Happy Days Salmon Fishing (Bywell-Main Tyne-England)

When I started salmon fishing in the UK over a decade ago, I never imagined that I would fish and guide on the best salmon beat in England – Bywell! In the last two years, I had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Stephan Dombaj from FFN & Marina Gibson and guide and host trips in the holy waters of Bywell. This year, I have a week booked in the prime season in September. Dreams come true!

Join me for a week of salmon fishing on this exceptional stretch on the Main Tyne. Whether you are a beginner or not, Bywell is the best place to land your first or next salmon or sea trout!

Fishing methods: Fly Fishing

Fish species: Salmon & Sea trout

Max 5 rods per trip.

Included:

Fishing:

• Six full days of fishing at Bywell. 15th of September to 20th of September.
• Rod License for salmon fishing in the UK.
• Steven Keeney will be our gilly on Bywell.
• Stanislav Mankov will be the group’s host.

Accommodation:

• Seven nights accommodation. ARR Sunday 14th-DEP Sunday 21st.
• Four double rooms and one twin room. Ideal for couples and close friends.

Transport:

• From Newcastle airport and back and at all times.

Chef & Food:

• Six breakfasts (Monday-Saturday)

Not Included:

• Flight tickets to and from your location to Newcastle International Airport.
• Lunch and dinner will be organized on demand.
• Pub evenings.
• Fishing tackle: rods, reels, and lines (a complete set-up can be rented for 50£ per day).
• Flies. We have a good range of well-proven patterns to offer you.

Itinerary:

• Day 1:

Guests are arriving in the UK, and I will pick them up with the rented VAN.

Taking the guests to the accommodation. Checking in.

We will then have an upcoming dinner at a local Pub.

• Days 2 to 7

Six Full Happy Days Salmon Fishing at the Bywell beat.

• Day 8

Checking out from the accommodation and Returning on our way back.

The Bywell beat on the River Tyne runs directly through Allendale Estate. It is a stunning 2.5-mile-long beat, most of which is a double bank. There are 15 named pools. ​The Bywell Beat allows a maximum of 5 rods.

Through the excellent work of both the Environment Agency and the Tyne Rivers Trust, the Tyne System is constantly improving concerning the water quality and the spawning habitats. This has led to considerable migratory runs of Salmon, Grilse and Sea Trout, which have been impressive in quality and quantity.

Millers Hut is Bywell’s main fishing hut located just outside the village of Bywell. Nestled on the banks of the River Tyne, the hut offers a stunning view looking out over Millers Pool and is the perfect place to relax and unwind at lunch or when you need a rest. The hut is tastefully decorated and well-equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. It comprises a cosy seating and kitchen area with a wood burner for those chilly days, a fully equipped kitchen, and facilities.​

Features:

There is a car park adjacent to the hut, where you can park your car, and a portaloo in the car park, serviced every week.
The hut has a wood burner, which you can use to keep warm on cold days. Logs are provided.
The hut has a small cooler/ fridge to store your food and drinks.
The hut has crockery and cutlery, so you don’t need to bring your own.
The hut has a kettle and refreshments, so you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee when you arrive, at lunch, or the end of the day!

Bywell is one of the most productive spring beats on the Tyne. Statistical evidence suggests that most fish arrive later, marking July as the prime season for quality and quantity. Still, the unique setup just below the fish pass, which acts as a temporary barrier and resting spot for the fish, has produced exceptional early spring fishing throughout the years. Springer fishing, in the UK, only a few hours away from London by train? Look no further. Iconic pools, like the Bridge Pool, Fish Pass or Meg’s Mill, are exceptional fly waters and the first stacked array of structures in pool form after the tidal area. Fish that acclimate in the transition from sea to river occupy the beat early on. The season runs from the 1st of February through the 31st of October.

“When I first went to that lodge, I thought this was an angler’s heaven. I doubt I will ever change my mind.” 

It is a very stylish & convenient fishing lodge 20 minutes drive from Bywell.

Choose from 5 comfortable double rooms and enjoy a breakfast to fuel your next adventure. Single or double occupancy? Your call!

Rods and Lines

A typical 13- to 15-foot rod will work in most lower to middle river conditions. Bywell’s structural beauty encourages anglers to experiment with different strategies. For most water conditions, we suggest 13’4–13’6 feet, 8-weight rods up to 14 feet, and 9-weight rods. Some pools, low water levels, and sea trout fishing will require a more tactical approach using 9’5 ′–10’6 ′ / 7/8/9-weight single-handed rods and 11’3–12’6 ′ / 7/8/9-weight short Spey/Switch rods.

Floating lines with various tips will cover most of the river—a standard multi-tip Scandi-style shooting heads and tips. A successful line for Spring fishing is an intermediate/Sink II tip and a Float S3/ S5 tip. Summer and autumn fishing will ask for full floaters or float-intermediate tip lines. A float, intermediate body, and various tips should sort you out for most fishing conditions.

Flies
Allies Shrimp, Sunray Shadow, Irish Shrimp, Calvin Shrimps, Cascade, Willie Gun, Stoyan’s Shrimp variations, Stokoe’s Shrimp, MFF Fire Tiger Zonker, Silver/Gold/Copper Stoat Tail. All those flies and some of their Claret variations work great.

Tactic and Strategy
Smaller flies are generally better for warm, low water, while larger flies are better for higher, colder water. Brighter flies are often more effective in coloured water. Popular patterns include the Calvin Shrimp, Copper Bodied Red Ally, Cascade, Stoats Tails, and tubes such as Gold Wille Gunn and Temple Dogs (Especially in the spring). Get creative in the summer: Sunray Shadows should be in every fly box, and if you feel extra cheeky, try a hitch fly in the summer for both Sea Trout and Salmon.

Side Effects: 
Catching a salmon can lead to serious addiction. You might try it only once, and then you can never return. You will want to catch more, tie more flies, buy more materials and equipment, and visit more places worldwide… it will never end. The risk is all yours!