We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.
Derwent located five miles west of Consett once again kept up its reputation for being one of the most attended game fisheries in the country, attracting over 10,000 angler visits last year.
The Derwent, with its easy access and gently sloping banks, is ideal for all the family to enjoy a great day out and a spot of fishing.
The reservoir is conveniently split into two, there is around six miles of bank, of which three miles along the south shore is available for both multi-bait and fly fishing, whilst the north shore is fly fishing only.
Just off the A68 and four miles west of Castleside, turn south at the Manor House Pub and follow the road into the valley. Sat nav: DH8 9TT.
On arrival, there is a well stocked shop where you will find all of the fishing equipment you need to get you started from scratch or to get essential bait and flies on the day. Snacks, ice creams and hot and cold drinks are available daily along with a range of leisure items for the entire family to enjoy their day out. Our friendly team of rangers will be on hand to offer you advice and assistance.
There is a purpose built slalom style ramp suitable for wheelchair anglers. This is located at the main car park on the south shore near the dam. Even as water levels drop, the ramp can give good access to the water.
During the close season, the tackle shop at Derwent has been extended allowing us to greatly increase the range of goods on sale. We now stock an extensive range of SONIK rods and reels at very competitive prices.
Powerbait and worm cocktail fished on the ledger.
Come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear. If using Powerbait paste, roll the bait into balls a day before fishing so the bait has a chance to dry out and thus stay on the hook much better. Try ledgering on windy, sunny, warm days and use a float on cool and cloudy days. Keep varying the depth at which you fish but generally it is the ledger with a 2-foot leader which catches the fish. If Powerbait is not catching fish combine it with a worm to give the bait more movement in the water. Never use hooks smaller than a size 8. Hunter House and the First Fence on the south bank are the hot spots.
Mainly lures such as Black Fritz, Orange Fritz, Dawson's Olive and Cat's Whisker. Various buzzers and small traditionals work best in the summer months and the dry flies such as the Daddies can be very effective when the conditions allow.
Vary the depth and speed of retrieve until the feeding fish are found. Use differently weighted 5-foot polyleaders to govern the depth at which you fish. These are easily changed and present the fly very well when attached to a floating line. Don't be tricked into the idea of changing flies all the time; the less time the fly is in the water, the less chance you have of catching fish!! Keep moving to find the fish, if you have had no luck after a couple of hours in one area then move to somewhere that may offer better results. Try the bays on the north bank when the water is high or above the Sailing Club and Cronkley when the water is lower.