Cundall Lodge Farm Fishery, River Swale

River level

The lowdown

• This is a sizeable chunk of bank — roughly one mile — so there’s plenty of river to explore rather than just a handful of pegs.
• The Swale is the main event, with the adjoining oxbow lake also forming part of the fishery. Handy if you fancy a change of scene.
• Barbel are the headline act here, and the fishery calls the river the “animal farm” because of their size. Proper target fish.
• The named species list also includes chub, bream, roach, perch and pike, giving you a decent mix of river targets.
• The fishery is closed on the river from 15 March to 15 June. The adjoining oxbow lake stays open all year.
• There are flexible ticket options, from a six-hour session through to a full 24 hours of day-and-night fishing.
• A £10 ticket covers up to six hours, with departure by 9pm. It also covers up to 12 hours of daytime fishing outside 6pm–6am.
• For evening and overnight fishing, the £15 ticket covers up to 12 hours at any time between 6pm and 6am. The £20 ticket covers 24 hours.
• Bivvies and shelters are allowed only when night fishing. Dogs are a no-go, as this is a working farm with livestock.
• The entrance is the first gate coming from the A168, or the fourth gate when approaching from Helperby. Pay before fishing in the concrete trough on the access track.

Methods: The named targets give you plenty to aim for, from barbel and chub to bream, roach, perch and pike. Pick your approach around the river or oxbow lake, sticking to the ticket times and seasonal closure.

Access & tickets

Pay before fishing in the concrete trough on the access track. Complete all the details and put payment and information in the supplied envelope. The address is Cundall Lodge Farm Fishery, Cundall, York YO61 2RN; the What3Words location is built.dusters.token.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, bream, roach, perch, pike

Key rules

• The River Swale is closed from 15 March to 15 June. The adjoining oxbow lake is open all year.
• Dogs are not allowed because the site is a working farm with livestock.
• Litter must not be left at the fishery.
• Disposable barbecues and campfires are prohibited.
• Bivvies and shelters are allowed only for night fishing.
• Payment must be made before fishing in the concrete trough on the access track.
• Complete all details and place the payment and information in the supplied envelope.
• One non-fishing spectator is allowed. Additional spectators must pay.

Where it is