Carlisle AA

www.carlisleanglingassociation.org

permits

Carlisle Angling Association has visitor permits available for several miles of the river Eden for salmon, sea trout, trout and coarse fish, plus trout fishing on a section of the river Caldew. It's waters vary from fairly fast streamy runs 3-4 feet deep at most, through long flats, with sand and gravel bottom 6 feet or so deep, to some large deep pools over 8 feet deep and 40 yards wide.

Brown trout and grayling are present in good numbers, and in favourable conditions good catches will be had. April, May and June often see the water 'in good fettle', a 10 foot rod will enable most rising fish to be covered with a dry fly, fished upstream to rising fish.

Like most rivers, catch it running off is the best advice one can give, and look out for big trout close in when it is still coloured, same fly only a size bigger - Olives, Iron Blue Dun and Grannom are almost mandatory.

In high summer, evening usually brings the best conditions, but a stealthy approach is essential, fish the tails of the pools and flats, don't tackle up too light - there may be sea trout and grilse moving as the light fades, though an hour or so after dark is best for them.

Wet flies are best used when there is a good run on the water, 'just coming down' or running off. Normal trout patterns, Partridge variants, teal, gold and silver, Butcher will do nicely.