Bassenthwaite Lake is a specially protected area

As well as being within the Lake District National Park, Bassenthwaite has special protection as a National Nature Reserve. It's a really special lake for wildlife, home to ospreys that swoop down and fish from the water during the summer and many other flora, insects, birds and small mammals all year round.

It's a wonderful place for some quiet enjoyment, as there are no motor craft allowed on the water. Sailing, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing and swimming are all allowed on the lake. We issue permits for most of these activities, so that we have a good understanding of how and when people are visiting this area, and the money raised goes back into helping us protect and conserve the lake to benefit its wildlife.

Activity permits for Bassenthwaite

If you want to visit Bassenthwaite and get out on the water, you will need a permit.

▼ Buy a permit for fishing or boating

The map below shows the 2 no boating zones on Bassenthwaite, areas of the shore that are privately owned, public access areas and visitor facilites.

Please make sure you are aware of the Small Lakes bye laws that apply to anyone on the water at Bassenthwaite and the National rod fishing byelaws that apply to all fishing at Bassenthwaite

Please buy a permit online and keep a copy of the email permit you recieve, either digitally or printed out, so you can show it to our ranger patrols on your visit. Your email will also have a copy of the Bassenthwaite Lake map.

Keeping Bassenthwaite and its visitors safe

We ask all visitors to Bassenthwaite to respect social distancing, and please respect other visitors and staff and be kind and patient at all times.

All visitors can help to prevent the spread of freshwater invasive species by following a simple three step process every time we leave any pond, stream or lake…. Check, clean and dry. Find out more about biosecurity for boat users, anglers and swimmers on the CFINNS site.

Conditions and access for all users

1. Permits are required for fishing and the use of pleasure craft on the lake.
2. Permits must be purchased in advance of going on the water or fishing, either online or at one of the local shops. They are not available to buy at the lake shore.
3. You are required to produce your permit at the request of a Lake Warden or Ranger Service.
4. The permit may be withdrawn from anyone failing to comply with the regulations of the permit.

Fishing

1. An Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to this permit to fish.
2. All current EA byelaws apply. For more information see EA regional rod fishing byelaws: north-west region
3. The use of freshwater fish as live or dead bait and the transfer of live fish are not permitted.
4. All coarse fish are to be returned to the lake with careful handling.
5. The use of barbless hooks and landing mats are preferred.
6. All coloured salmon are to be returned. The catch and release of salmon is encouraged.
7. All salmon are to be returned as quickly and carefully as possible, in a manner which causes the least possible injury.
8. The river section at Ouse Bridge is closed to all fishing during the salmon closed season.
9. No overnight camping or bivouacs or fires at any time.
10. See map for permitted areas for fishing and boating.
11. Night fishing by 12 month permit holders only.

Launching / boats

1. Peel Wyke is available for launching boats, canoes and kayaks. There are no other public launching points for trailered boats.
2. Petrol engines are not permitted. The use of electric outboards is permitted for 12 month permit holders only.
3. No boating zones are marked by white topped posts on shoreline and shown on map overleaf.

Buy a permit for Bassenthwaite Lake

Fishing permits

You will need a fishing permit for fishing from the shore or on the water. You will also need one of the boating permits below if you want to fish from a paddlecraft or boat. Under 16s are allowed to fish for free without a permit.

1 day:  £7
7 days: £20
1 month: £30

Buy a Bassenthwaite Lake fishing permit online

Rowing boat permits

You will need a rowing boat permit to take a rowing boat onto the lake. You will need a fishing permit as well if you want to fish from your boat.

1 day:  £20
7 days:  £40
1 month: £55

Buy a Bassenthwaite Lake rowing boat permit online

Kayak, Canoe and Paddleboard permits

You will need a kayak, canoe or paddleboad permit for each craft you take onto the water. You will need a fishing permit as well if you want to fish from your paddlecraft.

1 day:  £6
7 days:  £20
1 month: £40

Buy a Bassenthwaite Lake kayak, canoe or paddleboard permit online

Sailing boat and dinghy permits

You will need a sailing boat and dinghy permit for each craft you take onto the water. You will need a fishing permit as well if you want to fish from your boat or dinghy.

1 day:  £10
7 days:  £30
1 month: £60

Buy a Bassenthwaite Lake sailing boat permit online

Boat stand and boat season permit

We have boat stands available at Peel Wyke and Beck Wythop. Send us your details and we'll contact you to discuss your needs and issue your stand and licence.

Apply for a boat stand and season permit