Fishing
What's available?
There are endless opportunities to enjoy fishing in the Lake District. Many of our rivers hold good stocks of brown trout, salmon and sea trout. Several of the larger lakes are well known for their excellent pike and coarse fishing.
Much of the fishing within the National Park is controlled by local Angling Associations. These welcome visitors and offer a range of day or weekly permits. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for free on Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston Water.
Annual Cumbria Fishing Festival
Every May, this week-long event takes place at venues throughout the National Park. It’s a great opportunity for all the family to try fishing for the first time - many of the events are organised especially for youngsters and beginners. Visit the festival website at Cumbria Fishing Festival (opens in new window)
Wheelchair anglers
Electric wheelchair accessible boat available at Coniston Boating Centre. Specifically adapted with moveable ramp to accommodate up to six wheelchair users. Top speed of six mph. Perfect for wheelchair anglers.
Code of conduct
Anglers must:
- have a current Environment Agency rod licence - available online from the Environment Agency or through Information Centres
- follow Environmental Agency Byelaws including those about the use of keepnets, lead weights and barbless hooks for pike fishing
- follow good angling practice so that the next generation can continue to enjoy fishing
- follow any local and/or seasonal restrictions to allow a disturbance-free period to vegetation, fish, birds and other wildlife
- not use live bait - this is banned by the Environment Agency as it increases the risk of introduction of disease and pest species
Help stop the spread of alien species
Alien plant species compete with native plants for space, light and food. Aquatic plant such as Australian swamp stonecrop and Canadian pondweed may alter the ecological balance of the lakes. Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed on river banks allow loose soil to fall into rivers, smothering the river gravel and destroying the habitat of aquatic insects and young fish.
American signal crayfish are a particular threat to the National Parks healthy population of native white clawed crayfish. These aggressive invaders push out our native species and carry crayfish plague.
Please clean your equipment and clothing after using any lake or river to prevent the spread of alien species to other waterways.
Useful links
All links below open in a new window unless otherwise stated:
- Carlsons Fishing Tackle
- Environment Agency - Fishing
- Fishing on Windermere
- Information Centres - opens page on this website
- lakedistrictfishing.net - includes information on fisheries, permit arrangements and angling reports
- Predator Lure Fishing on Coniston Water
- Wath Brow and Ennerdale Angling Association
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.