Round Howe, River Swale

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper long beat, with the South Bank running about 2.9km (1.8 miles) from Lowenthwaite Bridge on Reeth Road to the Green Bridge in Richmond.
• The North Bank has two sections: roughly 500m downstream of the footbridge, plus around 800m upstream through Round Howe Woods to Sandy Dubb, a large pool marking the upstream limit.
• Most of the downstream North Bank is tricky to get at because of housing developments and a caravan site. It can be fished when the river is low in summer.
• Round Howe public car park gives access to the beat, although parking there is pay-and-display, so bring a few quid and avoid a daft faff before tackling up.
• It’s trout-only water, and any legal method is allowed. That leaves you free to pick your approach, whether that’s working the likely lies or keeping things simple and mobile.
• Look for the usual river features: the crease, glides, deeper pools and softer edges. The longer South Bank should give you plenty of water to explore rather than sitting on one swim all day.
• The season runs from 25 March to 30 September inclusive. The whole river is shut from 15 March to 24 March, so don’t get caught out around the close and opener.
• Every trout must be handled carefully and returned alive. Single-point barbless or nipped-barbed hooks only; doubles and trebles are banned.
• A maximum of two rods can be used at once. Keep nets and landing nets must be knotless and meet Environment Agency specifications, so check your kit before heading off.

Methods: Any legal method is permitted on this trout-only beat. Pick your approach around the flow, depth and available access, with mobile fishing a bob-on way to cover the longer South Bank.

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

• Trout season: 25 March to 30 September inclusive.
• The river is closed to all fishing from 15 March to 24 March.
• All fish must be handled carefully and returned alive.
• Anglers must carry a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
• Show your permit and rod licence if requested by an authorised person.
• Complete a catch return after fishing; day-ticket anglers must submit one within 24 hours.
• No more than two rods may be used at one time.
• Only single-point barbless or nipped-barbed hooks are permitted; double and treble hooks are prohibited.
• Keep nets and landing nets must be knotless and comply with Environment Agency specifications.
• Dogs, littering, fires and barbecues are prohibited.

Where it is