Coarse Fishing Information
Esthwaite Water offers year-round coarse fishing from the bank and is widely regarded as one of the finest natural coarse fisheries in the North. Whether you're looking for a relaxed day's fishing or targeting specimen perch, the lake provides excellent opportunities for anglers of all experience levels.
The fishery is home to healthy stocks of perch, roach, bream, tench, eels and hybrids, making every session full of possibilities.
Permit Prices
Coarse / Bank Fishing
-
Day Permit — £15
-
12 Month Season Permit — £220
Overnight Fishing
-
Overnight Permit — £15 per person, per night
Why Fish Esthwaite Water?
-
One of the North's premier natural coarse fisheries
-
Excellent specimen perch fishing
-
Year-round bank fishing
-
No bait restrictions
-
Keep nets permitted
-
Stunning Lake District location
Fishing Season
Available All Year
Enjoy coarse fishing throughout the year from designated bank fishing areas around the lake.
Species
Perch • Roach • Bream • Tench • Eels • Hybrids
A diverse range of coarse fish species inhabit the lake.
Overnight Fishing
£15 Per Person, Per Night
Extend your session and enjoy fishing into the evening.
Guided Fishing
£300 Per Day
Includes permits, boat hire, guide and all tackle. Perfect for visitors looking to maximise their chances on the water.
Esthwaite Water Rules And Regulations
Coarse Fishing Rules
1 - Coarse fishing is permitted on Esthwaite Water all year round.
2 - Coarse fishing prices apply to bank permits only. Pike fishing is not included within a Coarse fishing permit.
3 - Only one rod to be used per angler at any one time.
4 - The maximum weight limit for any keepnet is 60lb.
5 - A separate keepnet must be used for juvenile fish. Do not mix small fish with larger fish in the same net.
6 - Specimen Bream over 5lb must be released immediately and not be placed in a keepnet.
7 - The use of keepnets is strictly prohibited when the water temperatures reach 20 degrees celsius.
8 - Min breaking strain for both hook length and mainline is 8lb.
9 - Any Trout caught accidentally must be released immediately and unharmed. Trout must not be retained or placed in a keepnet.
10 - Night fishing and overnight night stays are permitted with prior arrangement in bivvies and vans only, no tents.
11 - All anglers must be in possession of a valid Environment Agency licence.
Lake District’s Natural Coarse Fishery Potential
Esthwaite Water is highly regarded as the premier natural coarse fishery in the North. Thanks to the rich nutrients in the water, it offers an incredible habitat where coarse species thrive alongside our managed trout stocks, growing to exceptional sizes compared to other waters in the region.
-
Specimen Perch & Bream: While the lake is full of active roach, it is a major destination for specimen hunters. The water consistently produces massive perch weighing over 3lb to 4lb, alongside large shoals of heavy bream.
-
Summer Tench Sport: During the warmer months, the lake's shallow bays and marginal reed beds become highly active hotspots for hard-fighting tench, providing excellent sport for traditional float and feeder anglers alike.
Accessible & Overnight Bank Fishing
The shoreline is uniquely designed to accommodate every style of coarse angler, from quick day trips to multi-day sessions.
-
Easy Access Pegs: Many of our prime bank pegs are located just a short walk from the main car park and the Boathouse Café, offering level ground and easy access for families or anglers with limited mobility.
-
Off-Grid Night Angling: For dedicated anglers looking to target large bream and tench when they feed heaviest, we offer tranquil, secluded banks that are fully bivvy and van-friendly for overnight stays.