About AVAC
Join today, fish tomorrow
Allen Valley Angling & Conservation (AVAC) was established in 2011 by local environmentalist and fishing enthusiast Paul Frear. AVAC aims to promote fishing on the River East Allen and the conservation of the river environment.
We have the fishing on much of the river from above Allenheads to below Allen Mill Bridge, and also on Coatenhill Reservoir, near Spartylea. All of the AVAC fishing is within the North Pennines National Landscape.
Fishing is mainly for wild brown trout, though a number of sea trout are landed each year and salmon have also been caught.
We welcome new members, and also offer day tickets.
FISHING
We have the fishing on much of the river from the top of the river above Allenheads to below Allen Mill Bridge, and also on Coatenhill Reservoir, near Spartylea.
Fishing is mainly for wild brown trout, though a number of sea trout are landed each year and salmon have also been caught.
LEAD TROUT TROPHY
The much-coveted Lead Trout Trophy is fished for on the second Saturday of June each year. The prize goes to the Member catching the longest fish, which is typically over 10” in length.
BEAT MAPS
“Left” and “Right” banks are as viewed looking downstream.
Background map data from OpenStreetMap
Allendale Town Beat
Standing on Catton Bridge at Allen Mill, sea trout and salmon can be seen trying to jump the weir or run the pass, when the water is right. This beat is easily accessed. Parking is either in Allendale Town square, or beside Catton Bridge (Allen Mill Bridge).
Studdon Bridge Beat
This beat can either be accessed down the track from Studdondene, or along the footpath through Peckriding Farm.
Sinderhope Beat
There are three separate parts to this beat. Some of the fishing is quite challenging, and access to the top and bottom sections requires a hike.
Old Man Bottom Beat
Easily accessed from the riverside footpath, this is also an attractive spot for a summer picnic.
Tedham Beat
One of the most popular and easily accessed beats.
Swin Hope Beat
Easily accessed from the riverside footpath, this beat can produce surprisingly large fish.
Allenheads Beat
The top of the river! Please use common sense where the river passes commercial premises.
Coatenhill Reservoir
When you fancy a change from the river. Home to many fantastic birds (and the odd cormorant), the site is within a SSSI designated for its nationally important assemblage of moorland breeding birds.
PERMITS
Both annual membership and day permits are available. These cover both the river and Coatenhill.
2023 Prices:
| Membership | Qualification | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full annual | £55 | |
| Concessionary annual | Blue Badge holder | £25 |
| Junior annual | 12 – 16 years of age on 1st Jan | £10 |
| Junior annual (under 12) | Under 12 years of age on 1st Jan | Free |
| Day Permit | £10 |
- An Environment Agency Rod licence is required by all anglers, in addition to the AVAC permit.
- Permits are non-refundable.
- A catch return is required from all members. Coatenhill catch returns must be recorded in the hut. Use either of the links here for river returns.
How to buy
Day permits are available from
- The Post Office, Allendale
- The lodge at Coatenhill
New annual membership can be applied for by completing the form, below. Enquiries about Concessionary Membership should be sent to info@allenvalleyanglers.co.uk
Annual membership renewal can be paid for
- By cheque (with name, address and membership number on the back) to the Secretary;
- By BACS; or
- By PayPal using the AVAC email info@allenvalleyanglers.co.uk
AVAC Membership application form
RULES
Allen Valley Angling & Conservation (AVAC) Rules
1. Objects
1.1. The objects of AVAC shall be to carry on the business of a club and in so doing to promote, by all proper means, friendship, friendly competition, angling and the conservation of the East Allen River valley.
2. Membership
2.1. The number of places available for Ordinary Membership shall be determined by the Committee.
2.2. At the Annual General Meeting, Ordinary Members of AVAC who have contributed valuable services to the club may be elected Life Members without fee or subscription, and such members, hereinafter referred to as 'Life Members', shall be entitled to the rights and privileges of Ordinary Members.
2.3. In addition to persons qualified to be Ordinary or Life Members, AVAC, in Annual General Meetings and on the recommendation of the Committee, may elect to Honorary Membership of AVAC any person who in the opinion of AVAC warrants Honorary Membership.
2.4. Children under the age of 17 years on 1st January may become Junior Members of AVAC but have no voting rights. Junior Members under the age of 12 may fish AVAC waters free of charge but must register as Members before fishing. Junior Members under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on all AVAC Waters.
2.5. An adult Member may take an individual guest fishing on six occasions per year on a rod share basis. Prior to taking a guest the Member must email or message the Secretary with the name of the guest.
2.6. Any Ordinary, Junior, Life or Honorary member may resign from AVAC by giving written notice to the Secretary. Persons resigning from AVAC will not be eligible for a refund of their subscription.
2.7. All Members must make an annual catch return for their efforts on the river by 30 November each year. This must include a month-by-month breakdown of species and numbers caught. Members are responsible for the catch returns of any guests. Catch returns for Coatenhill must be made on the forms provided in the lodge at the end of each visit.
2.8. The Committee shall have power to enforce rules and to make such byelaws as may be necessary for the conduct of AVAC with these rules.
2.9. The Committee shall have power to reprimand, suspend or expel any Members who infringe any rule of AVAC.
2.10. The Chairman or Secretary shall be empowered to order the immediate suspension of any Member whose conduct conflicts with the Rules of AVAC. The matter must then be reported to the Committee at their next meeting. Such Members shall remain suspended pending their appearance before the Committee.
2.11. If the Committee is of the opinion that the complaint or complaints against a Member does not warrant him / her to be summoned to appear before it the Member in question must be immediately notified to this effect and shall be free to resume rights of Membership.
2.12. If the Committee is of the opinion that the complaint or complaints against a Member does warrant him / her to be summoned to appear before it, at least seven days’ notice in writing of the summons shall be given by the Secretary to the Member, and the notice shall contain a statement of the complaint.
2.13. Should a Member fail to appear before the Committee having given no prior reasonable explanation for the failure, the case can proceed and be dealt with by the Committee in his / her absence.
2.14. No expelled Member or unsuccessful membership applicant shall be considered for membership until the expiration of twelve months from the date of rejection.
2.15. No Member who has been expelled from AVAC shall be considered for membership except with the consent of the Committee.
2.16. Any Member changing address shall give notice of the change to the Secretary and, until such notice is given, all communications sent to the last address shall be deemed to have been served on the Member.
3. Confidentiality
3.1. Information regarding the terms and conditions of leases and licence agreements must be treated as confidential. Any Member found to be maliciously in breach of this rule shall be liable to disciplinary proceedings.
4. Subscriptions
4.1. The annual subscription payable by Ordinary, Corporate and Junior Members shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting.
4.2. No person shall be allowed to fish until payment has been made and a ticket issued, or renewal has been confirmed in such a manner as the Committee shall determine.
5. Fishing Rules
5.1. Members must adhere to the Environment Agency byelaws for the Northumbria region, but note that rules 5.3 and 5.4, below, impose requirements beyond the Environment Agency byelaws.
5.2. Fishing is permitted on the river:
- For trout, between 22 March and 30 September
- For salmon, between 1 February and 31 October
- For sea trout, between 3 April and 31 October, all dates inclusive.
5.3. Fishing is permitted at Coatenhill between 22 March and 31 October, inclusive, for a maximum of four anglers at any time. Seasonal restrictions on fishing from certain sections of bank, as detailed on site, must be adhered to.
5.4. All fish caught from both the river and Coatenhill are to be returned unharmed.
5.5. Fishing on the river is by fly or spinner only, or by worm after 15 June, using barbless hooks. Fishing at Coatenhill is by barbless fly only except that Junior Members may fish with worm using barbless hooks under a float.
5.6. All Members must ensure they have the correct Environment Agency Rod Licence and must produce it along with their AVAC Membership card and renewal confirmation, if relevant, on request by any full Member, officer of AVAC or Environment Agency Officer.
5.7. Members must park with consideration for others and must avoid blocking any farm access. Recommended parking places are indicated on the beat maps.
5.8. Parking at Coatenhill is limited to four vehicles in the parking area provided.
5.9. No person to light fires on the bank side, leave gates open or damage crops and hedges.
5.10. No person to take dogs to the waterside or interfere with game.
5.11. No person to trespass in any adjoining fishery.
5.12. AVAC Members are permitted to take non anglers to accompany them while fishing but are responsible for their behaviour at all times.
5.13. Any infringement of AVAC rules is to be reported to a member of the Committee immediately.
5.14. Any poaching or pollution is to be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
- AVAC rules - revised December 2022
CONSERVATION
The East Allen is a fantastic river! Set in beautiful scenery, it is full of fish and surrounded by an array of wildlife and wildflowers. The visible remains of Allendale’s industrial and mining heritage are reminders of a less tranquil past.
In 2022 an Environment Agency survey of a 70 metre length of the Town Beat revealed the fish numbers shown below. Worth a thought next time you feel there aren't any fish in the river!
| Trout | Salmon | Eel | Stone loach | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 741 | 663 | 9 | 60 | 1473 |
All of the AVAC fishing is within the North Pennines National Landscape, and UNESCO Global Geopark. Follow the link to find out more.
As well as many wildflowers, some of which thrive on the old mining spoil beside the river, the East Allen has a healthy population of water voles. It was used as a source of water voles for the
Restoring Ratty
project run by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust to restore water voles to Kielder. Follow the link to find out more.
One plant that, although pretty, is not welcome is Himalayan balsam. This non-native invasive plant is a problem on riverbanks because it can develop into large clumps that shade out and kill off other plant species, which in turn can worsen erosion. Follow the link to the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat to find out more.
Seeds are carried downstream, which is why it is important to try to eradicate it from the top of a catchment, downwards. AVAC organises regular “balsam bashing” working parties to tackle identified stands, and all members and their friends and families are welcome to join in. Events are publicised on our Facebook page. All anglers are encouraged to uproot Himalayan balsam when they see it, and to leave the plants high and dry so that they will not re-root.
AVAC also undertakes riverbank stabilisation work in vulnerable locations such as the old tip below Allen Mill Bridge. This takes the form of willow spiling, which in time grows and consolidates the bank.
