Whether on a day trip or a weekend getaway, the historic parish of Saddleworth has lots to offer. From the boutique shops and cafes of Uppermill to the picture-postcard villages of Delph and Dobcross, and picturesque walks around Dove Stone Reservoir and along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the scenic valley continues to be a staycation hotspot.
Now, with the growth of leisure fishing in the UK, more and more visitors are looking to pair their passion for angling with a trip to this idyllic corner of Greater Manchester. Thankfully, Saddleworth won’t disappoint. From stillwater ponds to class-one trout rivers, the quaint valley has something to offer everyone from the beginner to the seasoned veteran.
Best Fishing Spots in Saddleworth
For those wanting to experience fishing in Saddleworth with the ease and convenience of a day permit, Yeoman Hey Reservoir stands out. It sits adjacent to Dovestone Reservoir and is well-stocked with rainbow trout and blue trout. Great for fly-fishing, both catch-and-release and take-home permits are available.
More experienced anglers should apply for membership to the Saddleworth Angling Society, which opens up some attractive locations. The first is the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. It runs right through the heart of the parish. The stretch from Ward Lane in Diggle down towards Mossley is particularly favoured by local anglers. Roach, perch, bream and carp can all be found here.
Elsewhere, the River Tame offers class-one brown trout. The river offers a wilder, more natural wading and back-fishing environment with deep corner pools often hiding the largest specimens. Similarly, trout can be found at Diggle Brook, a picturesque stream running through Diggle village. Other exclusive locations within the Saddleworth Angling Society portfolio include Kilngreen Pool, with its 20lb-plus carp, Husteads Dam, Fairbanks Pool, and Eagle Mill, which boasts tench, bream, chub, crucian carp and rudd.
The Fishing Craze
Fishing continues to grow in popularity in the UK. Sales of reels and rods are, according to research from Grand View, reaching record levels. Indeed, the UK Fishing Apparel And Equipment Market Size & Outlook report predicts that the market will be worth £1.7 billion in 2030.
A new generation of anglers is taking up the sport thanks to trends like urban fishing, and clubs are seeing their membership numbers rise, with more than ever providing coaching and community events as a result of the wave of new participants.
This enthusiasm for the sport is also more visible. Major League Fishing tournaments on TV are witnessing higher viewing figures than ever before. Some of the biggest YouTube channels are devoted to angling, like Fish with Alex and TA Fishing. And even slot games like the Big Bass series and titles such as Red Hot Catch are reimagining the sport at online casinos. Moreover, the sport’s apparel has even entered the mainstream through fashion trends like anglercore. As a result, fishing is increasingly becoming part of day trips and staycation adventures in Saddleworth and the surrounding area.
An Idyllic Staycation Haven
Whether chasing 20lb carp in a quiet club pool or casting a fly on the windswept waters of Yeoman Hey, Saddleworth brings together Britain’s booming angling craze with postcard-pretty scenery. For fishing enthusiasts planning their next weekend getaway, this idyllic staycation haven offers an appealing mix of sport and scenery.
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