Question 1

What licence do I need to fish the River Eden?

Accepted Answer

You need an Environment Agency rod licence plus local permission. The Appleby Angling Association and other clubs control various beats; day tickets are available from local tackle shops in Appleby and Penrith.

Question 2

When is the trout season on the River Eden?

Accepted Answer

The brown trout season runs from 22 March to 30 September. The Eden is also a significant salmon and sea trout river (salmon season 15 Jan - 14 Oct). Grayling can be fished through winter.

Question 3

Which town is best as a base for fishing the River Eden?

Accepted Answer

Appleby-in-Westmorland is the traditional centre for Eden fishing, with Penrith and Kirkby Stephen also offering good access. The Eden Valley has numerous B&Bs catering to anglers.

Question 4

Which fishing associations control water on the River Eden?

Accepted Answer

Several associations control the Eden. Kirkby Stephen AA has 9 miles in the upper river. Appleby AA controls about 14 miles from Warcop to Kirby Thore. Penrith AA has 42.5 miles of bank across the Eden and tributaries including Eamont, Lowther and Petteril. Brampton AA covers the Irthing and Gelt. Carlisle AA has the lower river. Day tickets are available from most clubs.

Question 5

What flies work best for trout and grayling on the Eden?

Accepted Answer

The Wild Trout Trust recommends Klinkhammers, F Flies, Parachute Adams and Comparduns as effective dry flies. For nymphs, tungsten bead patterns in various sizes and weights cover most situations. Black Midge Spinner patterns are effective for evening fishing. The river has good hatches of Large Dark Olives (March-April), Mayfly on some beats (late May-June), and Blue-Winged Olives through summer.

Question 6

What is the Go Wild scheme on the River Eden?

Accepted Answer

Go Wild is the Eden Rivers Trust's innovative roving voucher angling scheme. It provides access to 28 challenging private fishing beats spread throughout the Eden Valley, all on private land accessible only via the scheme. Catch and release is mandatory on all Go Wild beats. Vouchers available at gowild.edenriverstrust.org.uk.

River Eden – Fly Fishing