When and where to go fishing?
When
The below is general guidance. You should read:
Coarse fishing close season
The annual close season for coarse fishing is 15 March to 15 June. It applies to:
- all rivers, streams and drains
- most stillwaters that are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
- some canals
Yorkshire byelaws
The close season for:
- salmon is 1 November to 5 April
- sea trout is 1 November to 2 April
- all non-migratory trout in rivers, streams, drains and canals, and for brown trout in all waters other than enclosed stillwaters, is 1 October to 24 March
There is no close season for rainbow trout in any stillwater, or for brown trout on enclosed stillwaters.
Fishing for eels during the coarse fishing close season
You can fish with a rod and line for eels all year in waters with no coarse fishing close season. You must return any eels you catch, including in coastal waters, to the same water unharmed.
Trout
It is illegal to take trout shorter than 23cm.
You must not take more than 6 trout per day without the written consent of the owner or occupier of the fishery.
Where
Where the rights aren’t owned by fishing groups much of the Don catchment is free fishing. Firstly, to make sure you’re not trespassing check the reach of river you want to fish isn’t privately owned. After that all you’ll need is your rod licence (https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences) and fishing equipment and you’re good to go. Here’s a few suggestions of where to fish on each sub-catchment along with links to local fishing groups.
Don
Clubs/tickets required:
- Doncaster District Angling Association
- Tin Mill Club (no day tickets)
- Salmon & Trout South Yorkshire have the fly fishing on the Don from Wharncliffe to Hazelhead, excluding Penistone. Membership of WildFish is required, details can be obtained from David Rowley [email protected]
- Rotherham & District United Angling Federation
- Kilnhurst and District Angling Alliance
Most of the River Don from Wharncliffe Side to Sprotbrough is free. Try the following locations:
Upper Don – Oughtibridge, Beeley Woods, Club Mill Road, Wardsend Cemetery
Middle Don – Salmon Pastures, Stevenson Road, Jessops Riverside, Rotherham Central
Lower Don – Long Sandall, Barnby Dun
Dearne
Day ticket required:
Most of the River Dearne is free fishing. Try the following locations:
Barugh, Pastures Road and Denaby
Rother
Club/ticket required:
Everywhere else along the Rother is free. Try the following locations:
Somersall Park (River Hipper), New Whittington
