River Swale – Village Fishery, Helperby

The lowdown

• The water is a slow-meandering River Swale stretch, with pastoral and agricultural surroundings. A nice bit of classic Yorkshire river fishing.
• Village Fishery runs upstream to the footbridge known as the Swing Bridge. Downstream, access follows the path along the top of the bank into the first park.
• The Swing Bridge continuation is reached from the left bank via a stile immediately below the bridge. That section carries on for roughly 500 yards to the old railway bridge.
• The club says the Swing Bridge water fishes better through the winter months, so it’s one to keep in mind when the colder weather arrives.
• This is coarse and game water. Barbel and chub are among the fish the club specifically mentions on its waters, with trout also covered by the club rules.
• The first-park access path is narrow, so the club advises travelling light. There’s an electric stock fence along the full length of the first and second park.
• The club car park is at Dunroyal, behind the water-treatment building, with room for around six cars. It’s reached from Helperby Main Street, opposite the Golden Lion.
• A pedestrian gate gives access to the first park. Stick to the footpaths and river banks — no climbing fences or wandering into crops and meadows.
• The coarse season runs from 16 June to 14 March, with the river closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. The Swing Bridge section sounds like the winter banker.
• It’s a straightforward light-tackle access job rather than a place for loads of kit. Keep mobile, work the available swims and respect the stock fencing.

Methods: A cracking spot for proper coarse and game fishing. Barbel and chub are the obvious targets, with trotting or feeder approaches suited to this slower, meandering water.

Access & tickets

Village Fishery day tickets are available online through the Helperby & Brafferton Angling Club website. The price is £6, and the fishery is open to day tickets throughout the open season.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, pike, trout

Named by Helperby & Brafferton Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• All coarse fish, including pike, must be returned alive.
• Dace, chub and bleak under six inches may be used as live bait.
• The coarse-fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March. The river fisheries are closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Trout over 12 inches may be taken from 16 June to 30 September inclusive, subject to the club’s two-trout daily limit for members.
• Fishing is restricted to footpaths and river banks. Do not climb fences or enter crops and meadows.
• Cars may not enter fields except by prior arrangement for selected matches.
• Camping, tents and fires are prohibited.
• Dogs are not permitted without committee permission. Remove all rubbish and carry a current Environment Agency fishing licence.

River level

Where it is