When and where to go fishing?

When am I able to go fishing in the Don catchment?

Rivers, streams, drains or waterways (other than canals)

You can’t fish for coarse fish and eels on rivers from the 15 March to 15 June (you can fish for eel in some areas – read the local byelaws).

Yorkshire byelaws –

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

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.

For a full breakdown of open-closed seasons and local byelaws please visit this website – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regional-rod-fishing-byelaws-north-east-region

Where is there to go fishing in the Don catchment?

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) , Upper Don Fly Fishers – get in touch with Salmon and Trout Conservation about becoming a member to fish here , Rotherham angling association and 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: Dearne Valley Country Park                        

Most of the River Dearne is free fishing. Try the following locations:

Barugh, Pastures Road and Denaby

Rother

Club/ticket required for: Rother Valley Country Park , Catcliffe, Brinsworth and Treeton Angling Alliance 

Everywhere else along the Rother is free. Try the following locations:

Somersall Park (River Hipper), New Whittington