| River Tees |
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| The .75 mile stretch of free water at Yarm is a firm favourite with
anglers who come here to fish for the vast shoals of quality roach and
dace.
On a good day it is possible to catch double figures of both species by fishing caster and maggot on the pole or waggler. The roach can reach 1lb, but the average size is more likely to be 2oz. This former tidal stretch has virtually been transformed into a stillwater since the Tees barrage was constructed further down river. Due to the stillness of the water the venue now responds well to a feeder or slider float down the middle for bream, perch and the odd chub. Depths vary from eight to 18 feet and the venue fishes better with a slight tinge of colour. When the water is clear a fine approach is needed. The free water stretch is on the south bank only and runs from just above the church, down the river to the old skinners yard. |
The right route
Leave the Al9 at the Kirklevington turn off and follow signs to Yarm. Visitors should note parking is at a premium in Yarm. Access to the river can be made down the side of the road bridge or through the cut signposted to the river near the church in West Street. Factlile
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| Ripon Canal |
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| Prime canal fishing
This 1.5 mile length of canal with 150 pegs has been rejuvenated since coming under private control, and now holds a good head of mixed coarse species. Quality roach, skimmers, dace, gudgeon and chub are all present and can offer a bite-filled day. Carp also frequent this stretch and there are plenty of them running into double figures. This is a clear water stretch with very little tow and depths average four to five feet. There is a lot of boat activity in the summer which does colour up the water and can provide some good sport. The boundaries run from Littlethorne bridge to the confluence with the River Ure, with fishing on the tow-path side only. Most of the summer nets are made up of roach, perch, bream and eels. The main method here is to fish the pole or waggler with maggot, caster or pinkie on the hook. For the larger carp and chub, bread or worm is a good bait. |
The right route
From Ripon take the B6265 to Boroughbridge and turn right at Littlethorpe bridge. Follow the Bishop Monkton road and turn left at the church. Follow this road until you reach the woods and turn left into the lane signposted for Ripon Canal Fishery. Further along there is parking on the bend. Parking is also available at Littlethorpe bridge. FactFile
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| Whitworth Hall |
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| Head for the boathouse
Set in the attractive grounds of Whitworth Hall, this one acre estate lake has recently come under the control of Ferryhill Angling Club. There are plenty of fish to catch after the club stocked the water with quality roach and crucians. They also introduced a good head of rudd and perch. The lake originally contained tench and bream, many of which are still present. The depth of the water is an average five feet and it’s well coloured. There is an island feature to fish towards and this seems to offer shelter for some of the bigger species. Top method this year has been to fish with the pole or waggler at short range using bread punch on the hook. Caster, meat and sweetcorn all work here when fished in conjunction with a feeder, towards the middle of the lake. Mixed bags to 20 lb are common place and the fishery can produce a bite a chuck on good days. The best weights have been coming from the boathouse end of the lake and from those pegs close to the car park. |
The right route
From Spennymoor take the road to Page Bank. Follow this road until just before you get to Whitworth Hall and turn right into Shaftoe’s Public House car park. The fishery is directly in front of the car park. Factfile
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