River Derwent at Elvington, above and below Elvington Bridge

River level

The lowdown

• The above-bridge section is roughly 155 metres and sits on the left bank looking downstream. It’s one field, with a public right of way along the top of the bank.
• This upper water is mostly deep and steady, and H&DAA reckons it can be prolific — especially early in the season. Proper worth a look when the river’s got a bit of colour.
• Below the bridge, access comes from the church-car-park area near the B1228. Fishing starts at the large bay downstream of the weir.
• There’s no H&DAA access above that lower bay, so don’t wander off-piste. Keep an eye on the fishery boundaries and shut gates behind you.
• The lower stretch is more varied, with shallow areas, weed beds and deeper water. A decent mix of features, rather than one long uniform glide.
• A roving approach is the name of the game. Have a mooch, find the productive areas and don’t get glued to the first swim that looks tidy.
• The Derwent here holds chub, roach, perch, barbel, dace and pike. The lower section also has flounders and eels on the list.
• For methods, the slow flow should suit trotting and feeder work, while the deeper water is worth picking apart carefully. Pike are a proper seasonal option too.
• Early season gets a specific thumbs-up for the upper section. Pike fishing on H&DAA waters is restricted to 1 October through 31 March.
• Parking is free for the upper water in the village or in the small area opposite the bridge workshop. Do not use the workshop car park. The church car park is normally available below, but there’s no formal H&DAA parking arrangement there.

Methods: A roving approach is recommended, with trotting and feeder tactics suited to the mostly deep, slow-flowing water. Work the shallows, weed beds and deeper water below the bridge rather than settling in too quickly.

Access & tickets

This is a members-only HDAA stretch, with standard membership required. Membership permits generally run from 1 January to 31 December, and membership is open to anyone agreeing to the association’s fishery rules.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, perch, barbel, pike, eel

Named by Hull & District Anglers’ Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Standard fishing period is 5am to 10pm.
• Night fishing is not included in standard river access; separate H&DAA night permits are controlled separately.
• Pike fishing is allowed only from 1 October to 31 March.
• Keepnets are not permitted under the H&DAA rules highlighted on the membership page.
• Observe fishery boundaries.
• Shut gates after use.
• Take litter home.
• Do not park in the bridge workshop car park.

Where it is