Horton in Ribblesdale Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is limestone-upland Ribble, with the sort of unspoilt, tranquil setting that makes a day feel properly removed from the rat race.
• The fishery runs from Gearstones downstream through Lodge Hall, Selside, Newhouses, Horton in Ribblesdale and Studfold, finishing at Helwith Bridge.
• The Association says the water is approximately 12 miles long, so there’s plenty of river to explore rather than one crowded little run.
• Fishing rights are double-bank for most of the length. There’s a short single-bank section below Helwith Bridge, so check the fishery map before settling in.
• It’s an alkaline spate river. In plain English, conditions can change after rain, with a bit of colour and extra push making the river a different beast.
• Wild brown trout are the principal named fish. The river also offers occasional salmon, while Stainforth Foss acts as a barrier to other fish species.
• The Association hasn’t stocked with imported fish since 2006 and describes the water as a natural, sustainable fishery, with habitat work aimed at wild trout.
• Fish size and quality are described as varied across the water. That makes the stretch feel like proper river fishing, with different bits likely to fish differently on the day.
• The Association welcomes anglers of all ages and skill levels, and membership is open to all applicants. Handy if you’re new to this sort of upland river.
• Detailed fishery maps are restricted to members. Public pages don’t give detailed rules, parking details, night-fishing information or a day-ticket booking route, so sort the admin before making the trip.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: This is primarily trout water, with occasional salmon also present. The checked information doesn’t set out specific methods, so use the Association’s member information and fishery map for the current approach.

Access & tickets

The fishery is run by Manchester Anglers’ Association, and membership is open to all applicants. Annual and joining fees apply, but current membership prices and a public day-ticket booking route are not published on the official public pages.

Fish the club names

trout, chub

Key rules

• Fishing rights are double-bank for most of the fishery.
• There is a short single-bank section below Helwith Bridge.
• Detailed fishing rules are not published on the official public pages.
• Detailed fishery maps are restricted to members.
• The official public pages do not state whether night fishing is permitted.

Where it is