Fly Fishing in England & The Scottish Borders
Few countries can match England's rich fly fishing heritage. From the famous chalkstreams of southern England to the wild freestone rivers of Northern England and the nearby Scottish Borders, the UK offers a remarkable variety of fly fishing opportunities for anglers of all abilities. Whether you're targeting wild brown trout on a small upland river, pursuing Atlantic salmon and sea trout, or simply looking to experience the birthplace of modern fly fishing, there's something here for everyone.
Many visiting anglers are surprised by the variety of fly fishing available across England. Crystal-clear chalkstreams, tumbling upland rivers, secluded woodland streams and larger spate rivers all offer their own unique challenges and rewards. Combined with stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and centuries of angling history, it's easy to see why anglers travel from around the world to enjoy fly fishing in England.
Why fishing in northern England is underrated...
When people think about fly fishing in England, attention often turns towards the famous chalkstreams of the south. While these rivers are rightly celebrated, Northern England offers a very different, and often overlooked, experience.
Many northern rivers receive far less pressure than some of the country's best-known fisheries. Anglers can enjoy long stretches of water without encountering another fisherman, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience.
The north is also home to thriving populations of truly wild fish. These trout are born and raised in the river, shaped by natural conditions and often displaying remarkable colours and markings. For many fly fishers, catching a wild fish in a natural environment is far more rewarding than pursuing stocked trout.
One of the greatest advantages of fishing in the North East is its proximity to the Scottish Borders. Visitors can easily experience both regions during a single trip, enjoying an incredible variety of rivers and landscapes without the crowds often associated with more famous destinations.
Combined with dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, historic villages and abundant wildlife, the region delivers an outstanding fishing experience and excellent value for money.
Fly fishing in County Durham
At Freestone Guiding, much of our fishing takes place on the rivers of County Durham, North East England and the nearby Scottish Borders. These waters may not enjoy the global recognition of the southern chalkstreams, but they offer something increasingly rare: genuinely wild fishing in beautiful surroundings.
The River Tees and surrounding tributaries provide excellent habitat for wild brown trout, with fish found in everything from fast pocket water and riffles to deeper glides and pools. Throughout the fishing season, anglers can expect a variety of hatches and opportunities to fish dry flies, nymphs and other modern and classic river techniques.
One of the greatest attractions of fly fishing in County Durham is the sense of solitude. It's not unusual to spend an entire day exploring productive water with little sign of other anglers. Combined with stunning scenery and thriving wildlife, the fishing experience extends far beyond simply catching fish.
The combination of County Durham's freestone rivers and the diverse waters of the Scottish Borders allows visiting anglers to experience some of the finest wild trout fishing in Britain. Each river has its own character, offering everything from intimate streams to larger rivers capable of producing exceptional wild fish.