The Nidd is a freestone river, with a pool-riffle sequence providing runs, glides, point bars and mid-channel islands. This ensures a challenging and varied fishing environment. The banks of the river are, for the most part, heavily wooded (typically with Alder). This provides both cover for the trout, and a ready supply of terrestrials. The best approach is to roam the river, taking full advantage of the variety available in the pools. Fishers can expect to catch wild brown trout in all sizes. There is a substantial head of grayling, providing fishing throughout the autumn and winter. The Club’s trout fishing season (fly only) runs from the 25th March until the end of September. However the river remains open for grayling fishing (fly or bait) through until the end of February. The Nidd runs through Gouthwaite Reservoir and this tends to provide a consistent flow when other rivers may suffer in times of low rainfall.
Waders are essential to fish most of the pools. The bottom of the river is largely irregular rock, and can be treacherous. Do not even think of entering the river without a strong wading stick. Fishers are likely to find a rod of anything more than nine feet in length a liability, and it is difficult to see any value in a line of more than a five weight.
The most consistently effective technique is undoubtedly dry fly. Most traditional styles will catch fish but early in the season March Brown, Iron Blue Dun, and Greenwells Glory will be effective. As the season progresses, Black Gnat, BWO, Grey Duster, Wickhams Fancy, Treacle Parkin will all have their place. A Klinkhammer will rarely fail. There is a prolific Mayfly hatch, which usually peaks during the first week of June, here it is probably more important to match the size of the natural rather than become too hung up on specific patterns.
For wet flies, any of the traditional North Country patterns will be effective. The Nidd can vary from being slightly coloured to highly coloured, depending on the conditions further upstream. Consequently Nymphs, with a strong flash of colour or sparkle, tend to be the most effective. Goldheads perform well, whilst a 'Klink and Dink' will probably cover most bets. If you would like to read an article, published in Trout and Salmon, which describes a days fishing on our waters please click here
The river can be accessed at a number of points along the club's stretch and car-parking is not a problem.
Waders are essential to fish most of the pools. The bottom of the river is largely irregular rock, and can be treacherous. Do not even think of entering the river without a strong wading stick. Fishers are likely to find a rod of anything more than nine feet in length a liability, and it is difficult to see any value in a line of more than a five weight.
The most consistently effective technique is undoubtedly dry fly. Most traditional styles will catch fish but early in the season March Brown, Iron Blue Dun, and Greenwells Glory will be effective. As the season progresses, Black Gnat, BWO, Grey Duster, Wickhams Fancy, Treacle Parkin will all have their place. A Klinkhammer will rarely fail. There is a prolific Mayfly hatch, which usually peaks during the first week of June, here it is probably more important to match the size of the natural rather than become too hung up on specific patterns.
For wet flies, any of the traditional North Country patterns will be effective. The Nidd can vary from being slightly coloured to highly coloured, depending on the conditions further upstream. Consequently Nymphs, with a strong flash of colour or sparkle, tend to be the most effective. Goldheads perform well, whilst a 'Klink and Dink' will probably cover most bets. If you would like to read an article, published in Trout and Salmon, which describes a days fishing on our waters please click here
The river can be accessed at a number of points along the club's stretch and car-parking is not a problem.