World Class Fishing
Did you know! the river Eden and its tributaries offer some of the finest game fishing anywhere in the United Kingdom
This fact is often overlooked by those speeding to some of the better documented Salmon rivers of Scotland. As they dash over the river on the M6 motorway they are possibly unaware of the fine fishing right below them. The mix of private beats and fishing clubs is unsurpassed with good access throughout the whole length of the river, in fact you can be casting a salmon fly right below the Castle walls in the centre of the town and enjoy a night out in the city afterwards.
The River Eden flows through the central heart of the city of Carlisle. The river and its valley is just one of many gems in this part of North East Cumbria. The whole region is a fisherman's paradise and has more fishing waters than any other county in England. The River Eden is considered one of the best salmon rivers in the UK and still holds the record for the largest fly caught salmon.
For the Salmon and Sea Trout Angler
The River Eden is a Prolific Salmon river. There are fish in the system all year round, and the stocks of Spring fish or early running fish are most certainly on the increase allowing anglers to indulge in their chosen sport knowing that that the possibility of catching one or more of these magnificent creatures is a distinct possibility.
Fly fishing and Spinning is available and both methods take their fair share of fish throughout the season on differing water levels and conditions. The possibility of catching one or more of these magnificent creatures is a distinct possibility.
The Eden still enjoys runs of sea trout, and although like many rivers nowadays the runs are not as prolific as they once were, nevertheless, they are still around to catch. And the lower reaches of the Eden in and around the city offer some of the best opportunities to catch one of these fine game fish.
Within a few miles drive of the city you have equally famous rivers like the Annan, Border Esk , Cumbrian Derwent and Tyne so for the game angler there is no better location..
For the Trout and Grayling Angler
Recognised throughout the world for providing world class fly fishing for Brown Trout and Grayling. The Eden and its tributaries like the Caldew, Pettril, Irthing, Eamont and Lowther (among others) provide a staggering range of water types, offering the visiting angler everything from small streams to lake fed freestone rivers, fast shallows and deeper runs, to meandering flats and deeper flows which give the 'all round' angler the opportunity to employ a range of different techniques. Grayling are also abundant throughout the system providing first class sport during the winter months
For the Coarse Angler
Carlisle Angling Association offers superb coarse fishing on the Eden in and around the city. But many tarns, streams, ponds and lakes in the area offer excellent fishing for a variety of species
The Carlisle Angling Association coarse ticket gives fishermen the chance to fish for chub, grayling and dace. The Eden of the late 1960s, 1970s and early 80s was nationally famous for the quality of its dace fishing before they started to decline then virtually disappear but they seem to be making a bit of a comeback with good numbers now being caught upstream of Carlisle. Chub are still present on Association waters with fish up to 5lbs reported. Grayling are not indigenous to the Eden. They became established after a secret introduction of fry over the churchyard wall at Musgrave at dusk one evening in the 1880’s. They were then present in the system up until the 1960s when their numbers fell following the effects of U.D.N., the dreadful fungal disease that not only affected our salmon. Then in the late 1990's we had a sudden increase in the grayling population and they are now a popular quarry for the bait and fly fishermen, especially during the winter months.
For the Sea Angler
Information taken from the Solway Firth Partnership website
The Solway Firth is one of the best sea angling locations in the UK. Large tides and complex currents help supply plentiful nutrients, which in turn support a rich diversity of marine life. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream attract most of the fish species found in British waters. Up to fifty species may be caught from a boat and to catch nine different species in a day from the shore is quite possible. The opportunity for such a catch along with some of the finest tope, ray and pollock fishing in Britain make the area a popular angling destination.
TThe Solway carries an exceptionally high number of landscape and wildlife conservation designations. This reflects the quality of the natural environment, from the immense flats of intertidal sand and saltmarsh of the inner estuary to the rugged cliffs and rocky shores further west. Much of the Cumbrian coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while the Dumfries and Galloway coastline carries three National Scenic Area designations. The mountains of the Lake District to the south, the Galloway Hills to the north and the Isle of Man nearby create a dramatic backdrop.
The opportunity for such a catch along with some of the finest tope, ray and pollock fishing in Britain make the area a popular angling destination.