Colby Laithes

River level

The lowdown

• Access is from parking point P6 near the sewage works. From the cattle grid, head downstream for roughly 1 kilometre.
• The course is heavily wooded for most of its length, so expect a proper enclosed river feel and a few trees to work around.
• There’s a good mix of fast and slow water, giving you plenty to look at rather than one uniform run.
• The lower end has some excellent runs. Worth spending time on the crease and picking apart the pace changes.
• The beat finishes at Colby Beck, where it joins the Eden on the left bank. That’s your boundary — don’t carry on beyond it.
• The association describes this water as suitable for a range of fly-fishing methods, so there’s scope to adapt as the river changes through the day.
• Appleby Association waters hold wild brown trout and grayling. The wider waters are noted for big grayling, including fish between 2 and 3 pounds.
• Trout fishing runs from 15 March to 30 September inclusive. Grayling fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
• There are trout of 2 pounds and larger across the association’s waters, with occasional fish over 4 pounds reported. Proper fish, then.
• The river sits within a designated Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, so tread lightly, use stiles and leave the banks as you find them.

Methods: Fly fishing is the name of the game here, with the mixed fast water, slower sections and productive runs lending themselves to a range of fly-fishing methods. No spinning is allowed.

Access & tickets

The water is run by Appleby Angling Association. Its current permits page says day tickets are presently suspended, so access is currently through association membership.

Fish the club names

trout

Named by Appleby Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Trout season: 15 March to 30 September inclusive.
• Grayling season: 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
• No spinning is allowed.
• Maggots, corn, bread and similar baits are prohibited.
• General catch-and-kill limit is 2 fish per day.
• Permitted retained-fish size range is 10 to 15 inches, or 25 to 38 centimetres.
• Only one rod may be in use at one time.
• Carry your ticket and produce it when requested by an authorised bailiff or fellow member.
• Leave gates as you find them, avoid damaging fences, use stiles where provided and keep to the water’s edge.
• Do not continue beyond Colby Beck. The water beyond is strictly private and belongs to Yorkshire Fly.

Where it is