Beat Three – Swing Bridge, Reeth to Healaugh stepping stones

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper upper-Swale water in Swaledale, tucked inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Reeth and Healaugh give it an easy village feel, but the fishing is still very much upland river stuff.
• The beat starts at the Swing Bridge at Reeth and finishes at the stepping stones south of Healaugh. A public footpath follows the full length, so there’s access along the run rather than one awkward walk-in.
• Fishing is from the north bank only. Use the recognised routes, stiles and gates, and expect walkers on the footpath as you work through the beat.
• The Beat Three entry point is at the end of the footpath from Back Lane, past the doctors’ surgery. There’s another public-footpath entry from Healaugh Green south to the stepping stones.
• Fly fishing is the main game here, which feels bob on for an upper Swale trout stretch. The club says its upper Swale waters are exclusively for brown trout.
• Beat Three also allows worm and spinning under the club rules. Spinning is only allowed after 1 May, and only when the water is coloured.
• If you’re spinning or worm fishing, use a single-pointed barbless or nipped-barb hook. Trebles are not allowed. Keep it tidy and fish within the rules.
• Catch and release is compulsory for all day-ticket holders. Members need a current rod and line licence, and every angler must carry their permit and show it if asked.
• It’s a shared, scenic stretch, so keep disturbance to livestock and wildlife to a minimum. Take all litter home, especially discarded line, and leave the dogs at home while fishing.

Methods: Fly fishing is the predominant approach. Worm and spinning are also permitted on Beat Three, with spinning restricted to after 1 May and coloured water.

Access & tickets

Day tickets can be obtained from the Black Bull Hotel in Reeth, the Bridge Inn in Grinton, Reeth Post Office or the Kings Head in Gunnerside. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required when obtaining a ticket.

Fish the club names

trout

Named by Reeth and District Angling Club (RADAC) across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is from the north bank only.
• Fly, worm and spinning are permitted on Beat Three.
• Spinning is allowed only after 1 May and only when the water is coloured.
• Single-pointed barbless or nipped-barb hooks are required when spinning or using worm.
• Treble hooks are not permitted.
• Catch and release is mandatory for all day-ticket holders.
• Members must hold a current rod and line licence.
• Permits must be carried while fishing, shown on request and are not transferable.
• A full and true catch return, including a nil return, is required.
• Dogs are not allowed while fishing; minimise disturbance to livestock and wildlife, and take litter home.

Where it is