Fly Fishing on the River Eden and its tributary the River Eamont

The River Eden, (pictured above), is the jewel in the crown of the Cumbrian fly fishing rivers, running from its headwaters above Kirkby Stephen to the Solway firth below Carlisle it offers a huge amount of opportunities for the fly fisher. The Eden is internationally famous for the quality of its fly fishing for Brown Trout, Grayling and Salmon. The cream of the fishing is roughly from Appleby in Westmorland through to the Lazonby gorge and the steady glides and easy wading of the lower river towards Carlisle.

The River Eamont is Eden’s major tributary and is an important fly fishing river in its own right. Smaller and more intimate than the Eden, the Eamont starts as the outflow from Ullswater and runs for only a few miles before joining the parent river above Langwathby. Holding significant numbers of wild Brown Trout, (often large), and Grayling, the flow of the River Eamont is influenced by Ullswater so can often be fishable when the Eden is high and coloured after heavy rain. Both rivers have very varied fly fishing water with lots of pools and riffles and have excellent hatches of caddis, mayfly and stone flies.

The Eden Rivers Trust is further improving the fishing on these rivers with their important and ongoing programme of research and habitat restoration work.

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Fish species / seasons

The River Eden has a good stock of wild Brown Trout and does produce some exceptional fish. The River has a good head of often large Grayling; recently our guide caught a Grayling of 22” which is a truly huge grayling by any standards, the Eden is still surely one of the best Grayling Rivers in England.

The Eden has a superb run of Salmon and the occasional Sea Trout and regularly features in the top few salmon producing river in England and Wales. The River Eamont also holds some really good wild Brown Trout and Grayling and also offers occasional Salmon and Sea trout.

Brown Trout fishing on the Rivers Eden and Eamont starts on the 15th March and finishes on the 30th September and the Grayling fishing starts on the 16th June and continues throughout the winter until the 14th March. Although Salmon are present in the river from February the best chance of catching one is in September or October. The Grilse runs usually begin in June and Sea Trout are present from June onwards.

Tackle

A rod of between 9 and 10 feet for a 4 or 5 weight floating line would be the ideal tool for Trout and Grayling fishing. For Salmon a double handed rod of between 13 and 15 feet would be required with a 9.5 or 10 foot 7 weight single handed rod being perfect for summer Grilse or Sea trout fishing.

Tactics

The varied and interesting water of the Eden and Eamont means that the whole variety of fly fishing methods and techniques can be used successfully, additionally the use of shrimp, worm and spinner are allowed on certain beats for Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. Long trotting for Grayling during the winter months on the River Eden is also permitted on selected beats.

Guides

Our guide and fully qualified fly fishing instructor in the Lake District is vastly experienced and caught his first trout when he was eight. He has been fly fishing the rivers and lakes in Cumbria and the Lake District since childhood. He is also an expert Pike fly fisher, a branch of the sport that is becoming increasingly popular. He is a great character, bundles of fun and a great day out is assured.

If you would like to make your fishing on the River Eden or River Eamont part of a short break or holiday in the spectacular Lake District or Cumbria we would be pleased to advise on the best accommodation options to suit both your budget and individual preferences. Collection from your accommodation can also be arranged.

Costs

Fly fishing in Cumbria and the Lake District is excellent value and with very few exceptions the prices are those listed on our costs page. Fishing for Salmon and Sea Trout is a little more expensive but still very good value. Click here to go directly to our costs page. When fishing from a boat the hire of the boat may be charged extra, if this is the case you will be advised at the time of booking.

For more detailed information about the non-fishing highlights in the River Eden and River Eamont area please click here.

Contact Steve for further information about the Lake District or to book your day - telephone 01756 748378 / 07717 533177 or email steve@goflyfishinguk.com.

“Thank you for the 2 days fishing. I have fished with a professional guide extensively in the USA and in New Zealand and Wednesday was right up there with the best.”
Lister Fielding Lamberhurst – Guided days River Eden.