Fishing in Northumberland

Northumberland overflows with sparkling fresh-water lakes and scenic river valleys where salmon and sea trout return each year to spawn. Magnificent countryside and our beautiful coast provide an idyllic backdrop to plentiful game, coarse and sea fishing.

Northumberland's rivers are amongst the purest in Britain. The River Tweed runs through England's dramatic border country, fed by the River Till, which passes the picturesque twin villages of Ford & Etal. Both teem with salmon and sea trout. Spend a day or two on the banks of the River Tyne, widely considered to be England's premier salmon river, or the Coquet, famous too for excellent salmon fishing and autumn runs of sea-trout up to 21 lbs. The River Wansbeck, a stones throw from Morpeth, is renowned for fantastic scenic walking as well as excellent brown trout fishing. The River Aln, rising in the Cheviot Hills and flowing to the sea at Alnmouth and the River Rede, cutting through wild moorland and the tranquil beauty of the Northumberland National Park, also hold brown trout.

Kielder Water & Forest Park is ideal for fly-fishing for trout in a lakeland setting. First class still water fishing can also be found at Derwent Water near to The North Pennines and at a huge range of lakes and reservoirs throughout the county, many with both bank and boat fishing.

Coarse fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of the River Tyne and the lower reaches of most of our rivers while casting for grayling, perch, roach, dace, gudgeon, pike and eel. However, one of Northumberland's fishing highlights has to be netting a local catch on a sea fishing charter trip from Seahouses or Amble harbours.

Useful Links

Northumbrian Fly Fishing

Fish Northumbria

The Environment Agency Fishing Website

Otterburn Fly Fishing