County Durham offers 56 mapped fishing waters on PiscaMaps, including 51 rivers, 5 stillwaters. Species found across County Durham's waters include Trout, Eel, Salmon, Chub, Dace, Brown trout, Grayling, Roach.
The North East EA region covers Northumberland and County Durham, with spate rivers draining the Pennines to the North Sea. The Tyne, Wear, Tees and Coquet carry salmon and sea trout runs, alongside resident brown trout and coarse species in the lower reaches.
A valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required to fish all rivers, canals and most stillwaters in County Durham. Licences are available from gov.uk. Club membership or a day ticket is required on most waters in addition to the rod licence.
Click a river for species information, close season dates, access notes and a location map.
34 species recorded across County Durham's rivers, lakes:
| Trout | 35 waters |
| Eel | 25 waters |
| Salmon | 20 waters |
| Chub | 16 waters |
| Dace | 15 waters |
| Brown trout | 14 waters |
| Grayling | 14 waters |
| Roach | 10 waters |
| Perch | 7 waters |
| Minnow | 6 waters |
| Bullhead | 6 waters |
| Gudgeon | 6 waters |
Carp are a popular target across County Durham's waters — always use a landing net and unhooking mat and return fish promptly.
Barbel fishing is well regarded in County Durham's rivers, particularly through summer and autumn when water temperatures are higher.
Brown trout are present in County Durham's rivers — many are catch-and-release only and may be subject to game fishing close seasons (typically 1 October to 14 March).
Salmon are present in some of County Durham's rivers. A migratory salmonid licence is required in addition to the standard rod licence.
View all rivers, stillwaters and canals across County Durham on the interactive map. Filter by species, water type and access.