Esthwaite Farm Offers Free Fishing

Fishing on Esthwaite Water

Esthwaite Estate Esthwaite fishing lake boat fishing at Esthwaite Esthwaite Lake

Esthwaite Farm offers free permits to its guests to fish on Esthwaite Water. There is private access to the shore across the fields ... so you do't even need the car !

Trout Fishing

You will need to have a valid rod licence from the Environment Agency which you can buy online or at selected  post offices.

Esthwaite Water is the only fishery in the north of England capable of producing true grown on fish and every season fish into double figures are reported. Rainbow trout are stocked on a regular basis averaging 1.75lb with a proportion of larger fish to 6lbs. A breeding population has established and, truly wild rainbows may be caught. Wild brown trout are present but to supplement the existing stock browns are periodically introduced. The fishery record for Rainbow Trout is 16lb 3oz and 10lb 12oz for Brown Trout respectively.

The fishery is open for fly fishing throughout the winter. Sinking lines and lures are generally the order of the day during the colder months although prolonged mild spells can see the fish surface feeding to small midge. By late August fish are really back on the move again and once into September surface sport is again the big attraction with a variety of fly in evidence. By now the fish from earlier stockings will be in superb condition. Given reasonable weather surface activity can continue through into November when early afternoon buzzer hatches can still be expected. The first hard frosts will put the fish down and signal its time for the sinkers to come out once again. Boat and rod hire can be arranged at 'The Hawkshead Trout Farm'.They also offer fly fishing tuition for both the expert or beginner.

Coarse Fishing

Hawkshead Trout Fishery has now opened Esthwaite for coarse angling from 1st November to the 31st March inclusive, and it is obvious from trial sessions that a huge coarse fish population still exists. Good nets of mainly roach and perch have been taken by anglers using groundbait or feeder methods in conjunction with maggot. Fish are caught under the most severe conditions and November, December and March are particularly productive months. Milder overcast days are best as the fish will feed all day. Cold bright days usually limit action to dusk.

The average size of the roach is around the seven ounce mark but larger fish, some in excess of 2lb, are caught every year. Huge shoals of roach are present in Esthwaite but the restricted bank access really means that the fish have to be in a couple of areas or fishing can be slow. Night fishing is not allowed and anglers are restricted to using one rod when fishing for trout. Two rods are permitted on the pike and coarse permit but no trout may be retained. Besides roach and rudd there are good stocks of perch and these are often caught by anglers fishing worm for the rainbow trout. Esthwaite contains a few tench and gudgeon along with the ubiquitous eel. The eels grow to very good size and fish over 5lb have been trapped in fyke nets.

Winter Pike Fishing

Esthwaite Water over the past decade or more has established itself as one of the most productive pike fisheries in the country, with many high profile anglers throughout the UK fishing Esthwaite on a regular basis, throughout the winter. The season lasts from 1st October through to 31st March, with no summer fishing for the pike allowed except by special arrangement. Methods are restricted to dead baits and lures only. Fly fishing for the pike is also welcomed throughout the winter season.

If you have any specific questions about fishing on Esthwaite you can call the fish farm direct on 015394 36541 or email trout@hawkshead.demon.co.uk