REDFA | River Eden and District Fisheries Association

Penrith AA

Over 40 miles of excellent trout and grayling fishing on the rivers Eden, Eamont, Lowther, Petteril, Lyvennet, Leith, Dacre Beck, Briggle Beck, Haweswater Beck and Trout Beck. Visitors permits available.

Salmon and Sea Trout fishing is also available for members of the association.

As the River Eden deepens and widens from 30 yards to 45 yards, through Penrith Angling Association waters, it's character subtly changes. The Association celebrated it's 150th anniversary in the Millennium and with 27 miles of superb waters of such a variety, it truly has something to celebrate. It's stretches on the Eden, some in conjunction with the Appleby Angling Association, and those on the Eamont and Lowther provide most aspects of northern trout fishing. Upstream from Waters Meet where it's main tributary, the Eamont joins, the Eden twists and turns through many sandstone outcrops which have created it's deep pools and fast runs, all of which are good holding places for game fish. Downstream to Eden Lacy, it has many 6-10 feet deep pools and will have good flows at any height. By mid-July, most fish are in the weed channels during the day, transferring to the fast waters by night.

The River Lowther on the other hand, is a typical upland river where fish tend to be easily scared. It collects Haweswater Beck before it widens and deepens the Eamont's pools, which it joins near Penrith.

The source of the River Eamont is Lake Ullswater, which ensures a stable flow as it runs some 13 miles east to join the Eden. The first half mile provides a good steady run before it drops through the trees near Dalemain House, followed by a mixture of short, fast runs and long pools 3-4 feet deep.

The best flies are small and lightly dressed. Early in the year spiders are generally best (Olive Woodcocks and heavy nymphs) and from mid-May onwards, small, dry flies can be introduced (Grey Dusters). For the night fishermen, the sedges come out along with the bigger specimen of fish, anything up to 4lb in weight. Daytime in June brings best results with evening in July for 'sedging'. The pools need to be fished deep and slow for the big fish, which inhabit them. Ullswater itself, renowned for its Mayfly hatches will provide the finest natural lake trout fishing in England.