Covid-19 Update

Following the Government's announcement on 10th May 2020 members can now resume fishing on the River Nidd. To reduce risk fishing is strictly for members and their guests only - day tickets are not currently being issued.

Would members please also note that Scar House Reservoir is currently closed.

Please read and adhere to the following if you intend fishing:

The primary safe practices currently in place concern the prevention of virus transfer from handling and social distancing.

  • Gates, stiles and bridges are the obvious points where cross contamination could occur. Remember, all hard surfaces can be contaminated - some can hold viruses for up to 72 hours. Other surfaces too, but to a lesser degree.
  • Be cautious - assume any surface you must touch is unsafe, take precautions and then leave it clean.
  • Use hand-sanitiser before and after gripping or touching hard surfaces, or suitably strong anti-bacterial wipes, changed regularly.
  • Avoid touching stile uprights at all if you can, I know this may be a little tricky but please try and minimise contact with as many surfaces as possible.
  • Anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or who shares a household with any individual displaying symptoms, should not go fishing and should continue to follow government advice on isolation.
  • When walking the bank, the same social distancing rule as currently in force, i.e. two metres apart, is applicable.
  • When fishing, our normal casting activity will provide adequate safe distancing!

Scar House Reservoir

Peaceful Wild Brown Trout Fishing

Scar House Reservoir

The Impressive Dam Wall At Scar House Reservoir

Scar House

Looking West Towards Great Whernside

Scar House Trout

Scar House Reservoir Wild Brown Trout

NIDDERDALE ANGLING CLUB - SCAR HOUSE

Wild Brown Trout Fishing On Scar House Reservoir

Nidderdale Angling Club control the fishing on Scar House Reservoir for members and visiting anglers. Scar House is situated right at the head of Nidderdale, immediately below Angram Reservoir (no fishing), and provides fine Wild Brown Trout fishing. Great Whernside and Little Whernside give a magnificent backdrop to a day spent fishing the waters of Scar House. Peace, quiet and virtual solitude are guaranteed when fishing at Scar House Reservoir! The only noises to break the silence will be the abundance of upland bird species such as Curlew, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Lapwing...

Scar House was constructed in the 1920's to supply much needed water to Bradford as a result of the industrial revolution. Today the reservoir still supplies water to industrial West Yorkshire, but it is also used for recreation. In addition to Trout fishing there are walks around the reservoir and beyond, and it is a good area for bird watching and mountain biking.

The Wild Brown Trout that inhabit Scar House average about 3 to the pound, with the occasional fish to around the 1lb mark. All the usual traditional wet flies will work, as will dry flies when the fish are looking up. If in doubt use something black! Float and ledger fishing with worm, and fishing with artificial lure are also permitted, but please note that natural minnow and ground baiting are not allowed at Scar House Reservoir at any time. Please see rules sectionGo to section... for further details.

It is wild and exposed up at Scar House so pick your days carefully, anything more than a gentle breeze in the valley and it will be blowing a gale up there! You might find it useful checking the weather forecast before you leave home; Great Whernside is probably the best weather station for an accurate forecast: Great Whernside Weather ForecastVisit website...

Scar House Reservoir can be found by driving from Pateley Bridge on the minor road towards Wath and Lofthouse. After driving through Lofthouse take the signed right turn onto access road. Follow the access road all the way to the clearly marked car park where cars should be left (strictly no cars beyond the car park). Use the map below for Google map/directions.