River Derwent Stamford Bridge to Kexby

River level

The lowdown

• The upstream end fishes fast and shallow, making it a proper early-season bit of river. Handy water when you fancy getting a float moving.
• There are deeper areas too, plus several well-known shallow spots. The depth changes the game, so don’t arrive with just one float in the box.
• The right bank covers Stamford Bridge, Scoreby and Kexby Above. The left bank is the second and third fields, so check which side you’re heading for before setting off.
• Stamford Bridge left-bank anglers should use the public car park, then walk downstream. For the right bank, use the road near the Water Treatment Works and the field track.
• At Kexby, park considerately by the old bridge, cross the main road and follow the public footpath. Keep to recognised access paths and stay on the river bank.
• A stick float with caster or maggot is the bob-on starting point for mixed catches. Around 3BB suits the shallow stuff, while 4AAA or heavier is better when the water pushes deeper.
• Maggot or caster feeders can do the business in steadier swims. There’s a nice spread of roach, dace, chub, gudgeon and perch, with pike in the mix too.
• The pike can be proper crackers, with large fish taken on static-float deadbaits and lures. Barbel, bream, grayling and trout turn up occasionally.
• Water character and sport vary with depth and time of year, so keep mobile and look for the crease, glides and changes in pace rather than camping on the first peg you see.
• There are no listed platforms, toilets, disabled-access facilities or on-site parking. Night fishing is possible, but only if arranged beforehand with the YDAA Waters Secretary.

Methods: Start with stick-float fishing using caster or maggot, changing float size to suit the depth and pace. Feeders can work in steadier swims, while pike anglers can try static-float deadbaits or lures.

Access & tickets

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

Fish the club names

roach, chub, perch, pike, barbel, bream, trout

Key rules

• Use recognised access paths and keep to the river bank.
• Handle fish carefully and return them.
• Live-baiting with fish is banned on YDAA waters.
• Only rod-and-line and pole angling are permitted.
• One rod may be used at a time unless an extra-rod premium applies.
• All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
• During the coarse-fish close season, river fishing is restricted to artificial fly, spinner or lure solely for game fish.
• There is an additional temporary closure from 15 to 24 March inclusive.

Where it is