Welcome to North West Durham Angling Association

Members of North West Durham Angling Association enjoy access to three reservoirs - Waskerley, Smiddy Shaw and Hisehope. 

The three reservoirs are situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Muggleswick, Stanhope and Edmundbyers Commons and Blanchland Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), North Pennine Moors Special Protection Area (SPA) and North Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

All three reservoirs are accessible from the Stanhope to Consett road on Muggleswick Common. Locked barriers at the entrance of all three reservoirs restricts pedestrians to walking access only. However NWDAA members are able to access the reservoirs using the lock code number. Car parking is limited at all three sites although Waskerley is easiest for parking. Public footpaths run close to all three sites.

Waskerley is stocked with quality brown and rainbow trout, Smiddyshaw and Hisehope are stocked with good quality brown trout. Hisehope is a catch and release water. Fishing is available to members and members’ guests only. Members guests are allowed two visits. 

Waskerley and Smiddyshaw were built in 1877 at an altitude of approximately 350 metres. Hisehope was built in 1906 at an altitude of 340 metres. All three are surrounded by heather-dominated, privately managed, grouse moors that are at their most picturesque in August and September when the heather is in flower.

They are all located in an area that has a high value for wildlife, forming part of a SSSI, SPA and SAC.

These designations reflect the value of the reservoirs as part of an important assemblage of habitats and because the moorland supports internationally important numbers and species of upland birds including black grouse, merlin and golden plover.