Allen Valley Angling and Conservation

Allen Valley Angling and Conservation, known as AVAC, was set up in 2011 to promote fishing on the River East Allen in the North Pennines and to look after the river environment. The club holds the fishing on much of the river, from above Allenheads down to below Allen Mill Bridge, split into seven beats, and on Coatenhill Reservoir near Spartylea. All of it sits within the North Pennines National Landscape.

The river fishing is mainly for wild brown trout, with a number of sea trout landed each year and the odd salmon. Every fish is returned. The club also holds the Lead Trout Trophy each year, fished for on the second Saturday of June.

New members are welcome and day permits are sold too. On the club’s 2025 prices, a full annual membership is £55, concessionary membership for Blue Badge holders is £25, juniors aged 12 to 16 pay £10 and under 12s are free. A day permit is £10, and one permit covers both the river and Coatenhill. Day permits come from Allendale Post Office or the lodge at Coatenhill, and membership is applied for through the form on the club’s site.