling Society. fromevalleyflyfishing@gmail.com


3) East Burton Estate Several day ticket beats are available here. www.eastburtonestate.co.uk/


4) Christchurch Angling Club A good one for those who enjoy trotting and other coarse fish. www.christchurchac.org.uk/


5) Dorchester Angling Club Annual membership but expect a long waiting list. Day tickets are available but only during the trout season. www.grhe.co.uk/


5) Purbeck Angling (tackle shop) Can advise on fishing available in the area on the tidal stretch around Wareham harbour, there are a few grayling, and some good coarse fishing. www.purbeck-angling.edan.io/



SOMERSET

 

River Exe - See also Devon and Haddeo (Tributary)


The River Exe is a moorland stream which starts its life in Exmoor Country Park, Somerset and empties into the sea some 50 miles away at Exmouth, Devon.


1) Dulverton Angling Society has some nice beats on the Exe and Haddeo for fly fishing only for grayling with fish to over 2lb available for members at £25 per year. Contact Lance Nicholson Tackle in Dulverton, Somerset for membership. 01398 323409.

 

River Tone


The River Tone is a rain fed river running over gravel, rocky and clay riverbed. Around Taunton town and below, the river is wide and deep and subject to heavy flooding. The tone has healthy numbers of grayling and coarse fish, some free fishing is available. Taunton town centre approx. 1 mile of free fishing from French weir to Firepool weir, although fly fishing is possible in places, the water is better suited for winter trotting.


1) Taunton Angling Association Annual membership and day tickets are available, mainly a coarse fishing club but some grayling will be evident. www.tauntonanglingassociation.co.uk/

 

2) Taunton Fly-fishing Club This club has a number of beats on the River Tone above Taunton for grayling. There is a waiting list. www.tauntonflyfishing.co.uk

 

River Avon (Bristol) & Tributaries

 

Bristol Avon and tributaries; Chew, Marden and Midford Beck. Mixed fishery river with more coarse fish in the lower reaches.


1) Keynsham Angling Association Annual membership and day tickets available on the Avon and Chew. www.keynshamangling.co.uk/index.htm

 

2) Knowle Angling Association Annual membership available on the River Chew. www.knowleangling.co.uk/

 

3) Avon & Tributaries Angling Association Annual membership available for various waters including the Midford Brook and River Frome. www.ataafishing.net/

 


SOUTH EAST - Grayling Society Area 3

 


HERTFORDSHIRE

 

River Tewin

 

Tewin Flyfishing Club can be contacted on Tel: 07599 511733 or Email: tewinflyfishingclub@hotmail.co.uk Website www.tewinflyfishingclub.co.uk


KENT

 

River Teise


Details on www.teiseanglers.org.uk here are reports of grayling in the Great Stour in Canterbury.

 


OTHER ENGLISH COUNTIES

 


GLOUCESTERSHIRE

 

River Coln

 

The Bull Hotel, Fairford has 1.5 miles of water from the Market Square downstream. Day tickets are available from the hotel with special rates for hotel guests. Fly only and 6 rods available. To book Tel: 01285 712535.



CHESHIRE

 

River Dane


This river holds stocks of coarse fish, trout, and grayling. The following clubs and associations control waters knows to contain grayling although much of the access is via club membership only.

 

1) Prince Albert Angling Society. Waters near Holmes Chapel and Somerford Booths. Some additional grayling stocking has occurred around the Swettenham area. No day tickets. www.paas.co.uk


2) Eaton Fly Fishers Club. Have a stretch of river of Swettenham but no day tickets are available. ww.eatonflyfishers.co.uk


3) Northwich Anglers have water on the Dane and day tickets are available. www.northwichanglers.co.uk


4) Warrington Anglers have a length near Holmes Chapel, but no day tickets are available. www.warrington-anglers.org.uk


5) Bay Malton Angling Club also have water, but no day tickets are available. www.baymaltonanglingclub.co.uk

 

6) Dunham Massey Angling Club also have waters, but I cannot confirm the day ticket situation. www.dunhammasseyanglingclub.com

 

7) Lymm Anglers have waters as well, but we cannot ascertain the day ticket situation. www.lymmanglingclub.com


 

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS IN ENGLAND AND NATIONAL BODIES

 

The Angling Trust www.anglingtrust.net


Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk

 

Wild Trout Trust www.wildtrout.org

 

Natural England www.naturalengland.org.uk


Salmon & Trout Conservation UK www.salmon-trout.org

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