NARBOROUGH FISHERIES
This popular East Anglian water caters for fly and coarse anglers alike. Tucked away in a leafy corner of Norfolk, not far from King’s Lynnrborough Fisheries’ 26-acre site is fed by chalkstream water from the River Nar, which feeds five lakes.
Two of them - Willow and Meadow Lakes – are devoted to fly-fishing. Willow is the main trout lake, and is served by platforms that allow the lake to be fished from all angles. Meadow the fishery’s dedicated big-fish, catch-and-release pool, is stocked with fish averaging 6lb but with some over 14lb. One visitor has commented that the fishery generally has been set out with great thought for disabled persons.
A small tackle shop on site offers all the essentials, including tackle items, hot and cold drinks and confectionery. Tackle hire and tuition and gift vouchers are also available. Group bookings welcome. Touring pitches run alongside two of the lakes. New toilets and showers were installed in 2014 and all the caravan pitches have lakeside views, and a level hard-standing with 16amp electric hook-ups.
ADDRESS: Narborough Fisheries, Main Roadrborough, Norfolk PE32 1TE
CONTACT: 01760 338005
WEB: narfish.co.uk
EMAIL: info.fishing@narfish.co.uk
OPEN: 8am-dusk. Closed mid-December to February 1
PRICE RANGE: (fly-fishing) £17.50-£40 (C&R option available)
AVON TROUT FISHERY
Avon Trout Fishery is in the heart of the Lanarkshire countryside between Airdrie and Cumbernauld and now offers separate fishing for both bait and fly anglers in two pools. A 1.2-acre fly pond is regularly stocked with rainbow, blue, brown, golden, sparctic and tiger trout and now Arctic char as well, with fish ranging from 1 to 15lb. The Mill Pond, meanwhile, covers 1.1 acres and offers both bait and fly-fishing to anglers of all abilities. All fish caught on bait must be retained. This pond is stocked with rainbows, blues, browns, golds and tigers from 1.5lb to 12lb. Natural insect life includes sedge, mayfly, hawthorn and ant.
The fishery’s Fun Pool, meanwhile, is a great place for children and complete beginners. Full of rainbow trout from 1-2lb, it offers the perfect day out for families and hire of rods, nets and tackle is included in the price. Staff on-site will help you learn to cast and catch your first fish.
There is an onsite tackle shop with a huge range of flies, and a selection of Airflo/Fulling Mill and Cortland products – rods, reels and lines. Hot pies, snacks, soft drinks and confectionery may be purchased, while tea and coffee are free. Group bookings of the fishery welcome.
Catering for experienced anglers and beginners, bait and fly anglers and youngsters and families alike, in scenic Scottish countryside.
ADDRESS: Avonhead Road, Longriggend, Airdrie ML6 7TT
CONTACT: 07876 512944 / 01236 832821
WEB: www.avontroutfishery.co.uk
EMAIL: info@avontroutfishery.co.uk
OPEN: All year (not Christmas Day) 8am to earlier of dusk or 10pm
PRICE RANGE: £12.50-£27 (fly) (C&R available); £15-£27 (Bait)
WEST HOUSE TROUT LAKES
Situated in 120 acres of peaceful Durham farmland about 10 minutes from Darlington, West House provides excellent fly-fishing, in four lakes that total eight acres of water. The lakes are stocked with rainbow and blue trout from 2-18lb as well as brown trout up to 22lb (the latter must be returned). The fishery records stand at 19lb for rainbows and 18lb for brown trout.
Set in grassland, the fishery offers easy access to over 95 per cent of the available bank space without any major casting obstacles. Access for disabled persons is available by prior arrangement.
The site has secure car parking, a fishing lodge and toilet facilities and anglers of all standards are welcome. Meals are available at the public houses in the nearby village of Bishopton, but tea, coffee and soup are available at the lodge.
Natural fly life is prolific with hatches of pond and lake olives, mayfly, sedges, buzzers and damsel fly. Although lures are successful early and late in the season, artificial patterns representing the natural insects are the most predominant catchers of fish. Successful patterns are Pheasant Tail Nymph, GRHE, Buzzers, Damsel Nymph and Daddies, with Dawson’s Olive, MontaCat’s Whisker and Fritz patterns the most popular lures.
ADDRESS: West House Farm, Mill Lane, Bishopton, Nr Stillington, Stockton on Tees, Teesside TS21 1LL
CONTACT: 07836 330157
WEB: www.westhouse-troutlakes.co.uk
EMAIL: via website OPEN 8am-dusk all year
PRICE RANGE: £15-£28 (C&R available after at least one fish retained)
GRASSHOLME
Four miles of bank space and many inlets and bays offers a great variety of fishing, in picturesque upper Teesdale.
Fish come from Grassholme’s own local fish farms, and some are tagged with cash prizes available. Bait and fly-fishing available. Loose feed and ground baiting allowed around the reservoir. Suitable for disabled anglers with a disabled platform close to the visitor centre.
There’s also an excellent on-site shop has everything you need, including rods, reels, tackle, accessories, clothing, worms, bait, ice creams and refreshments.
ADDRESS: West Pasture, Mickleton, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 0PW
CONTACT: 01833 641121 WEB watersideparksuk.com (mouse over ‘Our Parks’, click ‘Grassholme’, then ‘Fishing’)
EMAIL: info@watersideparksuk.com
OPEN: Until November 30, 8am (7am weekends/bank holidays) to dusk (9am-4pm Nov)
PRICE RANGE: £19-£27 (C&R option (fly only) available)
