Fishery guide · Durham
Aldin Grange Lakes
Aldin Grange Lakes near Durham mixes three coarse lakes with two fly-only trout waters across roughly 20 acres of farmland. Plenty of choice for a match-minded session or a day on the fly, but check current prices before heading over: the published list is labelled 2024.
“6.8/10 — Mixed coarse fishing and dedicated trout waters offer good breadth, without confirmed catch rates or fish weights.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Aldin Grange Lakes sits at Aldin Grange Farm in Bearpark, near Durham. It’s a five-lake complex spread across approximately 20 acres of farmland, with three coarse lakes and two fly-only trout waters. That’s a handy split if your fishing interests stretch beyond one method. You’ve got named match water, smaller coarse lakes and a separate fly-fishing side, rather than one pond trying to do every job.
- 5 lakes: Blackbird, Swallow, Woodpecker, Skylark, Kingfisher
- Fish: carp, trout
- Tickets from: Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list — £15
- Find it: Durham · DH7 7AR
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Fishery map of Aldin Grange Lakes
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
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Aldin Grange Lakes
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Aldin Grange Lakes
Aldin Grange Lakes sits at Aldin Grange Farm in Bearpark, near Durham. It’s a five-lake complex spread across approximately 20 acres of farmland, with three coarse lakes and two fly-only trout waters. That’s a handy split if your fishing interests stretch beyond one method. You’ve got named match water, smaller coarse lakes and a separate fly-fishing side, rather than one pond trying to do every job. Just remember that the 20 acres describes the farmland setting, not the combined water area.
On the coarse side, Blackbird is approximately an acre with 26 pegs, while Woodpecker is the smallest lake and has 16. Kingfisher is described as a match lake, with 28 pegs. Those details give you a useful starting point when choosing where to fish: a smaller water, a compact lake with plenty of pegs, or the match option. They don’t tell you which swim will produce, though. Ask about lake availability before getting set on a particular peg, especially when planning a match.
The coarse species list is a proper mixed bag. Common, mirror, ghost and F1 carp are listed alongside crucians, with tench, perch, roach, rudd, bream, chub, orfe, ide and barbel also included. That gives the complex broader appeal than a carp-only venue. The important distinction is that this is a complex-wide list, not a promise that every species swims in every coarse lake. If you’re heading out specifically for tench or barbel, check which water suits that plan before unpacking the tackle.
For fly anglers, Swallow is approximately two acres and Skylark is the largest lake on the complex. Both are fly-only, and the trout waters contain rainbow, brown and blue trout. There are published catch-and-release options as well as tickets allowing fish to be retained, so decide which sort of session you want before buying. One rule worth getting straight from the off: only rainbow trout may be kept on a kill ticket. Any fish retained above the ticket allowance are charged by weight.
The practical bits need a quick check before you travel. Published hours are 7am until dusk, closing no later than 9pm, and night fishing needs direct confirmation. The official price list is labelled 2024, so treat those figures as published prices rather than confirmed current charges. Family tickets and limited season tickets are advertised too. Match bookings are accepted with the fishery. For coarse fishing, bring genuinely barbless hooks — microbarbs don’t count — and make sure all nets are dipped. A quick call should save a bit of faff.
Straight from anglers online
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Aldin Grange Lakes FAQs
Where is Aldin Grange Lakes?
At Aldin Grange Farm, Bearpark, near Durham. Approximate coordinates are 54.7797, -1.6183.
Are the published prices current?
The official list is explicitly labelled 2024, not 2026. Check current charges before travelling; family and limited season tickets are advertised without prices.
What coarse fish are listed?
Common, mirror, ghost and F1 carp, crucians, tench, perch, roach, rudd, bream, chub, orfe, ide and barbel. That’s a complex-wide list, not a lake-by-lake guarantee.
When can I fish, and who can I call?
Published hours are 7am until dusk, closing no later than 9pm. Confirm seasonal arrangements or night-fishing exceptions with the fishery.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Aldin Grange Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Durham.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
DH7 7AR.
How much is a ticket?
Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list: £15; Summer-evening coarse ticket, 3pm until dusk — published 2024 list: £10; Trout catch-and-release, four hours — published 2024 list: £15; Trout catch-and-release, full day — published 2024 list: £20; Four-hour trout ticket, one fish — published 2024 list: £17; Four-hour trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list: £20; Full-day trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list: £25; Full-day trout ticket, three fish — published 2024 list: £28; Full-day trout ticket, four fish — published 2024 list: £35. Prices last checked 2026-10-05 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Blackbird, Swallow, Woodpecker, Skylark, Kingfisher. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
5 — Blackbird (Approximately 1), Swallow (Approximately 2), Woodpecker (Not published), Skylark (Not published), Kingfisher (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Coarse rules require barbless hooks. Microbarbs are excluded.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Day ticket · turn up
Blackbird: an acre of coarse water with 26 pegs
- Size
- Approximately 1 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Blackbird is one of the three coarse lakes, covering approximately an acre with 26 pegs. A compact option if that’s the scale of water you fancy.
The mixed coarse species list applies across the complex, rather than specifically to Blackbird. Check the lake’s stock mix if you’ve got a particular species in mind.
Lake photographs
A look around Blackbird
Aldin Grange Lakes
Blackbird
We’re checking the fishery’s Blackbird pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Coarse anglers
- Anglers who prefer a smaller lake
Maybe not for
- Fly-only trout sessions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Blackbird
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Blackbird FAQs
How big is Blackbird?
Approximately one acre, with 26 pegs.
Are specific species confirmed for Blackbird?
No lake-specific breakdown is supplied; the coarse species list covers the complex.
What's the lake record on Blackbird?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Blackbird that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Blackbird?
carp.
Which baits work well on Blackbird?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Blackbird further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Blackbird get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Blackbird?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Aldin Grange Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Blackbird?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Blackbird on a day ticket?
Yes — Blackbird is on the day ticket. Tickets: Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list £15; Summer-evening coarse ticket, 3pm until dusk — published 2024 list £10; Trout catch-and-release, four hours — published 2024 list £15; Trout catch-and-release, full day — published 2024 list £20; Four-hour trout ticket, one fish — published 2024 list £17; Four-hour trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £20; Full-day trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £25; Full-day trout ticket, three fish — published 2024 list £28; Full-day trout ticket, four fish — published 2024 list £35 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Blackbird?
It depends — Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
Who does Blackbird suit?
Good for: Coarse anglers; Anglers who prefer a smaller lake. Less suited to: Fly-only trout sessions.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Swallow: two-acre fly-only trout water
- Size
- Approximately 2 acres
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
Swallow is approximately two acres and is strictly fly-only. It’s one of the two trout waters, separate from the coarse-fishing side.
The trout lakes contain rainbow, brown and blue trout. Catch-and-release and fish-retention tickets are published, but only rainbows may be retained on a kill ticket.
Lake photographs
A look around Swallow
Aldin Grange Lakes
Swallow
We’re checking the fishery’s Swallow pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Fly anglers
- Trout anglers wanting a roughly two-acre water
Maybe not for
- Coarse-fishing sessions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Swallow
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Swallow FAQs
Can I coarse fish on Swallow?
No. Swallow is fly-only.
How large is Swallow?
Approximately two acres.
What's the lake record on Swallow?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Swallow that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Swallow?
trout.
How big is Swallow and how many swims?
Around Approximately 2 acres. Two-acre fly-only trout water.
Which baits work well on Swallow?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Swallow further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Swallow get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Swallow?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Aldin Grange Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Swallow?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Swallow on a day ticket?
Yes — Swallow is on the day ticket. Tickets: Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list £15; Summer-evening coarse ticket, 3pm until dusk — published 2024 list £10; Trout catch-and-release, four hours — published 2024 list £15; Trout catch-and-release, full day — published 2024 list £20; Four-hour trout ticket, one fish — published 2024 list £17; Four-hour trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £20; Full-day trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £25; Full-day trout ticket, three fish — published 2024 list £28; Full-day trout ticket, four fish — published 2024 list £35 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Swallow?
It depends — Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
Who does Swallow suit?
Good for: Fly anglers; Trout anglers wanting a roughly two-acre water. Less suited to: Coarse-fishing sessions.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Woodpecker: the smallest lake, with 16 pegs
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Woodpecker is the smallest lake at Aldin Grange and has 16 pegs. It belongs to the coarse side of the complex.
An individual acreage and lake-specific species breakdown aren’t published in the supplied details. The smaller scale is the clear attraction here if big waters aren’t your thing.
Lake photographs
A look around Woodpecker
Aldin Grange Lakes
Woodpecker
We’re checking the fishery’s Woodpecker pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Coarse anglers
- Anglers who favour the smallest water on a complex
Maybe not for
- Anglers seeking a large lake
- Fly-only trout sessions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Woodpecker
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Woodpecker FAQs
How many pegs does Woodpecker have?
There are 16 pegs.
Is Woodpecker the smallest lake?
Yes, it is described as the smallest lake on the complex.
What's the lake record on Woodpecker?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Woodpecker that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Woodpecker?
carp.
How big is Woodpecker and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The smallest lake, with 16 pegs.
Which baits work well on Woodpecker?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Woodpecker further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Woodpecker get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Woodpecker?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Aldin Grange Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Woodpecker?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Woodpecker on a day ticket?
Yes — Woodpecker is on the day ticket. Tickets: Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list £15; Summer-evening coarse ticket, 3pm until dusk — published 2024 list £10; Trout catch-and-release, four hours — published 2024 list £15; Trout catch-and-release, full day — published 2024 list £20; Four-hour trout ticket, one fish — published 2024 list £17; Four-hour trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £20; Full-day trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £25; Full-day trout ticket, three fish — published 2024 list £28; Full-day trout ticket, four fish — published 2024 list £35 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Woodpecker?
It depends — Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
Who does Woodpecker suit?
Good for: Coarse anglers; Anglers who favour the smallest water on a complex. Less suited to: Anglers seeking a large lake; Fly-only trout sessions.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Skylark: the largest lake, reserved for fly fishing
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
Skylark is the largest of the five lakes and is fly-only. An individual acreage isn’t published, so there’s no need to put a guessed figure on it.
It’s the larger-water option for trout anglers choosing between the two fly lakes. The trout-water species list includes rainbows, browns and blues, with only rainbows eligible for retention on a kill ticket.
Lake photographs
A look around Skylark
Aldin Grange Lakes
Skylark
We’re checking the fishery’s Skylark pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Fly anglers
- Anglers wanting the complex’s largest lake
Maybe not for
- Coarse-fishing sessions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Skylark
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Venue rule: Bag limits and catch-and-release rules vary a lot on trout waters — ask at the lodge before your first cast.
Skylark FAQs
Is Skylark fly-only?
Yes, Skylark is one of the two fly-only trout lakes.
What is Skylark’s acreage?
An exact acreage isn’t published; it is described as the largest lake.
What's the lake record on Skylark?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Skylark that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Skylark?
trout.
How big is Skylark and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The largest lake, reserved for fly fishing.
Which baits work well on Skylark?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Skylark further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Skylark get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Skylark?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Aldin Grange Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Skylark?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Skylark on a day ticket?
Yes — Skylark is on the day ticket. Tickets: Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list £15; Summer-evening coarse ticket, 3pm until dusk — published 2024 list £10; Trout catch-and-release, four hours — published 2024 list £15; Trout catch-and-release, full day — published 2024 list £20; Four-hour trout ticket, one fish — published 2024 list £17; Four-hour trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £20; Full-day trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £25; Full-day trout ticket, three fish — published 2024 list £28; Full-day trout ticket, four fish — published 2024 list £35 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Skylark?
It depends — Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
Who does Skylark suit?
Good for: Fly anglers; Anglers wanting the complex’s largest lake. Less suited to: Coarse-fishing sessions.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Kingfisher: a 28-peg match lake
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Kingfisher is the named match lake, with 28 pegs. It’s the obvious starting point for a conversation about organising a match at Aldin Grange.
Match bookings are accepted, so ring ahead about arrangements and availability. The coarse species list is complex-wide, rather than a confirmed Kingfisher-only stock list.
Lake photographs
A look around Kingfisher
Aldin Grange Lakes
Kingfisher
We’re checking the fishery’s Kingfisher pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Match anglers
- Groups enquiring about match bookings
Maybe not for
- Fly-only trout sessions
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Kingfisher
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Kingfisher FAQs
How many pegs are on Kingfisher?
Kingfisher has 28 pegs.
How do I enquire about a match?
Call the fishery to discuss bookings and availability.
What's the lake record on Kingfisher?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Kingfisher that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Kingfisher?
carp.
How big is Kingfisher and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 28-peg match lake.
Which baits work well on Kingfisher?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Kingfisher further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Kingfisher get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Kingfisher?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Aldin Grange Lakes before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Kingfisher?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Kingfisher on a day ticket?
Yes — Kingfisher is on the day ticket. Tickets: Coarse-lake ticket — published 2024 list £15; Summer-evening coarse ticket, 3pm until dusk — published 2024 list £10; Trout catch-and-release, four hours — published 2024 list £15; Trout catch-and-release, full day — published 2024 list £20; Four-hour trout ticket, one fish — published 2024 list £17; Four-hour trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £20; Full-day trout ticket, two fish — published 2024 list £25; Full-day trout ticket, three fish — published 2024 list £28; Full-day trout ticket, four fish — published 2024 list £35 (last checked 2026-10-05).
Is night fishing allowed on Kingfisher?
It depends — Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
Who does Kingfisher suit?
Good for: Match anglers; Groups enquiring about match bookings. Less suited to: Fly-only trout sessions.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Must coarse hooks be barbless?
Coarse rules require barbless hooks. Microbarbs are excluded.
- Must
Must nets be dipped?
All nets must be dipped.
- Must
Are Swallow and Skylark fly-only?
Both trout lakes are fly-only.
- No
Can brown or blue trout be retained on a kill ticket?
Only rainbow trout may be retained on a kill ticket.
- Yes
Are extra retained fish charged separately?
Fish retained above ticket limits are charged by weight.
- Only if
Is night fishing confirmed?
Published hours cover daytime fishing only; confirm any exceptions directly.
- Only if
Is year-round opening currently confirmed?
An older listing describes year-round fishing, but current seasonal closures need checking.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 5 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Blackbird
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Swallow
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Woodpecker
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Skylark
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Venue rule: Bag limits and catch-and-release rules vary a lot on trout waters — ask at the lodge before your first cast.
Kingfisher
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
6.8/10 from Tackle Index: Mixed coarse fishing and dedicated trout waters offer good breadth, without confirmed catch rates or fish weights.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Aldin Grange Lakes near Durham mixes three coarse lakes with two fly-only trout waters across roughly 20 acres of farmland. Plenty of choice for a match-minded session or a day on the fly, but check current prices before heading over: the published list is labelled 2024.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Aldin Grange Lakes
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