Marske Waters, River Swale

River level

The lowdown

• The north-bank beat runs downstream from Downholme Bridge to Lowenthwaite Farm, covering roughly 5.7 km (3.5 miles). That’s a fair old wander, so don’t expect to tick the whole lot off in one session.
• North-bank parking is available at Downholme Bridge for the upper water, while Round Howe public car park serves the lower section. Round Howe is a pay-and-display job, and the lower beat is about 1 km from the car park.
• The south-bank water adds approximately 4.0 km (2.4 miles), but it’s split in two by land at Underbanks Farm. RADAS has no access across that bit, so it isn’t one continuous stroll.
• Access on the south bank is a bit limited, with restricted river access and limited parking from the A6108. The north bank also has fences and field-crossing restrictions, so walking every yard may be impossible.
• This is rural Swaledale water through farmland, with private-land restrictions and gates to deal with. Shut every gate behind you. No faffing about with access.
• RADAS describes Marske as fly and worm only, and the section contains trout only. The society reports wild brown trout of 3–5 lb are not unusual on its waters, so there’s potential for a proper cheeky fish.
• The official trout season runs from 25 March to 30 September inclusive. The river is closed to all fishing from 15 March to 24 March, so check the dates before setting off.
• Keep things tidy and fish-friendly: all fish go back alive, and you’ll need knotless, Environment Agency-spec landing nets plus a disgorger. Dogs, fires, barbecues, litter and discarded tackle are banned.

Methods: It’s fly and worm only, so work the likely trout lies with a fly or present worm sensibly through the flow. Look for the crease, steady glides and any cover where a wild brown trout can sit out of the push.

Access & tickets

RADAS day permits can be bought online and cost £12.50 per angler. They are valid from 6:00am to 10:00pm on the booked date, and include Easby Waters. Anglers also need an Environment Agency rod licence.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Fly and worm only on the Marske beat; fishing above Lowenthwaite Bridge is also restricted to fly and worm only.
• The official trout season is 25 March to 30 September inclusive. The river is closed to all fishing from 15 March to 24 March.
• All fish must be handled carefully and returned alive.
• An Environment Agency rod licence must be carried. Anglers must show their day permit and rod licence if requested.
• Only single-pointed barbless or nipped-barbed hooks are allowed. Double and treble hooks are prohibited.
• No more than two rods may be used at once. Keep and landing nets must be knotless and meet Environment Agency specifications, and a disgorger must be carried.
• Dogs, fires, barbecues, littering and discarded tackle are prohibited. Gates must be closed after use.
• Day-permit holders must submit a catch return within 24 hours.

Where it is