River Hodder · Lancashire
River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water
Club members only
Club members only
Membership is the main route on, but it is worth asking, as many clubs keep guest or taster days open.
About River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water
This is the Whitewell Fishing Association’s main water on the River Hodder: around 7.5 miles from Dunsop village downstream to a mile below Doeford Bridge, with 36 named pools, and another mile at Chaigley with seven more pools. The association publishes maps of its pools, and the position shown here is approximate.
Natural barriers make deep holding pools for salmon and sea trout. Sea trout reach the water in late May, with the peak from mid June to the end of July, and salmon come from September to the end of the association’s season on 31 October. The association says all pools fish well at 9 to 15 inches on the river height gauge. Wild brown trout fish well from March to September, and one long gliding pool is a favourite for grayling on the fly in November and December.
Trout and grayling are fished with artificial fly only, apart from worm trotting for grayling from 25 December to 14 March. Salmon and sea trout may be fished with fly or artificial spinning baits, and spinning is only allowed when the river reads 18 inches on the gauge at Doeford or Burholme Bridge. The association encourages catch and release for all species, especially salmon, and asks for barbless hooks.
The water is for members. Membership is limited and there is generally a short waiting list; the association’s site says to contact the secretary.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only, Spinning
How to book
Club and membership details
- WF
Membership
Members fish on their membership. Membership is limited and there is generally a short waiting list; contact the secretary, Ian Appleton, to ask about joining.
View club details
Fishing details
- Water type
- Main river
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Fishing rules for River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water
Members of the Whitewell Fishing Association and their guests only, with a current Environment Agency rod licence. Brown trout and grayling: artificial fly only, apart from trotting the worm for grayling from 25 December to 14 March. No ground bait and no maggots. One brace of brown trout a day, none under 20 cm. One brace of grayling a day, only fish between 30 and 38 cm. Salmon and sea trout: artificial fly or spinning with artificial bait only; no spinning bait over 15 g or with a hook gape over 8 mm after 31 August; spinning only when the river reads 18 inches on the Doeford or Burholme Bridge gauge. One brace of clean sea trout a day, none under 30 cm. Anglers are asked to return all salmon, and any hen salmon caught on or after 15 September must be returned, as must coloured and ripe salmon. No gaff or mechanical tailer. Catch and release is encouraged, with barbless hooks. Environment Agency byelaws apply.
Where you'll fish
Location
Approximate locationExact location is hidden at the owner's request. This beat is on the River Hodder.
Conditions on the River Hodder
The river
The River Hodder rises on White Hill and runs about 23 miles to the River Ribble near Great Mitton, close to where the Calder joins. It is the largest tributary of the Ribble. It drains much of the…
View the River Hodder guideSimilar beats on the River Hodder
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FAQ
River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water at any one time?
02What species can I expect to catch on River Hodder, Dunsop to Doeford Bridge, Whitewell Fishing Association water?
03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
05Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
06What tackle should I bring?
07What happens if conditions are poor on the day I've booked?
08Are dogs allowed on the beat?
Worth a read
Club members only
Membership is the main route on
