River Eden – Cumbria Fly Fishing Breaks

Cumbria’s River Eden is a wonderful fly fishing playground. The lower and middle sections offer fantastic fly water for salmon with the river often appearing in the top five salmon rivers in England. Throughout the river system the Eden boasts some of the finest trout dry fly and wet fly wild brown trout fishing available, throwing up some truly giant fish each season. Fly fishing in Cumbria can be a great standalone trip or an excellent way of extending a trip north to Scotland.

One of England’s best Salmon & Trout Rivers

Rising in Black Fell Moss, Mallerstang within just a kilometre of the River Swale and Ure, the River Eden then tumbles from peat bogs through grouse moors until it eventually reaches the Solway Firth north of Carlisle. It offers miles upon miles of wonderful fly fishing, both on the main river and dozens of tributary rivers and becks including the River Eamont.

The salmon fly fishing on the River Eden offers greatly varied experience as the river traverses over moorland, through a stunning sandstone gorge and down to the lowland tidal reaches. Each section offers a different challenge and opportunity from tight rock pools and canyon shoots down to glorious sweeping riffles and natural holding pools.

The season opens on the 15th January and runs through to the 14th October. The spring season can be challenging with higher water, adverse weather and limited fish in the river but the chance of an incredibly fresh larger fish. The prime time is considered to be from May to the close of the season as the summer runs appear to be increasing before the well known run of autumn salmon.

The trout fly fishing on the River Eden can be a great fallback for salmon anglers during low water conditions, but for many they will be the biggest attraction of the region. Wild brown trout flourish in the peat stained waters offering fantastic dry fly, wet fly, nymph and streamer fishing opportunities.

Throughout the trout season, 15th March to 30th September, anglers will encounter fantastic fly hatches often bringing even the largest of trout to the surface. Although patience is key to locating the big fish. The consistent fly hatches mean that the fish are equally as aggressive to attack traditional wet flies fished down and across. During quieter fishing days nymphing techniques can be prolific, as can streamers fished in rising river conditions.

Although less documented, the River Eden does also offer good grayling fishing from the 16th June and into the colder winter months. The fish love the clean gravel runs that can be found from Appleby to Carlise.

Traditional Sporting Accommodation

Our Cumbria fly fishing breaks on the River Eden are hosted at the delightful Tufton Arms, located in the centre of the old market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.

The Tufton Arms offers 20 hotel rooms and 3 self-catering apartments. The old coaching house is traditionally decorated and houses stunning original game artwork by Jason Lowes as well as wonderful historical paintings.

There are two communal lounges, a small full-service bar and a great restaurant with an award-winning wine selection. The hotel is owned and run by Nigel Milsom, an avid fly fisherman himself and always on hand to offer advice ahead of your day on the water.

An Easy to Reach Location

The River Eden and the Tufton Arms are superbly located to be reached whether travelling north, south, east or west. It is just 10 miles off the M6 and easily reach for those going cross country on the A66.

It is the perfect standalone trip or a fantastic stop off spot for those heading further north into Scotland.