Your guide for 2015 DISCOVER WATERSIDE PARKS AND FISHING with Northumbrian Water.

Transcription

1 Your guide for 2015 DISCOVER WATERSIDE ARKS AND FISHING with Northumbrian Water

2 Northumbrian Water fisheries have built up a well deserved reputation for offering top quality fishing. With some of the best scenery around, friendly and helpful employees, plus well stocked tackle shops, the result is a recipe for a perfect day s fishing. We offer angling opportunities for everyone with bait or fly trout fishing at our premier fisheries, with wild brown trout fishing in Upper Teesdale and coarse fishing at Whittle Dene. We also have a designated section for roach fishing at Derwent Reservoir. For those of you who are new to the sport we offer try it days fishing lessons for beginners. New for 2015 is an all day (7.00am until close) catch and release sporting permit for fly fishing only priced at 15. (Anglers fishing with this permit will be required to use barbless hooks). For non-anglers our waterside parks offer a range of activities including walking, picnicking, bird watching and cycling. For details of what is on offer at each park please visit and go to the leisure section of our website. OENING DATES AND TIMES The trout fishing season on our premier fisheries opens on Saturday 14 March until Monday 30th November 2015 (except at Kielder Water which closes Friday 13 November 2015). The wild brown trout waters at Balderhead, Selset and Cow Green are open from Sunday 22 March until Wednesday 30 September Our coarse fishery at Whittle Dene is open all year. * All visitor centres and fishing lodge facilities are open daily from 7.00am. Tower Knowe visitor centre is open daily from 31 March at 10.00am. Bank fishing times run from March 14 until October 31 from 7.00am until 9.00pm or sunset (whichever is sooner). * lease note during November, fishing and opening times are 9.00am until 4.00pm. To reflect the reduced daylight hours in November, trout fishing permits are priced at 16 per day with a ten fish catch limit. Day permits are available to buy online before your visit through fishpal. Visit for more information. For further information on fishing with Northumbrian Water call (lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00am until 5.00pm), visit or go.fishing@nwl.co.uk. For the very latest information including catch returns and images you can also find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/nwfishing or twitter:@gofishingnwl. 2

3 LEARN TO FISH AT DERWENT RESERVOIR In partnership with the BTFRA (British Trout Farmers Restocking Association) and in memory of the late Rob Mackie, we are proud to announce that the monies provided by the memorial fund has enabled us to reduce the cost of introducing juniors to the sport of fishing for rainbow trout from 20 to 15. Fishing is an excellent sport but also makes a fantastic hobby and our try it days make it easier for newcomers of all ages to get into this superb sport. The courses are professionally run and aimed at complete novices with our friendly coaches taking you through each stage step by step, teaching you everything you need to know to be able to have an enjoyable day s fishing. HOW TO BOOK Courses cost 30 for adults and 15 for under 18 s for a three hour session and all of the tackle is provided. Try it days are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays (beginning on Tuesday 7 April) and will alternate between any method and fly fishing. We can also offer try it days at our other premier fisheries. For more information and to book one of our try it days call GREAT VALUE FAMILY FISHING WITH FREE FISHING FOR UNDER 18s Fishing is fantastic fun for children and the whole family. It s so easy to learn, makes a great family day out and is the perfect way to make friends and have fun. Families and couples can enjoy a day s fishing with our family and couples permit* which allows parents or guardians, plus any number of their children aged under 18 years, to fish for the inclusive price of 35. For those of you who enjoy eating your catch, this permit offers a 12 fish shared catch limit. Remember, up to two children under 18 can still fish free when one parent buys a day or concessionary permit. This permit offers an eight fish shared catch limit. *Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill FISH FREE FOR A DAY WITH A STARTER ACK Once you ve got the angling bug, our shops sell everything you will need, including fishing starter packs which contain the complete kit and our rangers will be pleased to show you how to tackle up and select a bait. These starter kits come with a free day permit which makes it even easier and cheaper for you to begin fishing! FREE LOYALTY CARD AND FISHING REWARDS Our fisheries already offer great value for money, and to reward your loyalty we run a fantastic free fishing offer. As an extra bonus we have increased the catch limit for the free loyalty day to 10 fish for a full and concessionary permit and five fish for a credit cruncher permit. Come fishing seven times and your eighth visit is free that s a saving credit of 3.42 on a full 23 eight fish day permit every time you swipe your card! The fantastic savings are illustrated below: Cost of 8 visits Full 23 Cons 21 Credit cruncher 16 Without card With card Saving Family To register for your free loyalty card online visit or you can call us on or go.fishing@nwl.co.uk. Once you have your card it is yours for life, there is no need to renew your card each year. To claim and record your credit simply present your card to be swiped at point of sale when buying your permit. There is no limit to the number of times you can claim and all your credits are carried forward on your account to the following season. You can also use your loyalty card when hiring a boat at Kielder. Fly only catch and release

4 4 Kielder Water is our boat fishery and with over 2,000 acres of water to explore you can try a different spot every time you fish. KIELDER WATER & FOREST ARK Open Saturday 14 March until Friday 13 November Directions: Located 12 miles west of Bellingham, Kielder is easily accessible from the A69 at Hexham. With a fleet of 15 fully equipped motor boats and the biggest man made lake in northern Europe Kielder Water offers exhilarating fishing for both enthusiast and competition anglers alike. is open daily (10.00am until 5.00pm) from Saturday 10 March until Sunday 1 November. Bring along the family for the day as there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. ANY METHOD FISHING SAT NAV NE48 1BT EARLY OENING FROM 6AM Bank anglers are also spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a spot to fish with access to around 20 miles of shoreline along the Lakeside Way. lease check with the on site rangers for further details. Environment Agency licences are available to buy at Leaplish Waterside ark. lease note, only one rod is allowed per licence. ermits are available from Leaplish Waterside ark from 6.00am until 4.00pm and also from Tower Knowe visitor centre, which Leaplish Waterside ark The Boat Inn restaurant and bar serves coffee, drinks, lunch and evening meals. Facilities include an indoor pool, childrens play areas, shop, ferry rides, birds of prey centre and mini golf. lease note some of these facilities require advanced booking and are an additional cost. Tower Knowe visitor centre Café on the water serves a selection of drinks and light bites. Visit the shop or learn about Kielder at the interactive exhibition.

5 Bakethin Reservoir No fishing on Bakethin Reservoir Weir T Matthew s Linn opular boat fishing with shallow and deep drop offs available Needs Hill lashetts Bay Ideal for boat fishing all year lashetts Incline KIELDER WATER & FOREST ARK No access when water skiing taking place go.fishing@nwl.co.uk BOAT HIRE Full day midweek 15 Full day weekend 19 Boats must be booked in advance. Boat hire is included in loyalty day scheme. Saturday 14 March until Friday 13 November Hire from 8.30am to 8.00pm (depending on sunset times). Half day midweek 12 Friday 1 May until Wednesday 30 September Hire from 8.30am to 2.00pm or 2.30pm to 8.00pm (depending on sunset times). 2,700 acres (1,093 hectares) KEY Sheltered area with steep drop offs, ideal for the fly angler T Leaplish Waterside ark (fishing permits) (shop and Boat Inn restaurant and bar) Kielder lodges Beeches Walk opular bait area during spring and summer Whickhope Burn Leaplish Ski Bay Ferry route No fishing when water skiing taking place No access Life belt Fishing lodge (signing in and catch returns) Belvedere Bull Crag Whickhope Benny Shank Information Merlin Brae Belling Inlet Elf Kirk viewpoint The Belling Scotch Rocks Old North Tyne Road Kielder Water Sailing Club No fishing when water skiing taking place Telephone (Matthew s Linn is emergency only) Hawkhope Slipway Stockie Bay T Tower Knowe Visitor Centre (fishing permits) (Café on the water and shop) Good all year round Disabled access Valve Tower Shallow bay which holds fish all year RICES Day permit Full 23 Concessionary 21 (8 fish catch limit.) Fly only catch and release 15. (Barbless hooks required all trout to be returned.) Family and couples permit* 35 (12 fish catch limit.) Credit cruncher 16 available from 2.00pm (4 fish catch limit.) Day permit (November) 16 (10 fish catch limit.) Opening times 6.00am until 4.00pm. arking is free if you are fishing. * Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill. 5 Lakeside Way No fishing at any time Toilet arking icnic area T No fishing when water skiing is taking place

6 6 FONTBURN Open Saturday 14 March until Monday 30 November Directions: Located just off the A696 and close to the village of Rothbury. It is located within easy reach of Tyneside and offers top class fishing for fly and bait anglers alike. Many of Fontburn s trout are stocked from our own on site fish farm and is suitable for disabled anglers. On site we have an excellent lodge shop stocked with everything you need for a days fishing such as rods, reels, tackle, accessories, clothing, worms, bait, ice creams and refreshments including hot and cold drinks. Environment Agency rod licenses are also on sale at this fishery. For non-anglers, there is a stunning circular walk and a spacious picnicking area for you to relax at. Fontburn is one of our smaller waters and consequently has a reputation as being a friendly, family oriented fishery. The reservoir and surrounding land is home to a vast array of wildlife and wild flowers. On some days you can watch juvenile ospreys fishing and observe great crested newts in the north shore lagoon ponds. Soaring buzzards are a common sight and if you are lucky it is also possible to spot otters at play in the secluded parts of the nature reserve. ANY METHOD FISHING SAT NAV NE61 4L

7 87 acres (35 hectares) Nature reserve Shallow Shallow North shore Best fly area all year round Good bait area all year round FONTBURN Disabled access The Shallows Dam Visitor Centre and shop T RICES Day permit Full 23 Concessionary 21 (8 fish catch limit.) Fly only catch and release 15 (Barbless hooks required all trout to be returned.) Family and couples permit* 35 (12 fish catch limit.) Credit cruncher 16 available from 2.00pm (4 fish catch limit.) Day permit (November) 16 (10 fish catch limit.) Opening times 9.00am until 4.00pm. * Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill. X Stile South shore X Stile Good bait area all year round Lodge Bank 7 KEY Life belt No access Information Telephone Disabled access T Toilet arking icnic area No fishing at any time General info: Rangers and shop tel:

8 8 DERWENT Open Saturday 14 March until Monday 30 November Directions: Located just off the A68 and four miles west of Castleside, turn south at the Manor House pub and follow the road into the valley. ANY METHOD FISHING SAT NAV DH8 9TT Throughout the season a number of tagged fish will be stocked, with special prizes awarded to those anglers lucky enough to catch them. In addition, the dam wall is available for coarse anglers who can expect to catch some quality roach. Derwent is suitable for disabled anglers and visitors. On site we have an excellent shop stocked with everything you need for a day s fishing such as rods, reels, tackle, accessories, clothing, worms, bait, ice creams and refreshments including hot and cold drinks. Environment Agency rod licences are also on sale at this fishery. For those not fishing there are several picnicking and play areas, plus spectacular walks along the north and south shores and across the dam. The reservoir and surrounding land is home for a fantastic array of wildlife and you can often see soaring buzzards, red kites and fishing ospreys as well as red squirrels rabbits, stoats and weasels. A wheelchair accessible trail runs from the south end of the dam along to ow Hill Country ark and from the north shore of the dam wall to Millshield picnic site. Derwent is our most popular fishery, with anglers liking the combination of lots of bank space and the chance to catch specimen trout weighing up to 20lbs.

9 1000 acres (495 hectares) Quaker s Graveyard Shallow Sailing Club Bay of lenty Millshield T Henry s lantation Best fly areas in spring DERWENT go.fishing@nwl.co.uk North shore (fly only) RICES Day permit Full 23 Concessionary 21 (8 fish catch limit.) Fly only catch and release 15 (Barbless hooks required all trout to be returned.) Family and couples permit* 35 (12 fish catch limit.) Credit cruncher 16 available from 2.00pm (4 fish catch limit.) Carricks Nature reserve Hunter House ow Hill Country park Best bait area early and late season Shallow South shore (any method) The Meadow Limit of any method Best bait area in summer Second fence Best fly area all year round Cronkley Bay T Visitor Centre and shop Disabled platform Day permit (November) 16 (10 fish catch limit.) Opening times 9.00 am until 4.00pm Coarse fishing permit 10 * Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill. KEY Life belt No access Information Telephone Disabled access General info: T Toilet arking icnic area No fishing at any time Rangers, visitor centre and shop tel:

10 10 Grassholme is firmly established as one of the top any method fisheries in the country, lying in the picturesque rolling pasture land of upper Teesdale. GRASSHOLME Open Saturday 14 March until Monday 30 November Directions: Take the B6277 from Barnard Castle towards Mickleton. Turn off at the western end of the village, sign posted Grassholme Reservoir. The fishery is roughly a mile up the road on the right. ANY METHOD FISHING SAT NAV DL12 0W With four miles of bank space and many inlets and bays it offers a great variety of fishing. Grassholme also enjoys the luxury of its own local fish farm. Grassholme is suitable for disabled anglers and visitors. On site we have an excellent lodge shop stocked with everything you need for a days fishing including rods, reels, tackle, accessories, clothing, worms, bait, ice creams and refreshments including hot and cold drinks. Environment Agency rod licenses are also on sale at this fishery. There is a circular footpath around the lake providing magnificent views across the water and a pleasant picnicking area next to the visitor centre for you to relax. The reservoir and surrounding land is home to a vast array of wildlife and wild flowers, and on calm days you can listen to the song of the skylark and call of the curlew. At the western end of the reservoir it is common to see electric blue damsel flies and large dragonflies on the wing.

11 140 acres (57 hectares) Good early and late season Grassholme Bank Shallow Rigg Bank No access ebble Beach Kelton Bank East Close Bay Shallow Good fly fishing Rabbit Bank Stake Hill Wester Bay Brock Scar Low Rigg Shallow West asture Middle sections of the reservoir are good mid to late season GRASSHOLME Easter Bay Disabled platform Shallow Witch s Hat Visitor Centre and shop T RICES Day permit Full 23 Concessionary 21 (8 fish catch limit.) Fly only catch and release 15 (Barbless hooks required all trout to be returned.) Family and couples permit* 35 (12 fish catch limit.) Credit cruncher 16 available from 2.00pm (4 fish catch limit.) Day permit (November) 16 (10 fish catch limit.) opening times 9.00am until 4.00pm * Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill. Nature reserve KEY Life belt No access Information Telephone Disabled access General info: T Toilet arking icnic area No fishing at any time Rangers and shop tel:

12 12 Hury is exclusively a fly fishery and is the ideal venue for traditional fly anglers who like to fish with wet and dry flies as well as lures. FLY FISHING ONLY SAT NAV DL12 9U HURY Open Saturday 14 March until Monday 30 November Directions: Located in the Balder Valley, the lake can be reached from either Romaldkirk or Cotherstone on the B6277 Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale road. Stocked weekly, often with our own grown fish from our Teesdale fish farm, Hury is a must for traditional and fly fishing enthusiasts. There are picnic and play areas located on both the north and south shore next to the dam wall for you to relax at. The reservoir is home to a vast array of wildlife and wildflowers. In May the hawthorn bloom fills the western end of the reservoir with both colour and perfume. Several species of wading birds can be seen on the shoreline sharing the water with other wildfowl such as teal and widgeon.

13 125 acres (50 hectares) Low Newhouse Boil Top Dam Excellent buzzer hatches all year Good late spring/ early summer How Gill oint Waterfall Bay Shallow Newhouse Bay Shallow Bay eninsular Rocky Bank This bank fishes consistently all year Scoon Bank Reedy Bank Shallow Shallow Corporal Hill HURY Disabled platform Lodge T RICES Day permit Full 23 Concessionary 21 (8 fish catch limit.) Fly only catch and release 15 (Barbless hooks required all trout to be returned.) Family and couples permit* 35 (12 fish catch limit.) Credit cruncher 16 available from 2.00pm (4 fish catch limit.) Day permit (November) 16 (10 fish catch limit.) Opening times 9.00am until 4.00pm * Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill. KEY No access Life belt Information Telephone Disabled access General info: Rangers, tel: (based at Grassholme.) 13 T Toilet arking icnic area No fishing at any time

14 14 Conveniently located near Teesside, Scaling Dam enjoys a lovely setting on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. SCALING DAM Open Saturday 14 March until Monday 30 November Directions: Scaling Dam is located between Guisborough and Whitby directly off the A171. ANY METHOD FISHING SAT NAV TS13 4T The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful wild heather moorland and is relatively shallow, making it an excellent choice for both fly and bait anglers alike. On site we have an excellent lodge shop stocked with everything you need for a day s fishing including rods, reels, tackle, accessories, clothing, worms, bait, ice creams and refreshments including hot and cold drinks. Environment Agency rod licenses are also on sale at this fishery. Scaling Dam is accessible for disabled anglers and visitors. Our visitor centre provides information about the reservoir and surrounding attractions. For the rest of the family there is a pleasant circular walk, a section of which is wheelchair accessible, plus several lovely picnic areas along the way offering wonderful views and a place for you to relax at. The reservoir and surrounding land is also home to a vast array of wildlife and wild flowers. It is a key site for wading birds and wildfowl and juvenile ospreys practicing their fishing skills can often be observed.

15 Visitor Centre and shop Bird Hide T i Nature reserve Very popular area throughout season (bait best) Depth: 10-15ft Disabled platform Dog Leg opular for fly fishing summer months, evening best Depth: 3-8ft opular for both trout and pike fishing Depth: 25-30ft est water in reservoir - 30ft Big tree Good bait fishing throughout the season Depth: 3-8ft SCALING DAM Good location for bait fishing roductive for fly during northerly winds Depth: 8-10ft Timber Groyne East Bay Good area for both bait and fly May is best month for fly when Hawthorns hatch Depth: 6-15ft go.fishing@nwl.co.uk East Shore Overflow T Good for fly fishing in an east wind Depth: 2-8ft Best area for fly fishing Depth: 3-10ft SW winds best Best months June, July and August RICES Day permit Full 23 Concessionary 21 (8 fish catch limit.) Fly only catch and release 15 (Barbless hooks required all trout to be returned.) Family and couples permit* 35 (12 fish catch limit.) Credit cruncher 16 available from 2.00pm (4 fish catch limit.) Day permit (November) 16 (10 fish catch limit.) Opening times 9.00am until 4.00pm * Cohabiting only, proof may be required i.e. a utility bill. 105 acres (42 hectares) 15 KEY Life belt No access Information Telephone Disabled access T Toilet arking icnic area No fishing at any time General info: Rangers, visitor centre and shop tel:

16 16 DAVES TO TIS Dave Coster, roduct Innovation Manager at ure Fishing UK Ltd, shares his top tips. 3 Hook and feed baits Maggots will 1 catch fish on all three lakes. I prefer to 2 use these more in the winter, finding a pint of grubs is enough to catch fish all day, feeding little and often style. Casters are better during the summer and autumn, helping to pick out better sized roach, particularly when fishing up in the water. The hemp and tare combination accounts for really big nets of roach from early summer to late autumn. Sweetcorn and pellets are good back up baits when small fish are a problem. Chopped worm helps to activate swims quicker all year round, also being good for attracting skimmers on the Northern and Lower lakes. ole tactics Long pole tactics work well on all three lakes, using fine lines and small hooks with baits like maggots, casters, hemp and chopped worms. utting in a few balls of groundbait at the start is a good way to kick start your swim, introducing regular small amounts of loose feed over the top. Feeding little and often usually results in bigger fish feeding at mid-depth or close to the surface, so switching to a shallow rig can bring very good results. Last year four to five metre whip tactics also scored well, particularly when there was a tinge of colour in the lakes. With the whip, feed small balls of soft groundbait regularly, loose feeding a few maggots or casters in-between. Once again the hemp and tare combination has produced the best summer and autumn roach sport, while switching to a groundbait approach with worms, pellets or sweetcorn is a better bet for the prolific skimmers in the Lower lake. 4 The waggler option Waggler tackle works well everywhere on this complex, although in the deeper swims it takes a little longer to get the fish feeding, introducing odd balls of soft groundbait combined with loose fed maggots. The best waggler swims are near the main road on the Northern, where the water is shallower, also on the Southern, particularly late summer when water levels are lower. Don t ignore the slider in deeper swims, a method that works well over a bed of groundbait, using double maggot or worm and maggot hook baits. Sweetcorn and pellets are also worth a try in warm conditions. Feeder fishing Use small groundbait feeders on the Northern and cast regularly to get the bites coming from the roach, although a lot more skimmers showed up in this lake last year. The prime feeder hotspot is the Lower lake, which holds a huge head of skimmers. Use a medium sized groundbait feeder on here, introducing chopped worms and casters to get the skimmer bream interested, along with quality roach and some nice sized hybrids. If you get pestered with gudgeon and small perch, add a few 4mm pellets into your groundbait and try a 6mm offering on the hook. Sweetcorn is another good bet for better quality fish. The feeder also scores well on the great Southern lake, but at distance, using a medium size cage feeder and soft quick release groundbait laced with hemp and casters. Use maggots on the hook few yards further out. Dave Coster, roduct Innovation Manager ure Fishing UK Ltd WHITTLE DENE Open all year. Directions: Easy to reach from Tyneside, the lakes are located right on the old military road (B6318) near Harlow Hill. The three coarse fishing lakes at Whittle Dene are exceptionally well maintained and set in beautiful rolling Northumbrian countryside. If you don t want to walk far, the roadside banks on the Northern and Lower lakes are easily accessible, while for the more adventurous minded the grassy banks are easy to traverse with a trolley if you want to explore further afield. Sometimes it can pay to fish the far banks of the top two lakes, which often provide bigger fish. If you prefer solitude the minute walk to the Great Southern lake is worth the effort too, providing stunning scenery and the potential for some of the best roach fishing you will ever enjoy! Whittle Dene is continuing to grow in popularity don t miss out! RICES Day permit 7 Credit cruncher 5 available from 2.30pm.

17 T Lodge 17 acres (7 hectares) Northern Lake Lower Lake WHITTLE DENE COARSE FISHING Great Southern Lake SAT NAV NE15 0QA NORTHERN LAKE The Northern Lake can be a slow starter, which was the case in 2013 after a late spring, but once the water warmed up the fishing was exceptionally consistent. The road side is popular because you can park your car behind most swims; it s also sheltered here when the wind is from the west. This bank offers slightly shallower water, only requiring top 3 kits if you fish the pole, while waggler and light groundbait feeder tactics work well too. LOWER LAKE The permanently pegged Lower lake provided the best sport in years on the complex during Apart from many big pleasure fishing weights of roach and skimmers, there were some cracking match returns too, including a near 50lb weight of skimmers caught on cage feeder tactics. The skimmer fishing has really improved on this lake, both with normal groundbait feeder tactics and the long pole. A new development has been the use of pellets to catch these fish, which Fishing with maggots or casters normally results in roach, dace, gudgeon and perch feeding all day along this stretch. If small fish are a problem try switching to hemp, tares, worms or sweetcorn to sort out the better roach. The far bank is deeper and it sometimes takes a bit longer to get the fish feeding, but bigger roach and skimmers reside here. Apart from chances of roach to well over the pound mark, a lot of skimmers showed here last year, including proper bream to 2.5lbs! The best weight was a 40lb catch of bream, skimmers and roach. is a good trick to avoid the hoards of small gudgeon that tend to maul baits like maggots, casters and worms. The waggler fished shallow is another way of avoiding gudgeon. It takes a while to get bites this way but constant loose feeding of maggots or casters soon activates the huge shoals of roach. A lot of good sized hybrids turned up last year, along with dace to 12ozs and rogue carp averaging 5 6lbs. The hemp and tare combination works well for the quality roach from July right through to November. 17 KEY No access Life belt Information Telephone T No fishing at any time Toilet General info: Rangers tel: (based at Fontburn) arking Disabled access GREAT SOUTHERN LAKE This is the least fished water on the complex due to it being a 10 to 15 minute walk to reach. If you have a barrow or trolley it s not a difficult journey and worth the effort because very often you can have the place to yourself. It s not an easy venue but get it right and the roach fishing is top notch, bearing in mind the red fins tend to be a better stamp, with fish in the 12oz to 1lb category very common. The best time to fish the Southern is during the summer and early autumn, especially when water levels are low, when hemp and tares become top baits. This lake is a lot shallower anyway, making waggler tactics very good, along with light long pole rigs and groundbait or cage feeders fished at distance. Maggots will always catch fish, with casters and sweetcorn worth a try. This is mainly a roach venue but perch, dace, gudgeon and odd small chub often turn up.

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19 SCALING DAM Scaling Dam Reservoir is located within the North York Moors National ark. The western end of the reservoir site has been designated a nature reserve and, as part of this is also within the North York Moors, it has been classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Enjoy walks and wildlife at our reservoirs. Although there is no public access within the nature reserve, we have developed an excellent circular walk that follows the boundary. The walk begins from the sailing club car park as a grassy path which goes through a small area of woodland and then onto a track known as Boghouse Lane. Going in an anti-clockwise direction, this track skirts the edge of the nature reserve with boardwalks crossing particularly boggy areas and a bridge taking you over the main inlet stream to the reservoir. The path then takes you onto the moor, still skirting the edge of the nature reserve, and a stile eventually leads you back towards the reservoir adjacent to conifer and broadleaved woodland. The rest of the path stays close to the reservoir going through areas of heather, species rich grassland and gorse. KIELDER WATER & FOREST ARK Bakethin reservoir, which forms part of Kielder Reservoir and Forest ark, is an area specially set aside for wildlife and an excellent place for a walk. From the car park, turn left at the road and then right to cross Butteryhaugh bridge then follow the road south for 250m. Turn left and follow the waymarked path into the forest until you reach a firebreak (large grassy strip in the trees used to prevent fires spreading). Here, Norway spruce is the dominant tree species and is the main food source for red squirrels, so keep an eye out for this charismatic creature. Bear left on the path and climb up to a forestry road then turn right and follow the road as it bears to the right. On the left the trees have been felled and in the clearing is Deadman cairn, a prehistoric burial monument which sits on a carpet of different mosses. Round cairns like this were common in the Bronze Age around years ago when metal tools were first used in Britain. Continue along the road until it joins a track leading from a disused quarry, bear right and follow the tarmac road until it joins the North Haul road. Two rare flowers can bee found at this junction the heath spotted orchid and the lilac coloured fragrant orchid. Turn right and walk along the track heading towards Butteryhaugh where you will find excellent views of the reservoir to your left. Just over half way along the track there is an option to take a left turn and head down to cross the Kielder viaduct. Take this route, take a right turn at the end of the viaduct and then descend via the path towards the car park where you started your walk. 19

20 WILD BROWN TROUT In balderhead, cow green, and selset we are fortunate to have three of the very best wild brown trout fisheries in the country. All based in Teesdale, they are full of fighting fit trout, providing excellent sport. Surrounded by the fantastic scenery of the North ennine grouse moors, there are few more tranquil and relaxing ways to spend a day s fishing than roaming the banks of these waters, and even fewer places where you can catch truly wild browns. The trout in these Reservoirs are 100% native, having descended from the original upland brownies which lived in the streams before the dams were built. Lightning quick and very hard fighting with unique colours and markings, these fish are a joy to catch. HOW TO CATCH THEM Although using small hook baits such as a brandling under a stick float often gives good results, by far the best approach is to travel light with a fly rod. The golden rule for any of these methods is to keep on the move as these are wily little fellows and will quickly be spooked by repeat casting in one area. When fly fishing, an intermediate line may be needed on the colder days in March and April, when a small Black Tadpole on the point and drab almers on the droppers should get plenty of action. From May onwards, use a floating line as the trout are usually at the surface, often free rising to all manner of terrestrial insects and the prolific hatches of small Black or Olive Buzzers RICES Full 9 Concessionary 7 (12 fish catch limit.) Day permits for Balderhead, Selset and Cow Green are available to buy from Grassholme visitor centre only. ermits can also be bought in advance using your debit or credit card by calling on or online at which are evident throughout late spring and summer. At this time, small traditional patterns such as Black ennells, Invictas and Spiders are consistent fish catchers with dries including Hoppers, Sedgehogs and Cul-de-Canards doing very well when fish are rising. A jewel in the crown of Northumbrian Water, Cow Green offers the angler the opportunity to catch lightning quick wild and hard fighting brown trout in stunning surroundings, no finer place to be with a fly rod. aul Little, AAGAI Master: double handed and fly dressing. The season opens on our wild brown trout waters at Balderhead, Selset and Cow Green on Saturday 22 March until Tuesday 30 September Rangers tel: (Based at Grassholme). 20

21 HINTS AND TIS BY ANDREW SCOTT Our very own ranger at Teesdale has once again been selected to represent the England national fly fishing team. Here are some fantastic tips from Andrew which will help you to catch consistently across our waters during the season 1. Fish the margins! With most of the natural food fish feed on in upland reservoirs being land born insects and invertebrates, more often than not, the trout tend to patrol close to the bank. Before wading in or casting to the horizon try a few casts at short range, many good catches were taken this way last season. 3. Dries at Derwent. Derwent saw some fantastic fly hatches last summer with fish rising all over in the evenings when conditions were favourable. One method often overlooked by anglers is fishing dries blind (when no fish can be seen rising). Often the only reason they can t be seen is because there s simply no fly hatches but they will still be on the lookout keen to take an artificial. 4. Colour combinations Try two different colours of owerbait eggs on the same hook. This technique has been used to fantastic effect at Grassholme over recent seasons by a few of our regular anglers. Try fishing a pink and a yellow egg with a feeder of Magic Dust. This method has consistently taken limit catches when others have struggled. 2. Keep on the move! Especially during very hot or cold weather. During prolonged periods of cold or warm weather the fish become lethargic and it s essential to keep moving in order to catch consistently. Travel light and spend no more than 30 minutes in one area without success. 5. Count down spinners. Depth can be crucial when using spinners and using the simple countdown method often employed by fly anglers can pay dividends. Start the retrieve immediately on the first cast then after a count of five on the second and so on until the fish are located. 6. Set the drag! We mention this time and time again, but still on a weekly basis we have anglers returning to our lodges with stories of huge fish lost and snapped line. This is nearly always a result of the drag not being set correctly on the reel. With many fantastic double figure fish waiting to be stocked this season we urge all of our anglers to make sure it is at the correct setting before fishing. Ask the rangers if you re not sure how to do it, they will happily help. Tight lines, Andrew. 21

22 COMETITIONS DIARY KIELDER AIRS 2015 Fly only boat pairs 10.00am until 5.00pm. Fishery rules and booking required. To book more information please call our team on Heat 1 Sunday 26 April Heat 2 Sunday 24 May SATURDAY 9 MAY 2015 FONTBURN CHARITY COMETITION MORETH LIONS Fly and bait entry on the day, prizes for adults and juniors. For more information please contact our ranger team on SATURDAY 9 MAY 2015 KIELDER WATER SCIERRA AIRS HEAT Fly only boat pairs (fish with your partner). Fishery rules and booking required. Entry form available from or contact SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2015 DERWENT RESERVOIR BANKMASTER Fly and bait separate competitions on different banks of the reservoir. Entry on the day. rizes for adults and juniors. For more information please contact our ranger team on WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2015 KIELDER WATER JACK CHARLTON DISABLED ANGLER CU Fly and bait fishing from boats and bank. Booking required. To book please contact at on or pat.redfern@blueyonder.co.uk. SUNDAY 31 MAY 2015 Heat 3 Sunday 21 June Final Sunday 12 July KIELDER WATER ATTEFF NORTHERN ENGLAND QUALIFIER Fly only from boats. Booking required. Contact Alan Jenkins , or alan202@btinternet.com. 22

23 FRIDAY 31 JULY 2015 FONTBURN CHARITY COMETITION Northumberland County Blind Association. Fly and bait entry on the day, prizes for adults and juniors. For more information please contact our ranger team on SUNDAY 2 AUGUST 2015 KIELDER WATER TEAM OF FOUR Cash rize Competition. Fly only, 10.00am until 5.00pm. Fishery rules and booking required. To book and for more information please call our team on MONDAY 31ST AUGUST 2015 COARSE FISHING CHALLENGE At Whittle Dene (lower match lake). Tickets available from local tackle shops from July. For more information please contact our ranger team on Our life saving partnership with world class tackle company Hardy Greys continues this season. Together through a series of fun and friendly competitions, we have raised more than 50,000 for independent charity WaterAid. Thanks to Hardy Greys for their continued support providing over 1,000 worth of tackle vouchers that participants can win when they enter any of our WaterAid competitions. Thanks for your support. SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2015 DERWENT RESERVOIR ANNUAL CHARITY COARSE FISHING CHALLENGE 100 peg match tickets only, tickets available from match organiser from October. For more information please contact our ranger team on FOR YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY The safety information and angling rules are displayed in the fishing lodges and around the sites. In addition, a full copy of our safety and angling rules can be obtained from our rangers on site or can be viewed online at All anglers aged 12 or over must be in possession of their own individual Environment Agency rod license in addition to the fishery permit. It is a criminal offence to take fish in excess of the permit catch limit and offenders will be prosecuted under the Theft Act. Our rangers reserve the right to inspect catches and enforce the fishery rules. In adverse conditions and if necessary they can also cancel or suspend fishing on safety grounds. RETAIL It is well worth paying a visit to one of our shops when you go fishing. These are located at Derwent, Fontburn, Grassholme, Kielder (limited stock) and Scaling Dam. Each is stocked with all of your fishing requirements from baits and flies to rod and reels. lus we have a full range of accessories including clothing, waders, umbrellas and tackle boxes. Our knowledgeable employees are on hand to advise you on the best pack for your needs, at the best value prices. Leading tackle brands are stocked including Sonik, Hardy Greys, Lureflash, Leeda, Svendsen sports and Deerhunter outdoor clothing. We also have a range of ice creams, confectionary and refreshments, including hot and cold drinks available. 23

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