Fishing
Your Guide to Fishing in NorthumberlandNorthumberland has fine Fishing opportunities in it's well stocked rivers, seas and lakes. The River Coquet is famous for it's runs of Salmon and Sea Trout and parts of the river are considered a fishery of National importance. There are also many lakes and reservoirs that offer excellent opportunities for a relaxing day's fishing as well as boat trips out to sea. Why not fish one of Northumberland's famous wrecks near the Farne Islands on a day trip?
Sea Fishing
Seahouses is home to many an angler and there are a number of sea fishing trips on offer from the harbour. Alan Dawson and his family have over 40 years experience fishing the North Sea and run fishing trips in their MFV 'Guide Me'. He is fully qualified to carry up to twelve passengers on his boat and offers trips from 3 hours to 6 hours and is also available for private charter. You will be fishing the seabed for species such as Cod, Ling, Pollock and Mackerel. For more information visit their website. Unity Fishing Trips can also cater for all your fishing trip needs from 3 hours for novices and families up to 8 hour wreck fishing trips at some of Northumberland's most famous wrecks. Contact skipper Matty Stephenson via his website for more information.
Sea fishing is allowed without a license from Alnmouth beach and also downstream of the Duchess Bridge (on the road into Alnmouth). At the end of Summer both Sea Trout and Salmon can be caught. Upstream of the Duchess Bridge until the River Aln reaches Lesbury belongs to Alnwick Anglers and this tends to be the best stretch for catches. Daily, weekly an annual passes for this stretch of the River are available from the Alnwick Anglers in the Hardy Fishing Tackle Showroom in Alnwick (01665 602 771). You will also need a Rivers Authority License to fish the River, which can be bought from the Post Office.
Fishing from Amble can be highly rewarding and the Amble Angling Centre (on Newburgh Street) is a good place to start. Owners Tony and Norma Urwin have an incredible knowledge of fishing and have won many competitions themselves. Their stock caters for both seawater and saltwater fishermen and they are the first calling point for many local angling clubs. The most common fish caught from Amble and the surrounding area, including the Coquet Island, in the season is cod. Fishing Boats can be chartered from the harbour, including the Warlord, Natalie Kristen and Amble Boat Charter. Mackerel Trips are very popular during the Mackerel season from June to September, which are run in the evenings by Jeff on the Warlord. Boats can also be chartered from Amble for many other reasons including diving, sightseeing and wildlife cruises. The company Amble Boat Charter can be used for any of these reasons as well as fishing.
Reservoir and Lake FishingJust a few miles West of Rothbury is Caiston Trout Fishery, a beautiful 50 acre fishing lake, spring fed and stocked with Rainbow, Blue and Wild Brown Trout. They welcome everybody to the lake, whether a seasoned fisherman or a novice, the lake offers the opportunity to catch Trout from 2 to 15 pounds! Amenities here include a 40 acre fly fishing lake, an 8 acre worm fishing lake, boat and tackle hire, tuition and Salmon fishing on a two mile stretch of the River Coquet. Rainbow Trout fishing is available here all year round (subject to weather in winter) and the Brown Trout season is 22nd March to 30th September annually. For more information and tuition prices visit the Caiston Trout Fishery Website. Postcode for your SatNav: NE65 7LG
Fontburn Fishery at Fontburn Reservoir has become one of the most popular fisheries in the Country thanks to it's excellent reputation for large numbers of Trout. Any method of fishing is available here from bait to fly fishing and they also have a well-stocked shop that sells a range of different flys and bait. The Visitors Centre also has toilet facilities, a picnic area and disabled access. Fontburn is open to fishing from the 12th March to the 30th November from 8am until 9pm or sunset, whichever is sooner. Prices start from as little as £16 (after 2.30pm) with a 4 catch limit and go up to £799 for an explorer season permit. Visit Fontburn Fishery's Website for more information and pricing. Postcode for your SatNav: NE61 4PL
Felton Fence Fishery is conveniently located near the A1 mid-way through the County, about 9 miles North of Morpeth. There are four well stocked lakes here in a peaceful and beautiful location. Badger Lake is about half an acre in size and is packed with carp for pleasure and match anglers. Fence Lake, Mallard Lake and Fox Lake are all mixed coarse. They also provide luxury accommodation and offer day and night fishing, a tackle and bait shop and toilet facilities. Postcode for your SatNav: NE65 9HY.
River Fishing
Rothbury is simply ideal for fishing. First of all there is the River Coquet that runs through the Village itself and the surrounding areas, with parts of the Coquet being considered a fishery of National importance. With runs of Salmon and Sea Trout the Coquet is a very popular, and beautiful, place to fish. The season for Salmon is the 1st February to the 31st October each year but a 'catch and release' bylaw means that you must release any Salmon caught before the 16th June. Fishing licenses can be bought in Rothbury from the Red Grouse Gallery (15 Bridge Street, Rothbury) and rod licenses from the Post Office.
The River Coquet also runs through the Villages of Felton and West Thirston, with its runs of Salmon and Sea Trout it is a very popular, and relaxing, place to fish. The season for Salmon is the same as Rothbury (and indeed anywhere on the Coquet) and the same 'catch and release bylaw applies. The fishing rights for the River downstream from the old bridge are owned by the Northumberland Angler's Federation who you should contact for a permit should you wish to fish the River. The Northumberland Angler's Federation own the fishing rights to much of the River Coquet from here downstream to Warkworth and on to the Estuary at Amble. This stretch of River is extremely picturesque and tranquil. The River upstream of the Old Bridge in Felton is owned by a private club and should not be fished.
Coming soon: River Fishing on the Tweed and the Tyne.
Tackle Shops
Amble Angling Centre, Newburgh Street, Amble. Tel: 01665 711200
Jobson’s of Anwick, Tower Showroom, Alnwick. Tel: 01665 60213
Game Fair Direct, 12 Marygate, Berwick Upon Tweed, TD15 1BN. Tel: 01289 305 119
Useful and Interesting Links
Farson Digital Watercams: River Coquet
Farson Digital Watercams: North Tyne
Farson Digital Watercams: South Tyne
Farson Digital Watercams: Tyne
North East Tackle – The North East’s Online Fishing Shop