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River Derwent Howsham

A proper picturesque bit of the River Derwent, with YDAA water both upstream and downstream of Howsham Bridge. It’s members-only, fast and shallow in character, but with deeper 8–10ft water in places and a cheeky chance of a big, elusive barbel.

Run by York & District Amalgamation of Anglers (YDAA) · checked 9 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Buttercrambe gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • The Howsham water is split across both banks and includes the sections around the bridge.
  • On the right bank, the stretch runs from the falls above Howsham Bridge down to Barton Hill Beck below it.
  • The left bank runs from Howsham Bridge to Paradise Farm and is approximately three quarters of a mile long.
  • YDAA calls it one of the most picturesque stretches of any Yorkshire river. Hard to argue with that.
  • The river is generally fast and shallow, though some areas average a useful 8 to 10 feet. Look for the crease, steadier glides and any depth you can find.
  • It’s shared with a local canoe club, so expect the occasional bit of traffic through the swim. Keep things friendly and sensible.
  • Running lines and stick floats are the bob-on starting points. Maggot and caster are the recommended baits.
  • Feed little and often rather than piling it in. Keep the shoal interested as the float trots through.
  • Chub can show to ledgered bread flake in winter. The stretch also holds roach, dace, gudgeon, perch and pike, with occasional grayling and trout.
  • The barbel are reputed to be large, but YDAA says they’re very elusive and need considerable time and effort. Proper project-fish stuff.

Methods: Trotting running lines with a stick float, using maggot or caster and feeding little and often, is the main game. In winter, try ledgered bread flake for chub, with barbel requiring plenty of time and effort.

Access & tickets

YDAA membership

Required for the Howsham stretch; members-only water.

YDAA day ticket

Howsham is specifically excluded; the stated £6 day-ticket price applies to other rivers and stillwaters.

£6 (as listed 9 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

This is a YDAA members-only water. Day tickets are not available, so fishing access is through YDAA membership.

Fish the club names

chub, perch, pike, barbel, trout

Key rules

  • Members-only water; not available as a day ticket.
  • Night fishing is not allowed.
  • The stretch is shared with a local canoe club.
  • Do not block the farm gates.
  • There are no fishing platforms.
  • There is no disabled access listed.
  • There are no toilet facilities.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

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