Maiden Castle River Wear

River level

The lowdown

• This is a sizeable club-controlled section, running from downstream of the upstream boundary fence at Shincliffe Hall to Maiden Castle. The club controls both banks below the A177 bridge by the University sports ground, right down to the old rail crossing.
• There’s more water on the south bank too, from the A177 bridge to the high wall below Durham Beck. Members can fish both banks of Durham Beck up to the old railway, with the south-bank water continuing to the concrete wall at the start of Pelaw Woods.
• The club describes it as having a good run of game fish, and there are a lot of brown trout about. For coarse anglers, chub, roach and dace are the main names on the card.
• Chub around 4 to 5 lb and bigger have been reported, so don’t treat the river like a tiny stream. Barbel are becoming more common as well, with fish over 10 lb reported on the stretch.
• The Environment Agency stocked 2,000 small barbel here in December 2014. That’s a handy bit of background for anyone fancying a proper feeder session when conditions are right.
• From 16 June to 14 March, any method is allowed, although groundbaiting is restricted to swimfeeders. That gives you room for trotting, feeder work and other standard river approaches.
• Between 15 March and 15 June, no groundbaiting, loose feeding or maggot in any form is allowed. Worth checking your bait tub before setting off — no cheeky exceptions.
• The club recommends barbless hooks at all times. Hooks larger than size 10 must be barbless or have the barb crushed.
• Bankside improvements, fishing pegs and access are maintained by club work parties, while dedicated bailiffs patrol daily. Parking is available in the lay-by near the river at the end of the lane to Haughall Farms, plus on the south side of the bridge towards New Durham Farms. Keep field gates and access points clear.

Methods: Trotting, feeder fishing and other methods are allowed from 16 June to 14 March, with groundbait restricted to swimfeeders. From 15 March to 15 June, leave the groundbait, loose feed and maggots at home.

Access & tickets

There are no day tickets. Access is membership-based through Durham City Angling Club, which was formed in 1962.

Fish the club names

trout, chub, roach, barbel

Key rules

• Club-members-only water; Durham City Angling Club does not offer day tickets.
• From 15 March to 15 June, no groundbaiting, loose feeding or maggot in any form is allowed.
• From 16 June to 14 March, any method is allowed, but groundbaiting is restricted to swimfeeders.
• The committee recommends barbless hooks at all times.
• Hooks larger than size 10 must be barbless or have the barb crushed.
• Read Environment Agency byelaws, including night-fishing rules applying when targeting salmon and sea trout.
• Do not block field gates or access points.

Where it is