River Derwent

The River Derwent is mostly a deep, slow flowing waterway that runs from the North Yorkshire Moors near Scarborough to eventual join the River Ouse at Barmby.

Most of the Association’s fishing is on the lower end of the river, at Sutton and below, although we do own two sections higher up. The first is on a Derwent tributary – the River Rye, at Butterwick. This section covers about ¾-mile on the right bank downstream of Butterwick bridge (not including the section adjacent to the house). You must not take family members or guests to this stretch. The deeds of our fishing rights specify that only members can access this fishery. Like much of the Rye, this section is overgrown with lots of trees and bankside vegetation, and lends itself to a roving approach – moving from swim to swim with the minimum of tackle. Fish species that can be encountered are trout, grayling, dace, chub and the occasional barbel. Access and further details are available in the information book that members receive upon joining.

The other section is at Stamford Bridge, on the left-hand bank looking downstream. There is a public car park on the left of the bridge and our fishing begins at the end of the car park. The length extends for 155m and comprises one field. Vehicles can be parked free of charge in the Council owned car park. Stamford Bridge can offer prolific fishing (for the Derwent), particularly early season, with chub, roach, perch, barbel, dace and pike present in reasonable numbers. There is a public right of way along the top of the bank so beware of dog mess.

The Association have two sections of the Derwent at Sutton. On the left bank when looking upstream from the bridge, there is a 1½ mile stretch, opposite the moored boats. This section starts just above the workshop near the road bridge and goes upstream to Elvington water treatment works. It is a good winter fishery for mainly roach, with the fish shoaling up in the deeper water near the boast and the bridge. The other section at Sutton is below the weir on the left bank. This goes downstream for about 1½ miles and has some interesting shallow areas, with weed beds, as well as deeper water. The main species are chub, roach, perch, flounders, eels, bleak, pike and an odd barbel. Again, a roving approach is probably the best way to start until productive areas are located. Long sections of the Dewent are low in fish stocks, with every now and then an area with a good shoal of fish. At Breighton & Gunby there is is a ¾ mile section on the east bank (left bank downstream) that is available for Association members. Access is at Gunby, via the path through the wood on the old railway track. It extends from the old bridge downstream to the fence, just upstream of the Breighton launch public house. Mainly roach and dace fishing, but occasional chub and pike.

Our last stretch is at Wressle, which covers both banks between Wressle and Loftsome Bridge. On its day this section offers reasonable fishing for roach and dace, with an occasional decent perch. You can also find some bream and chub in the deeper runs. Access is along the A63, past Howden, via the old road, on the east side of Loftsome Bridge, or down the short lane by the church in Wressle.

Permits required

Standard membership 5am – 10pm

Directions

what3words  ///alas.punctuate.stand  – River Rye
what3words ///list.betraying.skewed – Stamford Bridge
what3words ///waiters.diplomats.proclaims – Elvington Above bridge
what3words ///diner.obviously.lollipop – Elvington Weir parking
what3words ///cookbooks.ports.replace – Elvington Weir access point

Parking

River Rye: Parking is on the left hand side of Boynton Lane as you enter Butterwick from the bridge. Access is through the gate and drive of the house adjacent to the river. Keep well away from the house and outbuildings and do not disturb the residents. There is a gate at the bottom of the drive that must be kept locked at all times as horses are kept in the field. The drive and land is all private property but we have a right to use it reasonably to access our fishing. But be respectful that you are on someone else’s property.

Stamford Bridge: Free parking in council carp park.

Elvington above bridge:  Do not park in the workshop car park. This is no longer available and you may be clamped, although we have a right to access it on foot to get to the river. Use the stile. There is space for about three vehicles on the opposite side of the road to the workshop, next to the bridge, or park in the village. Be careful on entry and exit taking note of the traffic lights for the bridge.

Elvington below bridge: Parking is usually available in the church car park, although the Association has no formal arrangements. The church entrance is just downstream of the weir on the B1228 (see What3Words map link above). Access is via the corner of the field alongside the main road, and diagonally across the field. A gap in the trees next to the Association notice brings you out in the big bay downstream of the weir. There is no access above the point and the fishing is downstream from this point.