Stainforth / Knight Stainforth Farm fishing

River level

The lowdown

• The Stainforth fishing sits on the right-hand, or west, bank of the River Ribble. The upper boundary is downstream of Stainforth Packhorse Bridge, roughly 150 metres above Stainforth Foss pool.
• The water then runs downstream to meet Settle Anglers’ existing fishing at Robin Hoods Wood, with that connection about 700 metres above the Stone Works.
• This is proper spate-river fishing. Conditions can change quickly, so keep an eye on the water and make the most of a bit of colour after rain.
• Stainforth Foss is a natural barrier linked with the salmon run, giving the stretch a cracking migratory-fish character. The Foss pool itself has to be treated sensibly.
• The club mainly fishes for brown trout and grayling, with salmon showing in some years when river conditions line up. The wild-trout policy means no stocking takes place.
• Fly, spinner and worm are listed methods, with local restrictions applying. A searching fly approach, a cheeky spinner when allowed, or a careful worm presentation can all fit the water.
• Spinning is banned from 15 March to 15 June, and it’s also prohibited unless the river is above 0.8 metres on the relevant EA gauges. Shrimp fishing is allowed.
• The Foss pool must not be fished using the metal ladder to land fish. Salmon must be released, and trout under 10 inches must go back.
• Parking is available for three cars beside Stainforth Packhorse Bridge. Members can alternatively park carefully in the arrivals car park below the restaurant buildings, then walk down the road to the stile by the bridge.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Fly, spinner and worm are permitted subject to the local restrictions. Shrimp fishing is also allowed, but spinning has seasonal and river-level limits.

Access & tickets

Fishing is through Settle Anglers Association Ltd membership. Members may bring guests on the Arnford water using £10 invitation tickets, but guests must be accompanied by the member.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Only Settle Anglers members and their guests may fish the Knight Stainforth Farm water.
• Members must accompany their guests. Each member may have three guest tickets per year, subject to club rules.
• Property owners may authorise up to two additional house-rod tickets at their discretion.
• Salmon must be released.
• Spinning is prohibited between 15 March and 15 June.
• Spinning is prohibited unless the river exceeds 0.8 metres on the relevant EA gauges.
• Salmon spawn, maggots, medicated baits and ground baiting are prohibited.
• Retained trout and grayling are limited to one brace of each per day, subject to the association’s rules. Trout under 10 inches must be returned.
• The metal ladder must not be used to land fish in Stainforth Foss pool.

Where it is