WaterSports

Fishing
With an abundance of rivers, canals, lake and reservoirs, Yorkshire is a destination offering all types of fishing. Take your pick at the locations, including delightfully landscaped former quarries now stocked with carp and pike, eel fishing in the River Hull and spring-fed trout lakes in North Yorkshire.

The River Esk is the principal salmon and sea trout fishery in Yorkshire, the water around Whitby supporting the third largest commercial salmon net fishery in the country. Inland waters are not public property and permission must be obtained from the owner before fishing. You need a rod licence to fish in any water and a permit to fish in a particular water is also required.

For more information on licences and permits contact a main post office. Details on fishing locations and clubs can be obtained from local fishing tackle shops or from the Environment Agency, Coverda le House, Aviator Court, Amy Johnson Way, Clifton Moor, York, YO3 4UZ. Tel: 01904 692296.

A first fishing experience
If you want to try fishing for the first time, or perhaps want to give the art of fly fishing a go then there are a number of possible places.

Kilnsey Park is set in a fantastic location in Wharfedale and offers the chance for children to have a first attempt, or for more experienced anglers to fly fish for trout.

Blackburn Farm and trout fishery is located near Hawes and has a well stocked lake.  01969 667524.

Lakes and Reservoirs
There is an abundance of great still water fishing available throughout North Yorkshire, see below for a few ideas of places where day tickets are available.

Castle Howard Lake
Day tickets available on site from bailiff. Tel: 01653 648316. Tench, pike, perch, bream.

Pickering Trout Lake
Newbridge, Pickering. Tel: 01751 474219. Rainbow Trout. (Open April to October)

Scaling Dam Reservoir
Permits available from fishing lodge. Tel: 01287 644032

Scarborough Mere - Day tickets available at the mere.

Low Osgoodby Trout Lake, near Sutton Bank

Rainbow Trout. Tickets from house. Tel: 01845 597601.
Hazel Head Lake, Newgate Foot Farm, Lockton
2 acre lake stocked with brown trout. Tel: Mrs Alison Johnson 01751 460215

Lockwood Beck Reservoir (Rainbow and brown trout)
Permit Office - Tel: 01287 660501 (enquiries and bookings).

Wykeham Lakes (Rainbow and brown trout)
Charm Park, Scarborough. Tel: 07946 534001. Day, Short Day and Evening tickets available.

Selby 3 Lakes
At Selby 3 Lakes lies twelve acres of beautiful tree lined specimen carp and pike water. The carp thrive within this mature clay pit, which was dug well over eighty years ago within a food rich environment which includes islands, bars, bays and lilies. The lakes have a unique and natural beauty with over 200 carp.

Stonebridge Trout Lakes
Situated in North Yorkshire, Stonebridge 'Big Trout' Lakes have been designed specifically with the fly fisherman's requirements in mind. Natural spring fed lakes are stocked with hard fighting Rainbow Trout, which are also reared in the Yorkshire Dales.

There are also many reservoirs that you can fish at which are managed by Yorkshire Water. Find out about these here.

Shore Fishing
Although fishing isn't allowed in Whitby harbour's entrance, this fishing town is a great spot to cast your rod. The East and West Piers are great locations to sit and relax and wait for that bite. Scarborough's quiet Pier and Marine Drive are often lined with fishermen. Marine Drive sits at the base of the castle-headed cliffs and with the sounds of the gulls, really brings you to the forefront of nature.
Scalby Ness is ideal if you fancy some night time fishing during the first hour of flood tide, or visit Sandsend which offers both sand and rocks to fish from. Beautifully scenic Staithes  exposes large areas of flat rock during low tide, and these are good platforms from which to fish - just ask the local fishermen in the harbour!

Boat Fishing
The harbour at Scarborough offers boats for hire if you fancy venturing out to sea after being inspired with what you see the fishing boats bringing in. Staithes also offers the opportunity to fish from a boat - just chat to the local fishermen at the harbour to see how.

Whitby is one of the most elite fishing ports on the North East Coast. There are two types of boat fishing - Coble and Wrecking. Enquiries regarding hire of boats for fishing should be made to the fishermen on the quays or the Secretary of the Whitby Licensed Boatmen's Association: John Witton, Tel: 01287 660118.

Bridlington's historic harbour is still used by working fishermen who bring their catch in every day. If you fancy catching your own dinner, take your rod along and try your hand at North Sea Fishing on a day or half day trip with the experts. Lined with traditional B&Bs, Bridlington is also a great spot for a night or two. Explore the sites of the Old Town and nearby Burton Agnes Hall, before strolling along the fairground lined shore and grabbing an ice cream or coffee.

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