Blackton Reservoir, near Cotherstone in County Durham, is one of the Teesdale stillwaters popular with trout anglers. Set in a scenic upland valley, it offers bank and wading opportunities with good seasonal hatches and reliable fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout.
Looking for the best flies and tactics for Blackton Reservoir? This guide covers water typography, seasonal hatches, recommended fly patterns, depth and line setups, plus tackle tips for year-round success.
Water Typography & Location
- Shoreline: Natural banks with some uneven ground, suitable for bank fishing and wading in places.
- Depths: Shelving margins leading to deeper water around 20–25ft in the basin.
- Clarity: Upland reservoir water – generally clear but can colour after heavy rain.
- Stocking: Rainbow and brown trout stocked regularly, with strong overwintered fish in spring.
Seasonal Flies & Tactics
Spring
- Flies: Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail Nymphs.
- Depth & Line: Floating or midge-tip lines with 12ft+ leaders.
- Method: Slow figure-of-eight retrieves; static buzzer rigs under an indicator.
Summer
- Flies: CDC sedges, hoppers, beetles, damsel nymphs.
- Depth & Line: Intermediates or slow sink lines during the day; floaters for evening rises.
- Method: Dries fished static in the evening, damsels pulled with short strips by day.
Autumn
- Flies: Minkies, fry patterns, zonkers, dabblers.
- Depth & Line: Intermediates or DI3 sinking lines to cover fry-feeding fish.
- Method: Erratic retrieves with lures to imitate injured fry.
Winter
- Flies: Cats Whisker, black tadpoles, bloodworms, hothead lures.
- Depth & Line: DI5–DI7 sinking lines to reach fish in deeper water.
- Method: Slow retrieves with pauses, keeping flies near the bottom.
Tackle & Tips
- 9–10ft rods rated #6–7 are ideal for bank and reservoir fishing.
- Fluorocarbon leaders improve presentation in clear water.
- Pay attention to upland winds – drifting a team of flies on the breeze can be effective.
- Check bank access before your visit, as some areas are more comfortable for casting than others.
Blackton Reservoir combines wild Teesdale scenery with rewarding trout fishing, offering anglers a classic upland stillwater experience in northern England.
