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Fishing on the Driffield Navigation
Fishing rights in theory
belong to the Driffield Navigation Trust as the Managers of the
Navigation. Fishing on the Navigation is at present "FREE",
anyone wanting to fish on the Navigation (Fishing clubs included) should
contact the Driffield Navigation Trust (DNT) via the DNT
webmaster@driffieldnavigation.com
or write to the DNT:-
Registered Office 2-4 Bridge St, Driffield YO25 6DA
for get clarification on fishing rights which should be owned by the DNT.
If you are asked to pay for a license you should ask who is the money
going to! The Driffield Navigation is for the use of "ALL" and
providing any monies charged for the use of the Navigations facilities go
to the development of the Navigation and not personal gain; that is the
money goes towards the restoration of the Navigation. You may however find
that certain landowners have the fishing rights and may wish to charge,
however you will find that the majority of the Navigation is still "FREE" fishing. If any fisherman have a problem please contact (E-mail)
and I will refer it to the DNT.
The Navigation hosts a variety of course fish,
Pike, Bream, Roach, Perch the occasional Trout and many others on its
tidal and no-tidal sections. Free fishing is available at several
locations on the Navigation, below Struncheon Hill lock and Frodingham
Landing. Providing you fish from off the landing at Frodingham no charge
is made, the landing belongs to the Driffield Navigation Trust. All that
is asked of you if fishing from the landing is that boats have priority if
wanting to moor at the landing and please leave the Trip Boat mooring
free.
At other sites the landowner charges a daily rod license fee
and in some places the landowners do not allow fishing even from the
public footpath.
Fishing is also good on the Driffield Canal (part of
the Navigation) Allegedly the fishing rights still belong to the Driffield
Navigation Trust who do not at present charge for fishing on the Canal.
You may however find that someone will try to make you pay, so it is up to
you what action you take if fishing on the Canal and asked to pay.
If fishing from a boat it is FREE, remember that a Visitors License
is required for the boat, only £5 a year, see
Craft License
for details. Small boats can be launched from Frodingham Landing and
Driffield Riverhead. Free parking is available at both locations.
So why not come and give it a try, you never
know you may do like several other fishermen and keep a boat on the
Navigation for the fishing and its tranquil surroundings.
Bream:-
 
Picture Left, a Bream caught at Bethell's Bridge.
Below Struncheon Hill lock
in the Summer of 2000 a shoal of Bream (50 plus) ranging in size from 2 to 5lbs and possibly
higher. The shoal was clearly visible close to the bank when approached by boat at a slow
speed. Large Bream are also to be found in the Navigable section of West
Beck, access to this water is only available by boat.
Pike:-
Pike of all sizes are abundant, 20lb being considered a small one by the local fishermen.
Roach and Perch:-
 The waters are also abundant with Roach and Perch of all sizes, picture left
one of the larger Perch caught at Bethell's bridge (October 2002). Further Information:-
Numerous fishing Websites are available, several mention the Driffield Navigation
and the types of fish to be found.
Pond/LakeFishing:-
Several fishing ponds are available around the Navigation. Wansford Trout Fishing
(adjacent to Snakeholme Lock) offers two lakes that have been specially designed to provide a pleasant and relaxed angling experience. Ponds are also to be found at
Bransburton were the fishing from a boat is available. Lake fishing at
Lakeside Billabong Click HERE.
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