Trout Fishing Information
The lake is stocked with high-quality Brown Trout and offers excellent sport for fly, spin and worm anglers. With 280 acres of peaceful water in the heart of the Lake District, Esthwaite provides excellent fishing for both experienced anglers and beginners.
Season
15th March – 30th September
Fish throughout the trout season from spring through to autumn.
Methods
Fly • Spin • Worm
A range of methods are permitted, making Esthwaite suitable for anglers of all experience levels.
Boat Hire
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Full Day Boat Hire — £30
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Half Day / Evening Boat Hire — £20
Full-day and half-day boat hire available throughout the season.
Tuition
Beginners Welcome
Fly fishing tuition available for those looking to improve their skills or learn the basics.
Esthwaite Water Rules And Regulations
Trout Fishing Rules
1 - The Trout fishing season runs from 15th March until 30th September inclusive.
2 - Permitted methods include fly, spinner or worm fishing.
3 - Only one rod may be used per angler at any one time.
4 - Esthwaite Water operates a 100% catch and release policy for Trout.
5 - All Trout must be released quickly, safely and with minimal handling.
6 - Spinners must not exceed 5cm in length. The use of any spinner or lure over 5cm is strictly prohibited. All spinners of 5cm and under must be fitted with single hooks only. Treble hooks are strictly prohibited.
7 - All anglers must be in possession of a valid Environment Agency licence.
The History & Trout Stocking Program
Esthwaite Water is recognised as one of the premier trout fisheries in the North West of England. Because the lake features a nutrient-rich, natural habitat, it provides the perfect ecosystem for trout to thrive, pack on weight, and offer exceptional sport.
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Top-Caliber Stocking: The fishery maintains a heavy stocking program throughout the spring and summer months. High-quality brown trout are introduced regularly, averaging a hard-fighting 3.5lb stamp with much larger fish mixed in.
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The Record Trout: The lake has a history of producing massive trophy fish. The long-standing brown trout record stands at an incredible 12lb 7oz, while the lake's rainbow trout record sits at an impressive 16lb 3oz.
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Lake District’s Only Loch-Style Boat Fishery
Esthwaite Water holds a unique title in the region, offering a traditional style of angling that cannot be found anywhere else nearby.
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Authentic Drifting: It remains the only traditional loch-style boat trout fishery in the entire Lake District National Park.
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The Evening Rise: The design of the lake allows anglers to experience authentic drifting tactics across wide-open water. This is highly effective during the summer months when the trout target the surface fly hatches during the magical evening rise.