Fishing at the lake district national park

Fishing

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 particularly good for their 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. See Bassenthwaite fishing permits for fishing on this lake.

Wheelchair anglers

An electric wheelchair accessible boat is available to hire at Coniston Boating Centre. It is specifically adapted with a moveable ramp to accommodate up to six wheelchair users. Top speed of 6mph. Perfect for wheelchair anglers.

Code of conduct

Anglers must:

  • use Environment Agency Rod Licences - available online or from a post office
  • follow Environmental Agency Byelaws including those about use of keep nets, lead weights and barbless hooks for pike fishing
  • adopt good angling practice so that the next generation can continue to enjoy fishing
  • abide by any local and/or seasonal restrictions to allow a disturbance-free period to vegetation, fish, birds, other wildlife
  • not use live bait - banned by the Environment Agency as it increases risk of introduction of disease and pest species

Useful links

Help native wildlife

Invasive non-native species of wildlife can hitchhike on equipment, footwear, clothing and boats. You may inadvertently spread the aliens even if you just go for a paddle! Every time you leave any water such as a river, tarn or lake:

Check - Clean - Dry

Stop the spread of invasive aquatic species logo

  • Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms. Pay particular attention to damp or hard to inspect areas.
  • Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them or on a hard surface to die out.
  • Dry all equipment and clothing. Some species can live for many days in damp conditions.

Check, Clean and Dry guide for water users (Non Native Species website)