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There’s something about early summer on the Tyne that makes you want to linger a little longer by the water. This past weekend, we teamed up with The Country Girls UK at Bywell Salmon Fishing for two days that reminded me why these gatherings matter.
Day 1: Starting with the Essentials
We kicked off with a health and safety briefing led by Charlie Brownlow. It’s easy to overlook the basics when you’re eager to fish, but on rivers like the Tyne, a little caution goes a long way. We talked through the realities: slippery banks, unpredictable currents, and the importance of eye and head protection when casting. There’s a quiet confidence that comes from knowing how to move safely, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
From there, we dove straight into tackle. Salmon fishing isn’t one-size-fits-all; every river has its own quirks. For Bywell, we brought out a range of rods, but for anyone starting out, a 13-14ft rod in the 8-9 weight range is the sweet spot. The main advantage is that this size will cover you for most rivers in the UK. We spent time on line selection and fly choice too; this time of year, the Tyne invites experimentation, so we tried everything from skating sunrays to size 14 doubles, making the most of Bywell’s varied pools.
If you’re new to salmon fishing, don’t hesitate to ask questions, whether it’s about gear, casting, or reading the water. Reaching out for advice can make a big difference, especially when you’re fishing a new river or even just getting started on your local one. Local knowledge is often the most valuable insight you’ll get.
A great first step is to check your local river gauge. Knowing whether the water is low, normal, or in flood conditions helps you choose the right setup. For example, if the river is high and coloured, you’ll likely need a heavier outfit – think sink lines and big, bright flies to catch the fish’s attention. In low summer levels, a floating line paired with small, subtle flies is usually the way to go.
Back to the day out at Bywell….everyone rigged up their own rods. That’s important, there’s no substitute for hands-on learning. After a round of casting demos, it was time for everyone to step up and try for themselves. There’s a moment when a cast just clicks, and you can see it in someone’s posture, a small but genuine milestone.
On the Water: Firsts and Shared Wins
The highlight of the morning came when Tania hooked her first river fish, a hefty chub that, for a split second, had Steven Keeney (Head Ghillie at Bywell) convinced it was a salmon. The energy on the bank was contagious. We broke for a riverside lunch, then Steven gave a quick fly tying demo, turning out a textbook Ally’s Shrimp. Time got away from us, so instead of tying our own, we headed straight back to the river for the afternoon session.
Although no salmon were caught this time, the girls landed three chub (they were certainly out and about that weekend!) and a trout. Salmon fishing is never easy – you invest hours, even days, weeks, months, and in return, you might just be rewarded with the King of the River. It’s not guaranteed, but the more time you spend on the water, the better your chances.
We always say: to catch a salmon, you need to be in the right place at the right time. You don’t choose the salmon, the salmon chooses you!
The best part of this weekend? The girls now have the skills and confidence to head out on their own. And that’s exactly what we’re here for!
Day 2: The Premier of YETI Presents: Wild Atlantic Salmon
Sunday started early, 4am, actually! The girls headed out on their own, rods in hand, which felt like a real turning point. There’s pride in watching a group take what they’ve learned and run with it. Later, we all made our way to the YETI Presents: Wild Atlantic Salmon event. The day was packed: free casting lessons, fly tying displays, good food, cold beer, and the premiere. (If you missed it, the film goes live this July).
What sticks with me isn’t just the fish or the casting, but the sense of community that forms when people come together to learn and share. If you’re looking for a group that’s welcoming, supportive, and genuinely enthusiastic about getting more women into fly fishing, The Country Girls UK is the real deal.If you’re heading out to fish, make sure you have a valid licence. Fishing without one can lead to a fine of up to £2,000. It’s quick and easy to sort online:
https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence
Written By Marina Gibson
Our next CGUK day on the river is coming up at the beginning of October, you can find the link here to join us. We’ve also got a fantastic weekend later in the month with spaces still available: a Saturday of duck shooting followed by a Sunday of rainbow trout fishing. An unforgettable mix of sport and great company, it’s set to be a weekend to remember!
