Things to Do in Northumberland

Fishing in Northumberland

Fishing in Northumberland around the River Coquet

The Coquet Valley is in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside and is incredibly picturesque and tranquil. Perfect for sightseeing, walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching. The historic market town of Rothbury provides an interesting range of restaurants, pubs, art galleries and speciality shops. Cragside House and Estate and Hadrian’s Wall are both close by and absolutely unmissable.

The Coquet rises in the Cheviot Hills running east to the North Sea entering at Amble. The river winds its way through some magnificent country – perfect for fishing in Northumberland.

The salmon season runs from 1st February to 31st October with the river receiving good spring runs of salmon with fish running throughout the summer, subject to the water conditions. There are also late runs in September and October of predominantly sea trout. There are always Brown Trout to be caught with the season beginning on March 22nd and ending on September 30th.

Please note that all prices shown on this page were correct at the time of publication however may have changed since, so you need to contact the various individuals and organisations for the most up to date prices.  We will periodically update this page but take no responsibility for any information which may have gone out of date since publication.

Chasing Fins Fishing & Guiding

Chasing Fins was established and founded in 2006 by James Armstrong, a professional fly fishing guide & instructor who has fished and guided on the rivers in the North East of England and Scottish Borders since he was a child.

Bespoke fishing trips, guiding and instruction is the key behind Chasing Fins, James has a wealth of knowledge in not only river fishing but lake fishing and inshore fly fishing on the Northumberland Coastline. Whatever you are looking for, Chasing fins will be able to organise that perfect fishing trip for you whether you’re a single fisherman, a large group or a family.

Tailored around you, anything can be organised to make that fishing experience something you won’t forget.

Click here to find out more about Chasing Fins Fishing and Guiding Services.

The stretch of river Chasing Fins cover:

Upper Morwick Fishing, River Coquet

Upper Morwick Fishing on the River Coquet is just under 2 miles of prime salmon, sea trout and brown trout water, situated only a few miles upstream of the tidal water at Warkworth, Northumberland managed and ran by James Armstrong.

Fishing can be booked through Chasing Fins.

Fishing on and around the Aln River

River Aln (Aln Angling Association)

Brown trout, salmon and sea trout stocked
Permits:
01665 602135 – Jobsons (all permits)
01665 510027 – Hardy’s (all permits)

The ‘House of Hardy’ Fishing Tackle Factory, Country Store and Museum

River Aln
Situated on the Willowburn Trading Estate, Alnwick
01665 602771

Felton Fence Farm

Irene Adamson – 01665 570205
On B6345 between Longframlington and Felton.
Coarse fishing, well stocked ponds with carp, bream, roach, tench, perch etc.
Day ticket: £10*.
*prices as per 2019

Fishing on and around Kielder

Kielder Reservoir (Waterside Parks)

01434 251000

With a fleet of fully equipped motor boats, the huge reservoir offers exhilarating fishing for both enthusiast and competition anglers alike. Bank anglers are also spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a spot to fish, with access to around 20 miles of shoreline along the Lakeside Way. Permits and boat hire are available from Kielder Waterside shop from 6.00am until the end of the season and at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre bank permits only are available from 10.00am daily during April to October. Boats must be pre-booked in advance

 

Fishing on and around the Fontburn Reservoir

Fontburn Reservoir is a very popular fishing location and was built in 1905 at an altitude of 180 metres. Fontburn hosts a successful trout fishery stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout for fly, worm and spinning, and is located between Rothbury and Scots Gap approximately 7 miles south of Rothbury just off the B6342. Further details about this location can be found in Northumbrian Water’s ‘Go Fishing 2010’ Guide. If using satellite navigation, key in postcode NE61 4PL to pin point its location. Alternatively, contact: Fontburn Reservoir Lodge on tel: 01669 621368.

Whittle Dene

01669 621368
(Fontburn Reservoir)
Coarse fishing, consisting of 3 small lakes that straddle the old military road near Harlow Hill just off the B6318, 8 miles west of Newcastle.

Fishing on and around the River Till

River Till

Brian Thompson – 01668 216223 – Fishery Manager.
25 miles north-west of Alnwick, off A697.
Permits from Millfield and Ford Post Offices.
The Ford Beat is open to the public with no prior booking. 3 private stretches need to be booked in advance.

Sweethope Lough

Mr Rob Tait – 01830 602535
Kirkwhelpington, 4 miles west of A696, 3 miles east of A68 & 5 miles south of Otterburn.
Fly fishing for rainbow, blue and brown trout. Bank and boat fishing.

Till Fishing

Contact Lucy or Yvonne on 01890 883060 / 07974 416692
One mile long, a mix of streamy and holding pools, providing exciting and varied fishing. There are good runs of sea trout and salmon and a healthy natural stock of brown trout and grayling.
Cornhill-on-Tweed
TD12 4XD

Fishing Tuition and Guides

Kevin Dawson Tuition

If you would like the opportunity to utilise local knowledge, then Kevin Dawson, a qualified instructor in Game Angling (certificate no: L2CCA05-790-492) is an experienced fly fisherman who has spent many years refining his skills on the River Coquet and can offer tuition for any level of angler. Further details can be found on Kevin’s website or contacting him directly on tel: 01669 621417

Buying your Licence

Full day fishing will be between £25 and £50 per day, plus rod licence, depending upon the time of year. Licences can be purchased on line at the Environment Agency Website, or on the day at Red Grouse Gallery, New Bridge St, Rothbury.

Northumberland Water Visitor Fishing Permits can be obtained from the Head Bailiff (W Farndale), 15 Woodlands, Rothbury, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE65 7XZ. Tel: 01669 620984.  No application forms are necessary.  To apply for a permit, send a cheque for the correct fee, payable to NAF and enclose a SAE at least 9” x 6” (C5) with a first class stamp to the Head Bailiff. Please note that Visitors Permit Fees may be subject to change, but at the time of writing a ‘1 Day, All Fish, All Waters (excluding Coquet Tidal) Permit’ cost £30, and a ‘7 Day, All Fish, All Waters’ (excluding Coquet Tidal) Permit’ cost £75.

RL Jobson & Sons

River Coquet & River Aln
Tower Showroom
Alnwick
01665 602135

River Coquet (Northumbrian Anglers Federation)

Brown trout, salmon and sea trout stocked
Permits:
01665 602135 – Jobsons (full season permits for trout only)
01669 621011 – Fishers of Rothbury (day or week permits for trout only)
01665 711200 – Amble Angling Centre (full season permits for trout only)
01669 620984 – Mr W Farndale (Head Bailiff for all permits for salmon and sea trout)
01665 570271 – Anglers Arms (day permits) – private one mile stretch

* Charges were correct at the time of going to press but may now differ, they are provided as a guide only.

Need a little help looking for accommodation?

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Telephone: 01665 710 700 or click here to email us your enquiry.

SAMPLE OF OUR COTTAGES NEAR A RIVER

Alnwick & Surrounding Area

Coquet Cottage

Sleeps: 2 No Pets

Holidays from £392

Warkworth

Riverstone at Warkworth

Sleeps: 6 2 Dogs

Holidays from £543

Warkworth

Lane End Cottage in Warkworth

Sleeps: 2 2 Dogs

Holidays from £509

View all our Cottages