Dilston Fishing's conditions
When using the Widehaugh railway crossing, anglers MUST follow the instructions on the signs provided by Network Rail.
From January 2022 there are miniature stop lights in place providing a visual and audible warning when a train is approaching. The system should be treated as a supplement to a crossing user’s own vigilance and is not a substitute for remaining alert at all times when on or about the level crossing. Its warnings are to be adhered to.
There is a very short period of time after the lights turn red that a train will approach – UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU START TO CROSS IF LIGHTS TURN RED and DO NOT proceed until the lights turn GREEN in case another train is approaching.
If any person/vehicle is likely to take more than 20 seconds to cross you MUST ring the signaller for clearance.
If NO LIGHT is showing, the equipment has developed a fault. Users MUST NOT use the crossing, but should USE TELEPHONE PROVIDED to contact the Signaller.
EA guidelines on catch and released to be observed
The Beat will now operate a mandatory catch & release policy for salmon. Exceptions to this are badly bleeding fish and a first ever fish caught by an angler.
Sea Trout may still be kept although this may also change if the current downward population trend continues to develop.
Single & double hooks may be used up to size 6. This applies equally to spinning lures as well as flies. Multi hook spinners must be altered to have only one hook with a maximum of two points. Trebles may not be used.
Anglers must have a modern knotless net and disgorging forceps with them when fishing. There will be a number of fishing nets in the fishing hut available to borrow if need be.
These are minimum requirements and anglers are encouraged to exceed them where possible.
Fishermen must record all fish caught (including fish returned) with the owners and within 48 hours of the date of fishing. Dilston Fishings beat accommodates six daily let rods, (four on Saturdays ) and tenants are responsible for ensuring that this number is not exceeded at any time.
Fishing commences at 8.30am. In addition members of Corbridge Anglers may also be fishing after 5.30pm in the evening.
Tenants are responsible for ensuring that they and their guests are familiar with the upper and lower limits of the Dilston Fishings and will at no time fish beyond those limits. There is a notice at the western upstream limit opposite the small island. The downstream eastern limit is the bridge at Corbridge. On Saturdays the fishing is restricted to the upper half of the beat from the western limit downstream to, and including the Devil's Water Stream.
Fishing is to be by fly or spinner only, although spinning is discouraged in periods of prolonged low water. There are some deep pools and slower sections which provide ideal spinning water.
Tenants and their guests must fish in a responsible and sportsmanlike manner at all times. However, tenants will sometimes find themselves held up by rods on the opposite bank. As the wading is very difficult in places on the North side of the river it is considered acceptable for our tenants to "fish through" slow rods on the opposite bank. Tenants are encouraged to fish down through the pools and runs and a step per cast is good practice.
Always start upstream of an angler fishing close to you, or if unsure, it's best to ask.
Sea trout may be taken from the 3rd April.
Salmon and sea trout parr, gravid fish and kelts must be returned.
All foul hooked fish must be returned to the river.
Rods may be shared, provided one person only fishes at a time.
Dogs may not accompany rods. Sheep are often on the riverbanks.
Tenants and their guests will cooperate in the prevention of poaching, and are requested to report immediately to the owner, or any police officer, any fishing by unauthorised persons.
Wading sticks must always be used. It is recommended that an A.B.S. approved floatation jacket (or similar) should be worn.
Car parking is available in designated car parking areas. The main parking areas are accessed over the railway crossing at Widehaugh just off the A695, either:-
- (1) just before the gate into the nursery,
- (2) by the pylon at the western limit suitable for 4x4s, or
- (3) by the Widehaugh Pool Hut at the end of the track through the tree nursery Please do not block gates as farm machinery may require access.
Parking is also available in the public car park on the south side of the bridge at Corbridge. Access to the beat is suitable for a car though use of a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. 4x4 vehicles are permitted to drive to some pools but tenants must keep to the designated tracks well away from the side of the banks which are often undercut with rabbit burrows and have been loosened by recent floods. Do not park on sand. Some of it is deep and soft. Please take care when driving on the track through the tree nursery as depending on the weather it can get muddy and potholed.
A copy of the booking confirmation must be left and displayed in the windscreen in order to identify anglers' cars. A copy of the booking confirmation must be carried by each person fishing. Failure to observe this rule may result in anglers being asked to leave the fishings forthwith and monies paid will be forfeit.
All rods must obtain and carry a valid Environment Agency Licence. These may either be obtained from a Post Office or online (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subject/fish). All rods should observe the Country Code at all times; no fires shall be lit, no litter shall be left in or around the fishing huts or on river banks, and all gates must be closed immediately. Barbeques are welcome at the hut area.
Tenants and their guests will not permit any damage to fences, fields, crops, river banks or any other part of Dilston Fishings, and will make good and pay compensation for all such damage which they may so cause or permit.
All rods exercise their rights to fish entirely at their own risk, and acknowledge that neither Dilston Fishings, their servants, agents or employees will be liable for any loss or damage occasioned by or to the tenants or their guests or his/their property.
These rules may be changed or added to by the Estate at any time.
