Fishing at our fisheries
Washburn Fishery reopening
Important information for anglers - please read before returning to the site:
We are pleased to announce that Washburn Fishery will be re-opened from 20th July, following the necessary closure associated with COVID-19.
To help keep our visitors and staff safe, we have introduced some changes to the way the fishery is managed. We ask that you please read this information carefully and follow these measures to reduce the risk to all parties.
- Before travelling to site, please ensure you have your own pen and the exact cash amount for your ticket. You can find a link to a pdf document containing more information about the fishery, including current prices, further down this page.
- Only one angler at a time will be permitted inside the fishery office – if more than one angler is present please queue outside, maintaining social distancing and following current Government guidance at all times.
- Once inside the lobby, there will be a hand sanitiser station. Please make use of this before proceeding to handle forms and cash bags.
- Complete the registration form using your own pen and deposit your cash into one of the banking bags. Insert these into an envelope and post this through the office door letterbox (banking bags and envelopes will be provided).
- After you have finished fishing, please post your catch/return form through the office door letterbox or deposit it in the returns box outside.
- There will be additional signage at the office to remind you of this information.
- Please be aware that the toilet block remains closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you for your patience and co-operation and we look forward to welcoming you back.
Damflask Fishery
Please be aware that Damflask Fishery remains closed until further notice.
Fishing spots and prices
We have fishing spots at Damflask and Washburn Valley. Use the following links for all the information you need about fishing on our sites and the prices or read on to find out more.
Washburn Valley Fishery
Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs offer exceptionally high quality fly and coarse fishing in a stunning rural setting. The fishery is easily accessible from the Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate, Otley and Leeds.
Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs are both 153 acres in surface area and are regularly stocked with rainbow trout at 1lb 6oz and fish between 3lb and 7lb. The largest rainbow trout caught here was over 14lb! Wild brown trout can be caught and returned in all reservoirs, Thruscross reservoir is a wild brown trout fishery only with 140 acres of water and limited bank space for the angler. The reservoirs are all part of the water supply system and the level of water can vary. This and the size of the waters, compared with many other fisheries, will test the skill of the angler.
Damflask Fishery
Damflask is one of Yorkshire's largest premier fisheries, a 116 acre reservoir which boasts a coarse and pike fishery. Situated within the stunning Peak District National Park it is 15 minute drive to the west of Sheffield city centre.
The reservoir can be fished for bream, chub, dace, perch, pike and roach and is open all year round. In recent years we have restocked the reservoir with over 100 bream, some weighing more than 4lbs each. At a match held at the reservoir in 2005, an individual record of 70lbs was set by one angler!
Stop the Spread
Are you unknowingly spreading invasive species on your water sports equipment and clothing?
Invasive species can affect fish and other wildlife, restrict navigation, clog up propellers and be costly to manage. You can help protect the water sports you love by following three simple steps when you leave the water. Find out more here.