Half a century of fly fishing history
Tanfield Lodge Lake, like most of the natural phenomena in Yorkshire's landscape, was shaped by geological changes during and after the Ice Age. The glacial gravel deposit left in the alluvial plain of the River Ure was extracted throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Landscape restoration after the closure of the quarry resulted in Tanfield Lodge Lake as we know it today. It’s filled by multiple springs that emerge through the gravel overburden from the underlying limestone aquifer, which explains the crystal clear water.
In the early eighties, landowner Christopher Bourne-Arton decided to operate the 11-acre lake as a day fishery for trout, and it was soon apparent it suited both the trout and the anglers. Depths of up to 20 feet and the limestone-filtered water supply ensure excellent water quality and clarity. These conditions are perfect for the natural insect and fly life that is the hallmark of a quality fishery.
Christopher Bourne-Arton, to most anglers known as Chris, has been managing Tanfield Lodge Lake ever since he turned the former quarry in the early eighties into a fishing lake. You will see him around at the lake several times a day and no doubt meet him when he is doing his bailiff rounds.
The focus has always been on sport angling, and on keeping the price affordable. We do not, therefore, stock the Lake with large fish, but keep a good head of fish in the 2-3lb range, which quickly acclimatise to the water and offer a more natural sport.
Nowadays, the lake is every few weeks stocked with rainbow trout up to 3lbs, with an annual stocking of fingerling brown trout to grow on. Clients are encouraged to return brown trout as we can guarantee you will enjoy the fight they will give you if you hook them as 7lb beauties. You’ll see some examples of that on our NEWS page, where our visitors kindly shared pictures of their catch of the day!
You will enjoy your angling day at Tanfield Lodge Lake not only for good fishing, but it’s also a day to enjoy nature. It’s just a lake and a hut, with majestic nature all around and nothing else. No roads, buildings, production tanks or any other eyesores, as far as the eye can see.
The lake boasts a huge variety of wildlife, from the signal crayfish in its depths to the ospreys visiting on their migratory journeys. The surrounding area is adorned with a profusion of wildflowers, including violets, cowslips, and three different orchids, making it a mecca for nature lovers.
It’s, therefore, an excellent place to bring your love-ones for a picnic if they enjoy the peacefulness with a book while you are fishing and love to watch the birds and beauty of nature. Or they could walk for hours in this picture-perfect setting with good walking terrain right from the parking at the Lake.
WHAT MAKES
TANFIELD LODGE LAKE SO SPECIAL?
✅ The quality of the fish in this crystal clear limestone-filtered spring water.
✅ The generous amount of 3 fish on a day ticket that is priced affordably.
See our ticket prices >
✅ The beautiful surroundings in the foothills of the Yorkshire Dales, a mere stone's throw from the A1. See the details of our location >
✅ We operate in a very welcoming and informal way, not as regulated as some venues where you can only fish if pre-booked and where you often have assigned pegs and instructions on where you can go. We leave it up to you to pick the best spot and it’s all your skill to find it 😊.
It’s up to you whether you choose a place where you can see or hear no living soul except for the birds and the fish, or take up a spot where you find some company nearby.
✅ We do not operate a cafe or shop, but you are welcome in our Fishing Hut with a great view over the Lake. You find here seating space (indoors or on the veranda) for your picnic. There is also a little kitchen, a stove and a kettle, so you can make yourself a cuppa (😊 free of charge).