Fishing - Lake District National Park

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Home Explore Things to do On the water Fishing

There are endless opportunities to enjoy fishing in the Lake District. Many of our rivers hold good stocks of brown trout, salmon and sea trout. Several of the larger lakes are particularly good for their pike and coarse fishing.

Where to fish

Much of the fishing within the National Park is controlled by local Angling Associations, who welcome visitors and offer a range of day or weekly permits. Visitors can get permits for fishing on Bassenthwaite lake (permit application below), or enjoy fishing for free on Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston Water.

Wheelchair anglers

An electric wheelchair accessible boat is available to hire at Coniston Boating Centre. It is specifically adapted with a moveable ramp to accommodate up to six wheelchair users. Top speed of 6mph. Perfect for wheelchair anglers.

Bassenthwaite fishing and boat permits

landscape view of Bassenthwaite lake with trees and silhouette of mountains

Bassenthwaite permits

glassy grey bassenthwaite lake reflecting frosty woodland lakeshore on a clear winter day

Bassenthwaite fishing permit form

aerial view of bassenthwaite lake surrounded by green fields, fells and woodland

Bassenthwaite boat permit form

Code of conduct

Anglers must:

Use Environment Agency Rod Licences – available online or from a post office
Follow Environmental Agency Byelaws including those about use of keep nets, lead weights and barbless hooks for pike fishing
Adopt good angling practice so that the next generation can continue to enjoy fishing
Abide by any local and/or seasonal restrictions to allow a disturbance-free period to vegetation, fish, birds, other wildlife
Not use live bait – banned by the Environment Agency as it increases risk of introduction of disease and pest species

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