YDAA controls from the road bridge downstream to Howsham Hall. It is a members only water. On the right bank fishing is allowed from the road bridge to the weir. From the end of the wood to Howsham Hall including the middle section known as the ‘Barn Field’. The fishing now ends at the end of the field opposite the hall.
Please note : from Howsham weir to the golf course field (inclusive) is now privately owned fishing, therefore the pegs along that stretch are not to be used by York Amalgamation members.
This section of water has fast and shallow stretches, and others that are deep and slow. Different areas fish in the different seasons and it is fair to say it is lightly fished in the middle stretches.
Roach, dace, chub gudgeon, perch and pike are the predominate species with the addition of occasional barbel, grayling and trout. In recent years skimmer bream have been caught but the grown ups are very elusive.
A long rod is useful to cover the depth, float fished maggot, caster or bread are favourite methods. Maggot or caster feeder works well on its day, big fish come to big baits, meat or worm.
From York, take the A64 to Malton then turn right at the top of Whitwell Hill signed Kirkham. Follow the road down the hill and park either on the roadside or in the abbey car park. The access to the fishery is through the kissing gate between the bridge and the level crossing.
To access the hall section, park at roadside between Kirkham and Howsham, without blocking the road. Access to the water is by the left hand side of the hedge, down to the river, then the path along the riverside fence to the pegs.