Green Bridge Waters, River Swale

The lowdown

• This is a compact urban beat, right beside Richmond’s historic Green Bridge and the riverside footpath. Handy to reach, but still proper river fishing.
• The fishing runs from Green Bridge nearly to The Falls. Look for the bottom-limit sign on a tree next to the footpath so you know exactly where the beat finishes.
• It’s trout-only water. The official details name brown trout, and no other species should be expected on this particular stretch.
• Tackle is tightly restricted to fly and worm. So, no chucking whatever you fancy — keep things simple and stick to the permitted methods.
• All fish must go back unharmed. No fish may be killed or removed from the river, so handle them carefully and get them returned promptly.
• Hooks must be single-pointed and either barbless or nipped-barbed. Double and treble hooks are not allowed, and you’ll need to carry a disgorger.
• Nets matter here too. Keep and landing nets must be knotless and meet Environment Agency specifications.
• The season is closed from 1 October until 25 March. In the open season, a day permit covers fishing from 6:00am until 10:00pm on the booked date.
• There’s free parking on The Green, with paid parking also available at York Square car park. Close gates behind you, follow the Countryside Code, and leave dogs, fires, barbecues and litter at home.

Methods: Keep it to fly or worm, with single-pointed barbless or nipped-barbed hooks only. Whatever the approach, this is a return-all trout beat, so carry the right net and a disgorger.

Access & tickets

RADAS day permits can be bought online and cost £12.50 per angler. They are valid from 6:00am to 10:00pm on the booked date, and include Easby Waters. Anglers also need an Environment Agency rod licence.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Fly-and-worm only.
• All fish must be returned unharmed; no fish may be killed or removed from the river.
• Fishing is closed from 1 October until 25 March.
• Use only single-pointed barbless or nipped-barbed hooks. Double and treble hooks are not allowed.
• Carry a disgorger.
• Keep and landing nets must be knotless and meet Environment Agency specifications.
• An individual permit is required for each angler, and anglers must hold an Environment Agency rod licence.
• Day-permit holders must complete an online catch return within 24 hours.
• Proof of permit and EA licence must be shown if requested.
• Dogs, littering, fires and barbecues are prohibited. Close gates behind you and follow the Countryside Code.

River level

Where it is