The Washburn Valley Reservoirs

Those of us who are lucky enough to live in England’s largest county are spoilt for choice in terms of venues for a day’s fly-fishing. There are numerous small ‘put and take’ fisheries where one can turn up, get a fly in the water and know that there is a very good chance a trout will be within a few feet of it.

If these are the only types of fishery you have visited then you may feel a little daunted upon arrival at one of Yorkshire Water’s sizeable and often windswept reservoirs. Worry not! Despite their size, each reservoir has its own ‘hotspots’ where fish are often located and a quick telephone call to the warden before your visit should leave you with some idea where to try first. Of course, you may also like to read on and perhaps glean some information from our review!

Washburn Valley fisheries are situated in the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by the picturesque countryside that typifies the area and this alone makes them well worth a visit. Indeed, the reservoirs are popular not just with anglers but also with birdwatchers, ramblers and picnickers. A day ticket allows you to fish Swinsty, Fewston and Thruscross reservoirs and their close proximity to each other means it’s viable to do all three in one day. Swinsty and Fewston are just over 150 acres each, Thruscross being a little smaller at 140, with no boats allowed on any , so try and keep tackle and luggage down to a minimum if you plan on moving around.

Useful Information

The information below is believed to be up to date but it is recommended you contact the fishery before planning your visit.

Tickets are available, by either cash or card payment, from the fishing office located at Swinsty Moor car park.

Discounts are available for children under the age of 16, pensioners and the disabled. Specialist disabled facilities are available.

All hooks must be barbless/de-barbed.

Opening Times

Summer Season
25th March until the last Sunday in November
Evening Fishing from 4.00pm, 1st May to 31st August inclusive

Reservoirs are open from 7.30 and close at the time displayed in the fishing office – usually dusk.

From the end of November until the end of March Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs are open weekends.

The venues are regularly used for competitions and are available for hire.

Location
Near to A59, west of Harrogate, they are that big they are very hard to miss!

Description
Three reservoirs, ranging from 142 to 156 acres.

Stock
Rainbows between 1.5lb and 8lb, stocked every couple of weeks

Prices: Day ticket £18, concessions £15, evening £13

Facilities
Stone lodge, toilet, disabled access