Making the most of your Lake District fishing trip

The Lake District National Park in North West England is home to some of the UK’s largest and most beautiful waterways. Perhaps unsurprisingly then, it's also a popular fishing destination for holidaymakers and hobbyists of all levels.

If you fancy a relaxing holiday by the water’s edge, check out this Lake District fishing guide lists for the best angling areas in the National Park. Then find somewhere to camp!

Windermere

Lake Windermere is the biggest lake in England. Alongside its busy watersports roster, the lake provides some of the best fishing experiences in the National Park.

The lake is home to a large variety of fish, including brown trout, pike, arctic char, perch and even salmon and sea trout at certain times of year. During recent years, due to temperature changes and enrichment, its once renowned brown trout numbers has now shifted to pike and char fishing, which takes place in early season.

Fishermen can also expect a reliable supply of catfish, carp, chub and roach.

Hooking a twenty-pound to thirty-pound pike is not unusual in these waters over the fishing season; however you should head to the lake between October and March to bag the best bounty.

Fishing is free on Lake Windermere.

Ullswater

Ullswater, which is surrounded by Cumbria’s unspoilt, rolling hills, is the perfect spot to set up camp for a fruitful day of fishing.

Larger numbers of brown trout can be found at the lake, alongside perch, the odd pike and schelly - although these are endangered and protected. To really make the most of Ullswater’s large fishing stock, you should pitch your tent between March and late June along its western shoreline.

A boat with an engine is recommended to make the most of the fishing here, although they can be hard to get hold of. If you fancy trying your luck at Ullswater, try hiring a boat from the boatyard at Glenridding - there are usually a couple left over for hire.

Fishing is free on Ullswater.

Coniston Water

Coniston Water is known for its rich perch, trout, pike and char fishing stocks. The most popular species to target is pike, as trout and char populations have declined during recent years.

Healthy, twenty-pound pike specimens are recorded each year, especially during the winter months. Coniston Water is a popular family-friendly holiday destination, although you can still find plenty of quieter spots to pitch up for a full day’s worth of fishing.

Fishing is free on Coniston Water.

Esthwaite Water

Esthwaite Water, which is best known for its trout and pike fisheries, offers a peaceful fishing retreat away from the tourists that surround Windermere and Coniston in summer.

To make the most of Esthwaite’s superb pike stocks, visitors should head down to the waters between October and late March. Boat hire and day tickets are available from the nearby boathouse in Ambleside, and if you plan on returning to this underrated lake again, a membership scheme for regulars is also provided.

Cumbrian Fishing Festival

Cumbria is the perfect place for a fishing festival, being the English county with the most lakes, the most rain and some of the best fishing stocks. The popular Cumbrian Fishing Festival was first established in 2009 in mid-May to coincide with the area’s trout and pike peak season.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy a varied roster of master classes, workshops, tours and beginners events at the festival. If you intend to holiday with the whole family, this event is the perfect way to introduce younger members to the sport while the more experienced can gain some valuable tips and partake in some competitive challenges.

A number of fisheries get involved each year, including those located at Esthwaite Water, Bessy Beck, Bigland and Haweswater.

Fun Fishing in the Lake District

Come rain or shine, you can always enjoy at least one activity in the Lake District National Park: fishing. Hopefully this quick guide has given you a few ideas for your fishing trip which you can enjoy from the depths of winter to the height of summer.

You can read more about boat hire options here.

Discover all of our campsites with fishing across the UK and plan your next lakeside trip now.