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Home » UK Fly Fishing Lakes & Rivers: The Best Spots for Anglers » Fly Fishing Lakes and Rivers in County Durham: A Guide to the Best Spots

Fly Fishing Lakes and Rivers in County Durham: A Guide to the Best Spots

We are excited to explore the beautiful lakes and rivers of County Durham for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its stunning scenery, clear waters, and diverse fish species, County Durham is a top destination for anglers looking to catch trout, salmon, and other freshwater fish.

One of the top fly fishing destinations in County Durham is Aldin Grange Lakes, which boasts five well-stocked lakes. These lakes are home to a variety of fish, including trout (fly only), carp, tench, perch, roach, and bream. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy fishing at Aldin Grange, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler.

Another popular destination for fly fishing in County Durham is New Mills Fly Fishing Lake, located at Jubilee Lakes. This stream-fed water is a Troutmasters fishery and is home to specimen fish, including rainbow, tiger, blue, and brown trout. With its peaceful surroundings and stunning views, New Mills Fly Fishing Lake is the perfect place to spend a day on the water.

Fly Fishing in County Durham

County Durham is a fantastic destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its numerous rivers and lakes, there is no shortage of opportunities to cast your line and reel in your catch. Here are some of the best places to fly fish in County Durham:

Rivers

River Wear

The River Wear is one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in County Durham. It is a large river that runs through Durham City and offers plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. The river is well-stocked, and there are several fishing clubs that offer permits for different stretches of the river.

River Tees

The River Tees is another excellent fly fishing destination in County Durham. It is a large river that runs through the heart of Teesdale and offers plenty of opportunities to catch brown trout, sea trout, and salmon. The river is well-stocked, and there are several fishing clubs that offer permits for different stretches of the river.

Lakes

Jubilee Lakes

Jubilee Lakes is a popular fly fishing destination in County Durham. It is a well-maintained fishery that offers anglers the chance to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and blue trout. The lakes are stocked regularly, and there are several different lakes to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.

Aldin Grange Fishery

Aldin Grange Fishery is another popular fly fishing destination in County Durham. It is a well-maintained fishery that offers anglers the chance to catch a variety of fish, including carp, bream, tench, and roach. The fishery has several different lakes to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.

Conclusion

County Durham is a fantastic destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its numerous rivers and lakes, there is no shortage of opportunities to cast your line and reel in your catch. Whether you prefer to fish in a river or a lake, there is something for everyone in County Durham.

Popular Lakes for Fly Fishing in County Durham

If you’re looking for a great place to go fly fishing in County Durham, you’re in luck. There are several popular lakes that offer a great experience for anglers of all skill levels. Here are a few of our favourites:

Derwent Reservoir

Derwent Reservoir is a large lake that is perfect for fly fishing. The water is clear and the fish are plentiful, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced anglers. You can expect to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and even some pike.

One of the best things about Derwent Reservoir is that it is easily accessible. There is a car park nearby, and the lake is just a short walk away. There are also plenty of amenities available, including toilets and a café.

Grassholme Reservoir

Grassholme Reservoir is another great spot for fly fishing in County Durham. This lake is known for its large brown trout, which can be quite challenging to catch. However, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some great fishing.

In addition to brown trout, you can also expect to catch rainbow trout and some coarse fish. The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to spend a day out in nature.

Hury Reservoir

Hury Reservoir is a smaller lake that is perfect for those who are looking for a more peaceful fishing experience. The lake is surrounded by trees and hills, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The fishing at Hury Reservoir is also excellent. You can expect to catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and some coarse fish. The lake is easily accessible, and there is a car park nearby.

Overall, County Durham is a great place to go fly fishing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there are plenty of lakes and rivers to explore. So grab your gear and head out to one of these popular lakes for a great day of fishing.

Favourite Rivers for Fly Fishing in County Durham

When it comes to fly fishing in County Durham, there are plenty of rivers to choose from. Here are a few of our favourite rivers for fly fishing in the area.

River Wear

The River Wear is a popular river for fly fishing in County Durham. It is known for its brown trout, which can be caught using a variety of dry and wet flies. The river also has a healthy population of grayling, which can be caught using nymphs and dry flies.

One of the best places to fish on the River Wear is in the area around Wolsingham. This stretch of the river is known for its deep pools and fast runs, which provide plenty of opportunities for catching fish. Other good spots on the River Wear include the areas around Bishop Auckland and Durham.

River Tees

The River Tees is another popular river for fly fishing in County Durham. It is known for its salmon and sea trout, which can be caught using a variety of flies, including traditional salmon flies and modern tube flies.

One of the best places to fish on the River Tees is in the area around Barnard Castle. This stretch of the river has some of the best pools and runs for salmon and sea trout fishing in the area. Other good spots on the River Tees include the areas around Middleton-in-Teesdale and Darlington.

Overall, the River Wear and the River Tees are two of the best rivers for fly fishing in County Durham. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, these rivers offer plenty of opportunities for catching fish and enjoying the beauty of the North East countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for fly fishing in County Durham?

County Durham is home to several excellent fly fishing locations. Some of the best spots for fly fishing in County Durham include:

  • Consett Beamish Lakes
  • Balderhead Fishery
  • Sharpley Springs Fly Fishery
  • Eden Meadows Coarse Lake Complex
  • Angel of the North Fishing Lakes
  • Aldin Grange Fishery

What are some recommended day ticket trout fishing locations near County Durham?

If you’re looking for day ticket trout fishing locations near County Durham, we recommend the following:

  • Jubilee Lakes at Redworth
  • New Mills Fly Fishing Lake

Are there any good carp fishing spots in Durham?

Yes, County Durham has several good carp fishing spots. Some of the best carp fishing spots in Durham include:

  • Willington Lake
  • Whorlton Carp Fishery
  • Higham Lakes

What are the regulations for fishing on the River Wear in Durham?

Fishing on the River Wear is regulated by the Environment Agency. To fish on the River Wear, you need to have a valid fishing license. There are also specific rules and regulations that you need to follow, such as catch limits and restrictions on certain types of bait.

Which rivers in County Durham have trout?

County Durham is home to several rivers that have trout, including:

  • River Wear
  • River Tees
  • River Derwent

Are there any free fishing stretches on the River Wear in County Durham?

Yes, there are some free fishing stretches on the River Wear in County Durham. However, these stretches are limited, and you should check with the Environment Agency before fishing to make sure you’re not breaking any rules or regulations.