The River Nidd is one of the smaller rivers in the Yorkshire Dales largely tree lined and a delightful river to fish . The trout and grayling don’t run large but are plentiful and free rising, it’s intimacy gives that “lost in a world of your own” feeling when fishing.

The best of the fly fishing on the River Nidd is from north west of Harrogate to north of Pateley Bridge. The River Nidd is within easy reach of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Harrogate and York and with a direct rail link to Skipton from London Kings Cross makes it easy to visit even from the South of England. The River Nidd is perhaps not as rich as the River Wharfe and River Aire in aquatic insect life but is the only Yorkshire Dales river with an often prolific Mayfly hatch.
Fish species / seasons

The River Nidd has a good stock of mainly wild Brown Trout and large stocks Grayling.

Trout fishing on the River Nidd starts around the end of March and finishes at the end of September with Grayling fishing starting in mid June and finishing at the end of February.
Tackle

A rod between 8 and 8.5 feet for a 4-5 weight line (floating) would be suitable for most beats although a rod of 7 or 7.5 feet would be better for some beats. Waders with ideally felt or felt and studded soles are required and chest high waders are an advantage in certain areas as is a wading staff.
Tactics

Fish on the River Nidd will respond to most methods with upstream dry fly or nymph taking most fish. Spiders as usual (fished upstream) take their share but stealth and a careful approach are essential if you are to catch fish as you are often fishing at close range.