I'm not sure whether to fish river or still water this season as even though I have owned a fly rod since about 1993, I have really not been out much so I probably still class myself as an beginner. Two seasons ago I had club membership to River Derwent in Gateshead but I only went out about a dozen times and I did a few trips to Sweethope Lough and only caught one fish about 6oz and that was on the river. So if anyone has a suggestion I would appreciate. My other problem is as everyone else money or lack of it, the season ticket for the River Derwent has gone up to £50 for the season which is quite cheap.

Andy

I would fish the river personally. Its an absolute bargain for the amount of fishing you get and the derwent is a great river with some decent fish in.
If you bump into anyone on the river ask some advice, thats what i did. I had only caught one fish before i watched some other anglers and they showed me some tips to catch more fish.
In season i try to go most weekends so if you ever want someone to fish with just give me a shout.
Daryn

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“Where the footprints end the fishing begins”

When you first start fly fishing it can take a while to get everything right and start catching fish. Keep at it and don't get too hung up about catching. Why not fish both River and Stillwater? I enjoy relaxed sessions down on the River Wear, then every month or so (or when I can afford it) go along to and NWL reservoir for a different fishing environment. If you are on a tight budget, River club memberships are a really great way of getting your years fishing without breaking the bank.

Discodazz Thanks for the offer I just live down the road from you in Willington Quay I might try and sweet talk the missus to give me the money for river fishing,


Stacon I understand what you'r on about and trust me I never been bothered about catching fish when I used to go fishing back in the 1990's I used to go for the peace, quite and the scenery

I love both, but my "environmental" preference is for rivers. I don't know a thing about your fisheries, but to me, stillwaters can seem a little unnatural. there is always a building nearby, or some other people, unless you have a very remote and secretive stillwater location. Rivers tend to be a little more natural, and there can be little to beat a wild trout stream in a pristine and picturesque environment. To me a single wild rainbow or brown, taken from a clear cold stream, beats a thousand stockies from an artificial lake. That's just me, I'm a "wild and wonderfull" snob....sorry

I dont mind giving you a lift either since i would be going anyway. Like andreb says theres just something more natural about a river and the wild stretch on the derwent is definately wild and wonderful.

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“Where the footprints end the fishing begins”

andreb I know what you mean about river fishing because I prefer river fishing so I've probably answered my own question, as I also prefer to be by myself and the 2009 season I was out on the River Derwent I only saw one other fisherman the whole time I was out. You also do not need to apologize for the type of fishing you enjoy, If wild and wonderful fishing is your thing then no-one should judge you, every one should be able to fish as they see fit as long as it's legal.

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disscodazz Thanks for the offer I now have my car back on the road so if you like we could alternate between cars

River every time. Rivers have more "character."

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How poor a thing, sometimes I find,
Will captivate a greedy mind - Isaac Walton.

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I have just applied for membership with Derwent AA I hope I am accepted again as I missed getting out last season.

I have the fortune of having some good river, stillwater & loch fishing on my doorstep. Also the added advantage of not having the extra cost of a rod licence. Like everything else the cost of our fishing will rise, but £50 a season is not that much. It's only the cost of 5 days catch & release on a put & take water. Just think of the pleasure you will get from being on the river. As for experience that will come with time getting to know the river & how she fishes & her diffrent moods. Read books & as someone has pointed out, ask other anglers. Tight lines.