River Rye
A secluded ¾-mile stretch of the River Rye offering traditional small-river fishing for grayling, chub, dace and brown trout in beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.
The River Rye is a tributary of the River Derwent. H&DAA’s stretch at Butterwick, approximately five miles north-west of Malton, covers around ¾-mile of the right bank looking downstream.
This is a small, fast-flowing and feature-rich river with bends, overhanging bushes, pools, glides and streamy water. It lends itself particularly well to a mobile approach, exploring different areas of the river rather than remaining in one swim.
It is a peaceful and lightly fished venue where it is quite possible to spend a full day’s fishing without seeing another angler. There is also plenty of wildlife, including otters.
Venue at a Glance
Fishing
The River Rye contains a surprisingly varied range of species for such a small river:
Grayling
Brown Trout
Chub
Dace
Perch
Pike
Ruffe
Gudgeon
Minnows
Bullheads
Occasional Barbel
Grayling and chub are the species for which the venue is particularly noted. Fish to around 2lb for grayling, 4lb for chub, 12oz for dace and 2lb for perch are possible.
Float fishing is particularly effective. Signal crayfish are present, which can make static baits troublesome, so searching the river with a stick float is often the better approach.
Spinning and drop-shotting can also be effective when permitted under the Association’s seasonal predator and lure-fishing rules.
The colder months can provide particularly good grayling fishing.
River Rye Gallery
Photographs of the River Rye at Butterwick supplied as part of the 2027 venue review. Swipe on mobile or scroll across on desktop to see more.
Photographs supplied by Gavin Hoe-Richardson for the 2027 venue review. Tap a photograph to view the original.
Access & Parking
From the B1257 Malton to Helmsley road, turn off at Barton-le-Street and follow the road for approximately 2½ miles to Butterwick village.
Getting to the River
From the vicinity of the road bridge, walk down Boynton Lane. Just beyond the first house on the left is a double garage. The access track to the fishery is immediately after the garage.
At the end of the access track is a gate carrying an H&DAA sign which leads into the horse field. This gate must be closed and locked after both entering and leaving.
The fenced copse further downstream also has an access gate. This must also be locked shut after passing through.
The fishery begins at the upstream end of the first field beyond the gate and continues downstream beyond the fenced copse towards Brawby on the opposite bank. The short section immediately adjacent to the house beside the bridge is not included in H&DAA’s fishing rights.
Accessibility & Facilities
The River Rye is a natural river fishery and is not suitable for members with limited mobility or wheelchair users.
The upper swims in the first horse field are approximately 300 yards from the parking area. Reaching the lower end of the fishery can involve a walk of approximately ¾ mile, crossing uneven ground and passing through gates and over fences.
Long walking distances
No on-site facilities
Livestock present
The venue is not considered particularly suitable for beginners or junior/family fishing due to the access, natural banks and need for a mobile approach.
Safety & Respect
The River Rye is a natural and relatively remote fishery. Members should take particular care around deep or fast-flowing water, steep and slippery banks, livestock, flooding and difficult access.
H&DAA Rules
All members fishing the River Rye must comply with the current Hull & District Anglers’ Association Rules and all venue-specific restrictions. Remember that access is restricted to 07:00–21:00 and all gates must be secured after use.
Hull & District Anglers’ Association
Membership of HDAA is open to anyone who agrees to abide by our common-sense Fishery Rules. All membership permits run from 1st Jan to 31st December annually. Membership allows angling on most of the Association’s venues from 5.00am to 10.00pm (except Carlton on Trent where the start time is 7.00am).
Members discount scheme - up to 15% off purchases
We have teamed up with shops, companies, suppliers, etc. to offer discounts to our members on production of a valid membership card.
