HALF DAY ON THE WATER
Perfect for both complete beginners and anglers looking to refresh or refine their skills, this 4-hour session takes place on one of our private, well-stocked local stillwaters, or our private beat on Swinton Estate on the River Ure.
Beginners will learn the fundamentals of fly fishing, including tackle setup, casting, fly selection, and safely playing and landing fish. More experienced anglers can focus on improving casting accuracy and distance, fly presentation, fish-fighting techniques, and developing a more effective approach to stillwater fishing.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 4 hours of professional instruction (Morning or Afternoon)
- Overview of basic tackle, knots, and flies
- All premium rods, reels, and safety equipment provided
- Fishing permits for the duration of the lesson
TARGET SPECIES:
- Stillwater trout (all year round)
- River trout (25th March - 30th September)
- Grayling (16th June - 14th March)
- Atlantic salmon (6th April - 31st October)
FULL DAY ON THE WATER
Whether you're taking your first steps into fly fishing or looking to refine existing skills, this comprehensive full-day session is tailored to your experience level and goals. Available on both stillwaters and rivers, the day can be adapted to focus on everything from the fundamentals through to more advanced techniques.
Beginners will learn how to set up tackle, cast effectively, understand fish behaviour, select flies, and safely hook, play, and land fish. More experienced anglers can focus on improving casting performance, fly presentation, reading water, entomology, and developing a more strategic approach to both river and stillwater fishing.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Full day of expert tuition (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- In-depth casting coaching and fault-fixing
- All equipment, waders, and flies provided
- Fishing permits
- Picnic lunch and refreshments (full day bookings only)
TARGET SPECIES:
- Stillwater trout (all year round)
- River trout (25th March - 30th September)
- Grayling (16th June - 14th March)
- Atlantic salmon (6th April - 31st October)
2-day Beginners Course
Experience the best of both worlds with this full-day session, combining the unique challenges and rewards of both stillwater and river fly fishing. Designed for beginners, the course provides a fantastic introduction to different fishing environments while building a broad range of practical skills.
Spend on day on a well-stocked stillwater, developing your casting, fish-playing, and fly fishing fundamentals. The next day, we'll move to the river, where you'll learn how to read the water, identify productive water, fish effectively in moving water, and safely wade and navigate the river environment.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- One day on a local stillwater, one day on the river
- Tailored instruction for beginners
- Casting tuition
- Watercraft
- River safety and safe wading
- Guidance on fly selection and presentation in different environments
- All equipment, waders, and safety gear provided if required
- Exclusive access to private river beats
- Lunch and refreshments
SUITABLE FOR:
- Complete beginners looking for a broad introduction to fly fishing
- Stillwater anglers wanting to gain confidence on rivers
TARGET SPECIES:
- Stillwater trout (all year round)
- River trout (25th March - 30th September)
- Grayling (16th June - 14th March)
- Atlantic salmon (6th April - 31st October)
KIDS AND FAMILY FISHING
A fun, safe, and engaging session designed specifically for junior anglers (ages 6-16). We keep the theory short and the action high, focusing on safety, easy casting techniques, and the excitement of catching their very first fish!
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 2 hours of enthusiastic, child-friendly instruction
- Specially sized rods and safety glasses provided
- A fun introduction to river bugs and fish care
- Fun and engaging games to keep them on their toes!
WOMEN'S FISHING DAYS
Join Marina Gibson (founder of NFC) and The Country Girls UK for a relaxed and welcoming day designed to bring women together through a shared love of the outdoors, fishing, and learning new skills. Whether you've never picked up a fly rod before or you're already an experienced angler, these days are tailored to your ability and provide the perfect opportunity to learn, improve, and connect with like-minded women.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A full day hosted by Marina Gibson
- Fly fishing tuition tailored to your experience level
- Casting instruction and practical fishing techniques
- Guidance on tackle, flies, knots, and fish behaviour
- Stillwater and/or river fishing opportunities (venue dependent)
- Lunch and refreshments
- Plenty of time for questions, conversation, and sharing experiences
SUITABLE FOR:
- Complete beginners
- Women looking to return to fishing
- Experienced anglers wanting to refine their skills and meet other female anglers
STILLWATER MASTERCLASSES
Join Fly Fishing Nation founder Stephan Dombaj and The Northern Fishing Company team for an exciting day dedicated to winter stillwater fishing for trout and pike. Designed for both intermediate and experienced anglers, this action-packed masterclass focuses on the tactics, techniques, and equipment needed to maximise your success during the colder months.
Spend the day exploring a variety of approaches from the bank, boat, and belly boat, while learning how to adapt your tactics to changing conditions and fish behaviour. You'll also have the opportunity to test some of the latest tackle and equipment available in The Northern Fishing Company shop.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Full day of expert tuition and guided fishing
- Bank, boat, and belly boat fishing opportunities
- Advanced stillwater tactics for trout and pike
- Guidance on fly selection, retrieves, and fish location
- Tackle setup and equipment advice
- Opportunity to test the latest rods, reels, lines, and accessories
- Lunch and refreshments
SUITABLE FOR:
- Intermediate and experienced fly anglers
- Anglers looking to improve their stillwater tactics
- Those interested in learning more about boat and belly boat fishing
TARGET SPECIES: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and pike.
SALMON FISHING DAY AT SWINTON ESTATE, RIVER URE
Perfect for anglers of all abilities, from complete beginners to those looking to refine their skills. Benefit from expert instruction, local insight, and tailored casting tuition to get the very best from your time on the river.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Half or full-day guided salmon fishing on the River Ure
- Introduction to the lifecycle of the Atlantic salmon
- Tackle selection, setup, and practical advice
- Fly selection and when to use different patterns
- Essential knots for salmon fishing
- Spey and casting tuition tailored to your ability
- Reading the water and understanding salmon lies
- Guided fishing with expert instruction throughout the day
- Use of LOOP tackle if required (or bring your own)
SUITABLE FOR:
- Both beginners and experienced salmon anglers
TARGET SPECIES: Atlantic salmon (Season: 6th April - 31st October)
Salmon Fishing at Bywell, River Tyne
Experience one of England's premier salmon rivers with a fully immersive day on the renowned Bywell beats of the River Tyne. Your guide will tailor the day to your experience level, objectives, and the prevailing river conditions; whether you're looking to learn the fundamentals, improve your Spey casting, refine your watercraft, or maximise your chances of connecting with a salmon.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- Up to 8 hours of dedicated guiding and tuition
- Access to the exclusive Bywell beats on the River Tyne
- Personalised coaching on casting, tactics, fly selection, and watercraft
- Use of premium tackle and equipment if required
SUITABLE FOR:
- Complete beginners through to experienced salmon anglers
- Single-handed and double-handed fly fishing
TARGET SPECIES: Atlantic salmon and sea trout (Season: 1st February - 31st October)
2-Hour Casting Lesson
A highly focused, intensive clinic aimed at improving your casting mechanics. Whether you need to fix a tailing loop, learn the double haul for distance, or take your first steps into two-handed spey casting, our instructors will analyse and refine your technique.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 2 hours of 1-on-1 casting analysis
- Faults and fixes
- Tailored drills and practice techniques to take home
- Video analysis (optional) to review your stroke
CANCER & PISCES TRUST
The Cancer and Pisces Trust provides free fly fishing experiences for people living with cancer and their loved ones. Whether you've never picked up a fly rod before or have fished for years, our aim is simple: to offer a relaxing day by the water, away from appointments, treatments, and everyday pressures.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- A fully funded day of fly fishing and tuition
- Friendly, experienced instructors and volunteers
- All tackle, equipment, and fishing permits provided
- Fly casting and fishing tuition tailored to your ability
- Access to beautiful stillwater and river venues
- Refreshments and lunch included
- Opportunities to meet others with shared experiences
- A relaxed, supportive, and pressure-free environment
SUITABLE FOR:
- Anyone living with cancer, at any stage of their journey
- Complete beginners through to experienced anglers
- Family members, friends, and carers
OUR MISSION:
To use the healing power of nature, fishing, and human connection to provide moments of escape, enjoyment, and hope for those affected by cancer.
Swinton Estate private beat syndicate
Enjoy exclusive access to one of North Yorkshire's most sought-after stretches of river through membership of the Swinton Estate Private Beat Fishing Syndicate.
Flowing through the stunning Swinton Estate, this private beat offers season ticket holders the opportunity to fish beautiful, lightly pressured water in a peaceful and picturesque setting.
MEMBER BENEFIT
Beginning in 2027, members will be invited to an annual syndicate day with Stephan Dombaj, founder of Fly Fishing Nation, and Marina Gibson, founder of the Northern Fishing Company.
During the day, Stephan and Marina will join members on the river to share advice on casting, tackle selection, fly choice, watercraft, and river tactics.
SUITABLE FOR:
- Both beginners and experienced salmon anglers
TARGET SPECIES:
- River trout (25th March - 30th September)
- Grayling (16th June - 14th March)
- Atlantic salmon (6th April - 31st October)