Lake District Fishing

For fly fishing enthusiasts, the English Lake District has to be one of the best regions in the whole of Europe.
From fast narrow rivers to large open lakes and from coastal esturies to mountain tarns. And remember, Lake District fishing doesn't just have to be about rivers and lakes, there is an abundance of well stocked trout farms and this creates a wealth of oportunity for any keen angler.

With brown trout being the predominant quarry, there are opportunities when fly fishing to catch salmon, sea trout, grayling, pike, and the elusive and very rare char.
Read our lake and river guide to find the best swims.

High up in the mountains, far away from the bustling cafes and walkers shops of Keswick and Ambleside, the tiny springs and rivulets start their journey seaward to the coastal towns of west Cumbria.
On the upper fells, streams and becks tumble over rocks before broadening in to wide powerful rivers. These are ideal areas for trout and late in the season grayling.

These rivers continue their way to the Irish Sea at Ravenglass, Seascale and Workington. It's by these esturies and on the long sandy beaches that pollock, bass and mullet may be tempted by the fly. However, Lake District Fishing is at its best on the banks and gravelly shores of its many lakes. On Ullswater, Coniston and Derwent on any summer evening you will find wily fly fishermen tempting the "browns" with a Hares Ear, Black Buzzer or a Grey Duster, just hoping for that 4 or 5 pounder to take the nymph and run!

Maybe you fancy your chances against the cunning wild brown trout of the high tarns. Nestled between swirral edge and striding edge under the shadow of the looming Helvellyn lies Red Tarn. At over 2000 feet this patch of water takes some getting to. From Glenridding, head for greenside mine and keep walking. After an hour or so you will be presented with the beautiful view of the tarn. This water is seasonal and for details and permits contact "Lake District National Park Authority in Glenridding. Tel: 017684 82414.

Fishing the Lakes, Meres and Waters of Cumbria.

Bassenthwaite Lake	The northern most lake in Cumbria, Bassenthwaite is a haven for wiley wild trout and some impressive pike.	Wild Browns, Pike (Good sizes) and Perch	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: Lake District National Park Authority on 01768 779633
Brothers Water	After traversing the notorious 'Kirkstone Pass' Anglers are treated to this small yet charming stretch of water.	Wild Brown Trout	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact:Ambleside tourist information center on 015394 32582
Buttermere	Widely accepted as Britains most beautiful lake, Buttermere is a haven for trout anglers.	Wild Brown Trout	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: 01768 70208 or 01900 605093
Coniston	An abundance of choice for the angler at coniston. This huge lake is home to the ellusive Char.	Wild brown trout, Char, Pike, Perch.	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: Coniston tourist information center on 015394 41533
Crummock Water	A quieter more peaceful stretch of water. Quite relaxing for the angler.	Wild Brown Trout	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: 01900 605093
Derwent Water	This jewel in the Lake district crown is owned and run by the Keswick Angling association. Over three miles long and a haven for wild browns.	Wild Brown Trout, Pike	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: Lake District National Park Authority on 01768 772259
Grasmere WADAA	Steeped in lake district history, Grasmere is home to lakelands premier pike water.	Wild Brown Trout, Pike, Perch	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: www.Lakedistrictfishing.net Neil Birkinshaw, 015395 35630
Haweswater	Tricky access for most of the lake, this flooded reservoir is home to wild brown trout. Watch out for the resident Golden Eagle overhead.	Wild Brown Trout	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: Kendal Tourist Information Center on 01539 725758
Rydal Water WADAA	Close by Grasmere this patch of water has similar characteristics and similar stocks.	Wild Brown Trout, Pike, Perch.	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: www.Lakedistrictfishing.net Neil Birkinshaw, 015395 35630
Thirlmere WADAA	Lying between Keswick and ambleside this reservoir is home to some wiley trout.	Wild brown trout, Pike.	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: www.Lakedistrictfishing.net Neil Birkinshaw, 015395 35630
Ullswater	Another picture postcard lake. Take the Kirkstone pass route, pass Brothers Water and treat yourself to some stunning water and scenery. Not to be missed.	Wild Brown Trout.	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: Lake District National Park Authority on 017684 82414
Windermere	Englands largest lake has acres upon acres of open water. Trout stocks are deminishing but there are still plenty of pike and perch to be had. Also home to the Char.	Wild Brown Trout, Pike, Perch, Char.	Trout from March 15th to Sept 30th. Contact: Lake District National Park Authority on 015394 32582

Click here for A Complete Step-By-Step Training Kit Filled With The Latest And Proven Fly Fishing Techniques!

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Lake District Fishing in stocked reservoirs and trout farms.

Of course many people come to the lakes for the well stocked reservoirs and trout farms. Here you can catch brown, rainbow and blue trout, and take your prize home for tea. Below is a list of the popular fisheries in Cumbria.

Fishery: Bessy Beck Trout Fishery
Species: Rainbows, browns and Blues
Season: All year
Bessy Beck Web Page

Fishery: Esthwaite water Trout Fishery
Species: Rainbows and Wild Brown
Season: All year
Esthwaite Water Web Page

Fishery: Farleton View Fishery
Species: Rainbows and Wild Brown
Season: All year
Farleton View Web Page

Fishery: Ghyll Head WADAA
Species: Rainbows, Blues, and Browns
Season: All year for Rainbow. March 15th to Sept 3oth for Brown Trout
Ghyll Head Web Page

Fishery: Killington Reservoir
Species: Rainbows, Browns and Pike and Perch
Season: All Year
Killington Res Web Page

Important note:
Any angler aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in The Lake District must have an Environment Agency rod licence. They can be bought online for as little as £3.50.
If you are caught without one, you could face a fine of up to £2500. Click on this link to take you to the realvent information pages.
Environment Agency Fishing Section

Lakeland Rivers

The River Derwent
The Derwent is a long broad river that stretches from Styhead Tarn under Scafell and leads through Borrowdale and in to Derwent Water. The habitat and wildlife around the river are protected under European law as a special area of conservation (SAC) And because of its diverse collection of fauna and flora it is also a site of special scientific interest (SSCI).
Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout spawn in the river and its tributaries and are found in very large numbers from late june.
Keswick Day permits from Field and Stream, Main Street Keswick; Derwent below Cockermouth Day permits from Castle fisheries Tel 01900 826320;

River Eden

The river Eden Runs parralell to the North Penines, picking up water from many tributaries along the way. Its final destination being the Solway Firth via Carlisle in the North.It's famous for it's late run of Atlantic Salmon, numbering on average 12-13,000 fish.
These are generally approaching the 10lb mark but every year we see fish up to 20lb and above caught. The season starts in mid January and finishes in mid October. During the early months the best chances of better fish are in the lower sections.

From March to september the Wild Brown Trout season starts with healthy numbers in the river around Kirby Steven there are also considerable numbers of Grayling caught at weights above a pound.
For a real treat why not stay at Warwick Hall and enjoy some of the best fishing the Eden has to offer. They can be contacted on.
Nick Marriner
Warwick Hall
Warwick on Eden
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA4 8PG

Telephone: (01228) 561546

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