FISHING IN ULLSWATER
Planning to come fishing in the Lake District? Ullswater cannot fail to impress the visiting angler according to the Anglers Guide to the Lake District, here’s everything you need to know.
What fish can be found in Ullswater?
Ullswater holds perch, pike, char and schelly – an endangered and protected whitefish relic from the last ice age, but is best known for its stock of wild brown trout.
When is the Lake District fishing season?
The brown trout fishing season runs from 15 March – 30 September. The highlight of the season is in late June when the mayfly hatch.
Coarse fishing for perch on worm and pike takes place all year round, but the most productive time is between May and September during the maggot season. Seasoned anglers report that the most prolific time for catching perch and pike is between 1pm and 3pm as well as evening time which can often coincide with stunning Ullswater sunsets.
Where can visitors fish?
Fishing is available on Ullswater with the correct permit but as we have swimming, kayak and paddleboard lessons starting from our jetty, we do not allow it from Another Place. For the serious fisherman a boat is recommended. The boatyard at Glenridding and Ullswater Marine in Watermillock have a few suitable boats for visitors to hire.
Most productive approach?
Traditional loch style is the best approach for visitors with the ideal drifts being over the shallow areas of the lake and close to the shoreline. The brown trout are usually fairly willing and weigh between half a pound and a pound.
Licensing
An environment agency rod license is required for fishing Ullswater. These can be obtained from the Glenridding Tourist Information Centre. This allows the holder to fish for non-migratory trout with a single rod and line or with up to two rods and line for freshwater coarse fish.
Environment Agency rod prices:
Day License: £6
8 Day License: £12
No license is required for children under the age of 12.