Kilnsey Angling Club — River Wharfe beats at Kilnsey and Upper Wharfedale

River level

The lowdown

• • This is part of the club’s wider Yorkshire Dales fishing, with around 18 miles across the Wharfe, Skirfare, Oughtershaw Beck, Greenfield Beck and Cray Gill. The Wharfe beats are split up individually, so your day revolves around the beat you’re allocated.
• • The setting is a belter, with Kilnsey Crag looking down over the valley and Conistone and Kettlewell nearby. It’s classic upland river country — open, rugged and full of proper fishy water.
• • Water character changes nicely through the beats. You’ll find lively streamy runs, deeper pools and steadier glides, so there’s plenty to pick apart rather than just one repeating type of swim.
• • Above Kettlewell Bridge it’s a wild trout fishery. Those upper reaches hold smaller wild trout and can be a bit demanding, rewarding a careful approach and tidy presentation.
• • Below Kettlewell Bridge the water is stocked annually, and the lower beats generally contain larger trout. Worth keeping in mind when choosing where to spend your day.
• • Pocket-water nymphing is on the cards when the flow has a bit of push. Work the crease and the softer edges, especially around broken water and the heads of pools.
• • Dry-fly fishing is also available. Keep an eye on the glides and calmer margins, particularly when the river settles and fish start showing. A stealthy wade and light presentation should be bob on.
• • Visitor fishing is artificial fly only. No spinning, minnows or bait, and visitors must stick to their allocated beat for the day. Beat allocation is normally between 09:00 and 10:00, with no allocation before 09:30.
• • Trout fishing runs from 09:30 until one hour after sunset. You can’t move between beats after 2pm, and night fishing isn’t permitted. The banks can be slippery and undercut, so suitable waders and a buoyancy aid are recommended.

Methods: Artificial fly only for visitors, with both pocket-water nymphing and dry-fly fishing available. Fish the lively runs, pool edges and slower glides according to the flow and conditions.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available in advance through the Kilnsey Angling Club website, or in person each morning at Café by the Lake within Kilnsey Park Estate, Kilnsey, Skipton BD23 5PS. Visitor numbers are limited at the club representative’s discretion, and beats are normally allocated between 09:00 and 10:00.

Fish the club names

trout, bream

Named by Kilnsey Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Visitors must report to the meeting venue before fishing and will be allocated one beat for the day.
• Visitor day-ticket anglers may fish only their allocated beat and cannot move between beats after 2pm.
• Visitors may fish with artificial fly only. Spinning, minnows and bait fishing are not permitted.
• All grayling caught must be returned unharmed.
• Trout below 10 inches or 25 centimetres must be returned.
• Wild trout caught above Kettlewell Bridge must be returned.
• The general daily limit is no more than three brace of trout. Any rainbow trout killed do not count towards the bag limit.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required. Anglers must remove litter and discarded monofilament. Open fires and disposable barbecues are prohibited.

Where it is