River Wharfe
River Wharfe
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 1
- Species
- 17
The River Wharfe is widely regarded as one of the finest brown trout rivers in the United Kingdom, flowing approximately 60–65 miles from its source near Beckermonds and Oughtershaw in Langstrothdale, at the head of Wharfedale, before joining the Yorkshire Ouse near Cawood. Along its journey, the river passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Yorkshire Dales, threading through charming villages such as Buckden, Kettlewell, Kilnsey, Grassington, and Burnsall, and flowing past iconic landmarks including Bolton Abbey. The river is a classic freestone, rain-fed river — responsive to rainfall and characterized by clean, clear water, a varied character of pools, glides, and rapids, and a predominantly cobble and gravel substrate. Its waters support outstanding populations of wild brown trout and grayling, drawing fly anglers from across the country and beyond.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at River Wharfe and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on River Wharfe. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on River Wharfe
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
England licenses and regulations
England Boating Regulations
Canal & River Trust is the navigation authority for most inland canals and rivers in England and Wales, covering boat licences, registration, and rules of navigation. For coastal/sea boating the national Maritime & Coastguard Agency guidance applies instead.
England Fishing License
An Environment Agency rod fishing licence is required to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel in England. Buy a short-term or annual licence online via GOV.UK; junior licences are free but must be registered.
England Fishing Regulations
The official Environment Agency freshwater rod-fishing byelaws for England: close seasons, size and catch limits, permitted baits and methods, and rod limits. These apply in addition to holding a rod licence.
England Stream Access Laws
Closest official page on public access to land and water in England. Note there is no general public right to fish - fishing rights are privately owned, so you need the owner's or club's permission or a permit even where access on foot exists.
Take River Wharfe with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around River Wharfe to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for River Wharfe to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Get the onWater Fish app
Free on iOS and Android
Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish River Wharfe and check the forecast before you go.
Kettlewell
All Flow Stations
Fishing near River Wharfe
Explore England waters
Top fishing waters
No waters available right now.
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Explore near River Wharfe
Fish species
Fishing spots
Nearby waters
More in England
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.

































