The Association offers double bank fishing from Denwick Bridge (half a mile East of Alnwick) to the Duchess’s bridge (at Alnmouth) – approximately four and a half miles of fishing. There is a short exclusion zone which runs from Lesbury old road bridge down to Lesbury footbridge between which no access or fishing is allowed (see fishing map).

The Association is run by a team of dedicated and enthusiastic anglers driven by passion to ensure the Association can provide the very best angling experience. Whether you’re fishing for wild brown trout, salmon or sea trout the River Aln will cater to whatever suits your interest. We offer reasonably priced annual, monthly, weekly and day permits for those wishing to fish the river. Permits of all types are available to buy from the Hardy shop in Alnwick town centre.

The River Aln runs through the county of Northumberland in England and is famed for its unspoilt scenery. It rises in Alnham in the Cheviot Hills and discharges into the North Sea at Alnmouth on the east coast of England. The river gives its name to the town of Alnwick and the villages of Alnmouth and Alnham which it runs through.

Synonymous with the fishing brand Hardy (based in the town of Alnwick) the company’s history is intertwined with the river. The family lived close to its banks and regularly fished the river making it fundamental in the development of fly fishing as a sport. In the Associations early days William Hardy (one of the founding brothers) was Chairman. Other family members too have had an involvement in the running of the Association down the years also.

The Association stretch of river is kept wild and is not stocked. This means that some access is cut in but the majority of the river banks are left to grow without intervention. This is a far cry from other rivers which can resemble carefully manicured lawns! We believe this is in the long term interests of the fish and wildlife, adds to its natural beauty and creates a challenge for the angler.

We hope you spend many a productive and relaxing hour on our wonderful river. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on!

AAA Committee 

Rules in brief*

Above the footbridge at Lesbury, there is a restriction on rod type (single handed fly rod only), length (10 ½, foot) and a fly reel with fly line (no full sinking fly lines are allowed). Sink tip lines are permissible provided the sinking tip does not exceed 10 feet in length.

Below the footbridge at Lesbury the river is tidal where fly (same rules as above) and spinning are both allowed.  Please note, no bait fishing of any kind is allowed on any Association waters.

The river has recently been classified by the Environment Agency as a Recovering River and therefore ALL Salmon caught MUST be returned unharmed to the water.

*Full rules and regulations are displayed on the reverse of the permit.

*Cash or Cheque only

Under 12’s may fish the river for free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

1.  From Alnwick turn down at the war memorial and just before Denwick Bridge there is a lay-by on your right, with ample parking.

Grid Ref: NU 19686 13651  What3Words: century.brass.pythons

2.  From Alnwick take the Alnmouth road. Just before the A1 bridge, turn left into new housing estate. Park at the cycle track car park and walk the lane down under the fly-over which will take you to the river. This is Peters Mill Bridge.

Grid Ref: NU 20267 13007  What3Words: unhappy.took.cocoons

3.  Continue Further along Alnmouth Road and you will come to Hawkhill Bridge.  There is parking in the lay-by on the left, just up the hill.

Grid Ref: NU 21545 12702  What3Words: towel.greed.hears

4.  At Lesbury there are various parking areas near the roundabout.

5.  In Lesbury village there is a car park just past the Post Office.  Park here then walk down the lane and fish below the footbridge.  This is a tidal stretch.

Grid Ref: NU 23677 11641   What3Words: again.harnessed.floating

6.  At Hipsburn turn at the roundabout, up the hill past the Railway Station look for a sign on the right to Greenrigg and Bilton Farm.  Turn here and follow the road down to the river where there is parking for 2 cars.

Grid Ref: NU 21685 11743   What3Words: indoors.crank.cape