River Fishing in Northumberland
The North East Region of the Environment Agency runs from the borders of Scotland
with the River Tweed down to Chesterfield in the south. Although the Environment
Agency does not exercise any fisheries responsibilities over the Tweed or its tributaries
they do provide a comprehensive
guide to fishing in the area (4.5MB pdf opens in new window).
This download includes current rod licence prices.
(The Environment Agency - 08780 506506)
River levels for fishing in Northumberland
For information on levels in our local rivers call "Rivercall" on 0906 619 772 (60p per minute)
The Tyne river has Salmon and trout fishing. The North Tyne fish hatchery puts up to 700,000 young salmon into the river each year.
Fishing tackle in Bellingham
This is our local hardware store but has fishing bits and bobs - Bellingham Country Store - Parkside Place, Bellingham, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 2RA 01434 220027
Also Langley Dam Fishery Beech House, Langley, Hexham NE47 5LD 01434 688846
Also Top Tackle TVT Building, Anick Road, Hexham NE46 4JH
01434 606991
Obtain Rod licence first via Post Office.
River North Tyne and River Rede Game fishing local beats
Key Species: Brown Trout, Salmon, Sea Trout
Four miles from Bellingham. Half mile stretch. Off the B6320
Nearest Town: Hexham, Northumberland
Ring and book in advance - Snabdough Farm
Contact: Mr Charles Allgood or Joyce Rutherford 01434 240239
£40 per day 4 miles (10 minutes)
Permits fro below from Riverdale Hall Hotel:
Carriteth - 4 miles (7 minutes)
Chesters, Near Humshaugh - 12 miles (19 minutes)
Redeswood - (2.5 miles (5 minutes)
Tarset (8 miles (20 minutes)
Hesleyside 2.5 miles (5 minutes)
Ring or walk to hotel to book. 01434 220254
£35-£65 per day
Dunns Houses - 8 miles (13 minutes)
Access from A676 West of Otterburn, Dunns House farm for
permission
Nearest Town: Bellingham, Northumberland
Permit: Dunns House Farmhouse
Contact: Mr Joe Farmer 01830 520677
Castle Hotel, in the centre of Otterburn - 8.5 miles (15 minutes)
Nearest Town: Otterburn, Northumberland
Permit: Hotel reception
Contact: Mr John Goodfellow 01830 520620
£20 per day
Fishing at Kielder - near to Bellingham
(Northumbrian Water Leisure team - 0870 240 3549)
Kielder Water in the heart of Northumberland is one of the most stunning landscapes in the north of England. The mighty Kielder is a vast 1,093 hectare (2,700 acres), deep (maximum depth 55 metres -178 feet) reservoir which can be found nine miles west of Bellingham in the North Tyne Valley.
Kielder offers some very rewarding fishing both from the 23 miles of shoreline,
or from the fleet of 25, 17 foot "Orkney Longliner" boats.
Kielder may seem a daunting venue to some, however it is soon cut down to size due
to the extreme depths. The reservoir is stocked from various points on a weekly
basis. Luckily for the angler once stocked, the fish stick close to the shore, looking
for terrestrial insects that fall in from the overhanging bushes or trees. Thus
making most of the reservoir devoid of trout.
Kielder must be a unique venue in its own right, it can offer some fantastic sport for fly anglers especially off the top. The fish never really seem to be that far down, a floating line or intermediate will cover most situations. Try the bays and drift the margins for some exciting sport, the wild browns are growing well and are a welcome addition to the stocked rainbows.
Stress buster permits are now available at Kielder. These can be purchased at a cost of £14.00 after 2.30pm from the reception at Leaplish. Why not take out a boat and enjoy an evenings boat fishing as boat hire is currently half price at Kielder.
Toilets, parking, two wheelyboats (pre-booking essential) and a hearing loop are available for disabled users.
Information courtesy of www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing
Kielder Game fishing
Key Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Nine miles west of Bellingham in the North Tyne Valley
Nearest Town: Bellingham, Durham
Permit: On site or www.nwl.co.uk/gofishing
Contact: Northumbrian Water,
Mr Don Coe - 08708 506506
Latest fishing news at Kielder
In a spin - after the successful trial at Kielder last season, all artificial lures are now permitted across all of our multi-bait fisheries. This is a great active way of fishing especially for the kids. It can be a great sport too especially on American style, ultra light outfits and small 5g lures.
For the family - explorer permit holders will now be able to register their spouse for free fishing as long as the daily and weekly catch limits are shared. Along with the two under 17's that can fish for free, fishing can be a real family day out.
There is a new multi user path at Kielder which links the south abutment lodge to Tower Knowe and Whickhope to Leaplish. At Leaplish there are a range of leisure facilities suitable for the whole family as well as The Boat Inn restaurant and bar for refreshment.
Fishing tips for beginners
Bait – Use fishing line of a breaking strain of more than 6lb.
Fly – Most of the rainbows follow the shoreline so there is no need to cast any great distance.
Boat fishing – Both fly and bait fishing are effective from the boats.
Advanced fishing
Best bait – Worms.
Best flies – Cat’s Whisker, Clan Chief, Zulu.
Boat fishing - Fish a team of three traditional wet flies. Try dries even if fish cannot be seen rising.
"From the vast expanses of Kielder Water to the specimen venue of Fontburn, anglers are enjoying improving sport with well-stocked fisheries. The size and quality of the brown trout, blue trout and rainbows have also improved consistently in recent years."
David Carrick
Fishing at Fontburn
Set in the spectacular Northumberland countryside, surrounded by the Simonside hills,
Fontburn is within easy reach of Newcastle. Situated just off the A696 and close
to the village of Rothbury, Fontburn
is one of our most visited and productive fisheries.
Fontburn offers fine fly and bait fishing close to varied woodland and the impressive surrounding Simonside Hills.
From Bellingham travel down the A696 to Knowsgate Hotel, turn left then left again at a T-junction. Follow the road to a crossroads then turn left again. After three miles the signed entrance will be seen on the left of a right hand bend.
Tips for beginners
Most fish are caught near the bank so don't be tempted to fish a long way out. The
dam wall and west of the jetty are some of the best areas
to fish.
Bait – Early season try ledgering with a worm off the dam wall. For later months try Powerbait around the shallower parts of the reservoir.
Fly – Try a Cat’s Whisker on a sinking line. Later in the season try floating line and a Bibio.
Advanced fishing
Bait – Lighter tackle usually catches better quality fish. Try using size 12 hooks and a stick float.
Fly – Various boobies. This method of fishing is effective especially
off the dam wall.
Best bait – Powerbait and worms.
Best flies – Various Boobies, Daddies, Bibios, Viva, Dawson’s Olive.
General enquiries 0870 240 3549
Telephone the Lodge 01669 621 368