Average rating Fly Fishing Course in Cumbria

The spectacular Eden Valley in Cumbria is the setting for this one-day fly fishing course. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a veteran trying to hone their technique, you can be guaranteed of a day that’s both enjoyable and educational.

One of Britain’s only northward-flowing rivers, the River Eden is also one of the cleanest. Running through wild, open moorland, past castles, churches and the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, the river offers some of the best and most picturesque fishing in the UK. A fantastic place to catch salmon, the river also supports a sea trout run, as well as brown trout, grayling, chub, dace and eel. All this fish in turn supports a sizeable population of otters, which can often be seen frolicking on the densely wooded banks. As a result of its incredible natural beauty and great diversity of flora and fauna, the River Eden and its tributaries were declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1997.

This one-day fly fishing course is a great way to experience this awesome landscape. Experienced fishers can benefit from expert tuition in a host of casting techniques, including single and double Spey, overhead, sunk line, snake roll and double haul, as well as in reading the river, tactics, knots and landing skills. For beginners, meanwhile, there is no better way to cut your teeth than on this course. You’ll be provided with everything you need - from equipment to encouragement – to bag your first fish, and you’ll also learn valuable skills that will allow you to embark on solo fishing expeditions. Be warned though: all this clean air, stunning scenery and wholesome activity can be addictive – no-one goes fly fishing just once!

This day out is suited to two types of person. On the one hand, we have the experienced fly fisher looking to sharpen his skills with some expert guidance (if that sounds like you then you probably don’t need to be reading this bit). On the other, we have the open-minded novice, someone who’s prepared to step a little out of their comfort zone and see what all the fuss is about. The act of catching a fish requires preparation and patience, but fishing is about so much more than that. It’s about becoming part of the landscape, about being enveloped in the beauty and stillness of the scene – fishing is not so very far from meditation! For those who like to experience the natural environment at high speeds, the magic of fly-fishing in Cumbria may pass you by. But for those who enjoy nature for nature’s sake – and who don’t mind getting wet – this course may be just the thing.

Getting there

Trains for Carlisle on London Euston – Edinburgh/Glasgow line. For Lazonby, road or rail from Carlisle.

Price includes

Equipment (tackles, rods, waders), tea/coffee, transfers, tuition. E.A. rod license not included

Price details

Half day (three hours) – GBP 85.0; Full day (six hours) – GBP 160.0

Experience required

A reasonable interest is all that is needed