YTAA Waters

This section provides a brief overview of the fisheries that you may enjoy by becoming a member of the YTAA. Current members can view the available banks, access routes and fully detailed maps of each fishery by visiting the 'Waters Page' in the 'Members Section'.

River Levels

Current water levels can be checked by clicking on the links below:


Close Season Dates

All YTAA fisheries are subject to the following Yorkshire and National rod fishing bylaws.

The close season for non-migratory trout in all waters other than enclosed stillwaters is 1st October to 24th March, inclusive.

The close season for coarse fishing on all rivers, streams and drains is 15th March to 15th June, inclusive.

On waters where the close season for coarse fish applies, the only lures or baits that may be used during the close season are natural or artificial fly, minnow, worm, shrimp, prawn, sand eel and artificial lures.

For further information see:
National rod fishing bylaws.
Yorkshire rod fishing bylaws.

Additional YTAA rules also apply to some fisheries, please read each section carefully for the details.


Cod Beck

The main fishery extends to some four miles of right hand bank fishing at Gristhwaite Farm. A short length of the left bank is also available below the confluence with Willow Beck. The Beck comprises open straights with flats and riffles, deep corners with tree cover, oxbows and slow bends.


Fishery Notes

Barbless or flattened barb hooks.
This is a mixed fishery where both the trout and coarse close season rules apply and as such is only closed from 15th March to 25th March.
All legal rod and line methods are permitted but note that it is illegal to use maggot during the coarse fishing close season, 15th March to 15th June, inclusive.



Isle Beck System

Much of the fishing rights on the Isle Beck system in N. Yorkshire, are owned outright by YTAA. The Isle Beck waters offer fine wild trout sport, a mayfly hatch and a good head of naturally recruited wild fish. The fishery extends over five miles comprising of Thirkleby Beck, Isle Beck and Willow Beck.


Fishery Notes

Opens: 25th March.
Closed for trout fishing: 1st October.
Closed for grayling fishing: 1st January.



Stearsby Ponds

The two lakes at Stearsby are situated at the foot of the beautiful Hambleton Hills. They provide top quality fishing for the fly angler with rainbow and blue trout present. Both wet and dry fly will bring success here.


Fishery Notes

The Estate Keeper patrols these lakes and you may be challenged to show your membership card.
Opens: 1st March.
Closed: 1st November.
Strictly fly only.
Flatten barbs or use barbless hooks.
Only two fish may be retained in any 14 day period.
Returns book to be filled in on every visit.
Limited number of guest tickets available only after 1st June.
A club shelter and two boats are available.



River Dove

In 2011 YTAA secured a lovely new wild trout fishery on the River Dove at Kirkbymoorside. The fishings are situated at South Ings Farm. This beautiful fishery comprises of three different interlinking waters, the River Dove, Hodge Beck and Howkeld Beck.


Fishery Notes

Opens: 25th March.
Closed for trout fishing: 1st October.
Closed for grayling fishing: 15th March.
The current river level at the EA Dove gauge may be viewed here River Level - Dove. A gauge level below 0.30m should provide reasonable wading conditions if the level is steady or falling. This river can rise quickly with rain on the moors so if the river starts to rise or becomes coloured be prepared to make an orderly exit.
There are a few deep holes, but most of the beat is wadeable with reasonable care.



River Riccal

The Riccal offers fine wild trout fishing and during the autumn months good sport may be had with grayling.


Fishery Notes

Opens: 25th March.
Closed for trout fishing: 1st October.
Closed for grayling fishing: 15th March.
The current river level at the EA Riccal gauge may be viewed here River Level - Riccal. Conveniently this monitoring station is located almost at the midpoint of the fishery. A gauge level of 0.22m should provide reasonable wading conditions if the level is steady or falling.



River Derwent

YTAA has three short lengths near Malton. This is a mixed fishery where both the trout and coarse close season rules apply and as such is closed from 15 March to 25 March. Members are expected to fish in accordance with their licence and local bye-laws and to employ methods suited to their intended quarry and the time of year.



Other Waters

A variety of small becks are also available. Please fish as indicated on your membership card and the maps contained in your 'Welcome Pack'.