Paythorne with Gisburn Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• Fishing is mainly from the left bank, with a bit of right-bank access too. Handy if a swim is busy or the light sits awkwardly.
• The upper reaches are steep-banked and heavily wooded. Expect rocky pocket water, plenty of cover and a more lively feel to the river.
• Downstream, the Ribble opens out into pastureland. The character settles into sedate pools and riffles, with pools and glides spread through the meadows.
• The riverbed is gravel, and the lower pools are described as relatively easy to wade. Still, take the usual care around moving water and uneven footing.
• There are several named salmon pools on the beat, giving the salmon angler some proper target water rather than just endless featureless flow.
• The club says both double-handed and single-handed rods can be used. That gives you options as conditions change, from bigger water to tighter pocket-water work.
• It’s game fishing for salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling. Trout fishing starts from 15 March, while grayling fishing carries on through the winter months.
• Much of the beat suits night-time sea-trout fishing. The quieter lower pools and sedate flow look the obvious place to focus when the light goes.
• The club reports an average salmon catch of over 50 during the previous ten years on its page, with salmon over 20 lb returned in some seasons. There’s a salmon hut for members too.
• A keeper watches over the beat and helps members, which is bob on when you’re finding your feet or want a steer on the day’s water.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Fly fishing is the stated approach, with either single-handed or double-handed rods. Work the pools, riffles and glides to suit the flow, and switch attention to the lower water for easier wading or after-dark sea-trout fishing.

Access & tickets

Fishing is run by Yorkshire Fly Fishers' Club through club membership. Members receive six guest tickets each year, with salmon members getting three extra; no public day-ticket price is stated.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Trout fishing is available from 15 March.
• Grayling fishing is available through the winter months.
• Salmon over 20 lb are returned in some seasons.
• Fishing is for migratory and non-migratory game species.
• Fishing is available with double-handed or single-handed rods.

Where it is