The Seasons
Bywell is undoubtedly the most productive spring beat on the Tyne. Statistical evidence suggests that the majority of the fish arrive later in the season, marking July onwards the prime season for quality and quantity, but our unique setup just below the fish pass, which acts as a temporary barrier and resting spot for the fish, has produced exceptional early spring fishing throughout the years. Springer fishing, in the UK, only a few hours away from London by train? Look no further. Iconic pools, like the Bridge Pool, Fish Pass or Meg`s Mill are exceptional fly waters and the first stacked array of structure in pool form after the tidal area. Fish that acclimatise in transition from sea to river occupy the beat early on. The season runs from the 1st of February all the way through the 31st of October. 


Spring
Bywell is notorious for its Spring Salmon fishing. The Riding Mill fish pass serves as a temperature barrier during colder and higher water levels, impeding upstream migration. Fish may be found in the lower river from the season's opening day (February 1st). Large spanking fresh specimens accumulate all the way through May and can be spotted almost daily in our prime pools.
Summer
Our beat functions as a natural temperature barrier in the spring, but it really shines in the summer when the numbers are building up. The myriad of structures will effectively slow fish down in low water conditions whilst still providing enough flow and oxygen to keep our fish healthy and in good condition. June|July|August are great months for anglers seeking an adventurous mixed bag of summer-run Salmon, Grilse and world-class Sea Trout runs. During the summer days, fishing after hours can be the key to success on bright and warm days. Creative angling is required when the temperatures peak at noon, but you would be surprised how effective surface tactics and micro flies can be even on the brightest of days. For many anglers, summer sea trout tactics are their first loop hole experience of large Salmon on light switch rods and/or single handed rods.
Autumn
From June onwards, the entire river system consistently produces fish, with catches gradually rising through July and August before peaking in September and October. The two latter are widely considered prime months on the Tyne, yielding a mixed bag of fresh as well as coloured fish. Being located close to the tidal area, it’s not unusual for our anglers to spot the odd fresh fish till the last day of the season.
Tackle Choice
For Salmon
Rod: A standard 13- to 15-foot rod is suitable for most conditions in the lower to middle river. The structural splendour of Bywell invites our anglers to try a variety of tactics. We recommend 13,4-13,6ft #8 weight rods up to 14ft 9weight for most water conditions. Certain pools, low water conditions as well as Seatrout fishing will ask for a more tactical approach with 11,3ft -12,6ft 7/8/9 weight short Spey/Switch rods as well as 9,5ft-10ft 7/8 weight single handed rods.
Line: Floating lines with a variety of tips will cover most of the river. A standard multi-tip scandi style shooting head like RIO’s Scandi Short as well as Nextcasts Zone heads and tips. A successful line for Spring fishing is an intermediate/Sink II tip, as well as a Float S3/ S5 tip. Summer fishing will ask for full floaters or float-intermediate tip lines. A float and intermediate body plus a variety of tips should sort you out for most fishing conditions.
Flies: Smaller flies are generally better for warm, low water, while larger flies are better for higher, colder water. Brighter flies are often more effective in stained water. Popular patterns include the Calvin Shrimp, Copper Bodied Red Ally, Cascade, Stoats Tails, and tubes such as Gold Wille Gunn and Temple Dogs (Especially in the spring) Get creative in the summer: Sunray Shadows should be in every fly box and if you feel extra cheeky, try a hitch fly in the summer for both Sea Trout and Salmon.
For Sea Trout
Rod: A shorter rod in the AFTM 7/8 range is preferred for sea trout. If you are new to sea trout fishing but have experience with stillwater trout, your current rod may be suitable.
Line: A floating line with a variety of sink tips is usually sufficient. Modern Single handed spey tapers have gone a long way.
Flies: Highly visible flies with yellow and orange are essential, especially in peat-stained water. Jungle Cock is a useful addition. Silver and blue flies, such as the Medicine or Teal Blue and Silver, and Silver Stoats Tail are also effective. Riffle Hitch and similar surface flies can be productive in warm water.