5 Places to Stay When Fishing in the Lakes

It might still be chilly, but March is well underway. Which of course means the start of the new fishing season!

Though it’s been cold that hasn’t put many of you off getting out there, and sometimes just one day isn’t enough. If you’d rather make a weekend of it, luckily there’s a whole range of places to stay in the Lake District that’ll provide you with a well-earned rest, gorgeous food and beautiful surroundings.

Take a look at these five places to stay on your next fishing trip, and be sure to make yourself a booking before you pack up your walking boots and fishing tackle.

Swinside Lodge Hotel

Fishing on: Derwentwater

The fantastic Derwentwater lake is undeniably one of the best places for game fishing. With healthy stocks of brown trout, perch, pike, roach and salmon, it provides the perfect day or week in the lakes, with various passes available from Keswick WIC.

Just 0.4 miles from Derwentwater is Swinside Lodge – the ideal destination to rest and replenish during your fishing trip. Meet friendly owners Kath and Mike, and their two happy golden labs, Jessie and Jemma, who will help your feel very welcome during your stay.

Swinside Lodge boasts bright, warm, cosy rooms, with Italian wallpaper, familiar touches and that extra special attention to detail. Before you leave for the day, be sure to let Kath know, who’ll be happy to fix you a packed lunch to keep you fueled for your next adventure.

The hotel is off the beaten track but makes a great base for walking – so you will need your outdoor clothing! From the lodge windows, one can enjoy wonderfully picturesque views of lingering fields and grazing sheep.

Warwick Hall

Fishing on: River Eden

Just two miles from the M6, in Carlisle, Cumbria, is Warwick Hall – a comfortable, extravagant country house providing the ideal fishing and relaxing experience.

Offering delicious local cuisine and luxurious accommodation, Warwick Hall is a beautiful place to spend the weekend. Its own two-mile stretch of the River Eden – known as the Warwick Hall beat – is known as the most productive stretch of water on the river, allowing you to fish salmon, brown trout and grayling to your heart’s delight. The bank boasts impressive facilities, including high standard toilets, well-kept huts and carefully-kept banks.

Your four-legged friend will also be at home here, with plenty of open green spaces in which to run, stroll and explore. After a long day, one can look forward to dinner in the Drawing Room or lavish Terrace, before retiring to their beautiful room with exceptional quality beds and immaculate en-suite bathrooms.

The next morning, why not enjoy a complementary Cumbrian breakfast of local sausages and free-range eggs, with breath-taking views of the River Eden and beyond.

The Wild Boar

Fishing on: Lake Windermere

The Wild Boar is one of the Lakes’ oldest and most memorable hotels, set amongst the beautiful ancient Gilpin Valley.

Known for its roaring log fires, warm and welcoming staff and local seasonal food and drink, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a well-earned respite after a day’s fishing. It’s even one of the Great Inns of Britain – a collection of 21 leading independent historic inns recognised for its incredible service and attention to detail.

The Wild Boar is situated close to the Lake Windermere, where one can fish arctic charr (a local delicacy), brown trout, pike, perch, roach and eels. Salmon and sea trout also pass through the lake to spawn in the tributaries.

After a long day by the lake, head back to the Boar and enjoy hearty country-style fare in the Grill & Smokehouse’s fabulous open kitchen. If you’re hanging around the next day also, why not go for a stroll in the hotel’s 72-acre woodland, just bursting with history, wildlife and activities waiting to be explored.

Sawrey House Country Hotel

Fishing on: Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery

Esthwaite Trout Fishery is a first-class, well-managed trout fishery by Esthwaite Water in Cumbria.

Though Esthwaite Water is one of the lesser known lakes in the Lake District, that doesn’t detract from its picturesque beauty and excellent fishing. The fishery boasts excellent facilities for boat and bank fishing, and the lake is well-stocked with quality trout during the season.

Whilst fishing at Esthwaite one can have the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Sawrey House County Hotel. Overlooking three acres of gardens, Esthwaite Water and Grizedale Forest, this splendid Victorian house offers comfort and elegance in the small Hamlet of near Sawrey.

Besides a roaring log fire and an AA Rosette restaurant serving local food and drink, Sawrey House has 11 ensuite bedrooms with flat-screen TVs, pleasant facilities and total comfort and elegance.

Marrying modern hospitality with the traditional rustic charm of the Lake District, Sawrey House offers a peaceful, relaxing stay amongst the tranquillity of the Lakeland Fells. Check out their bed and breakfast packages for a truly magnificent, great-value stay.

Be sure to check out the fly fishing tuition offered at Esthwaite Fishery, as well as their guiding services which are second-to-none. Fishing rods, fly fishing gear and fly tying materials are also provided.

The Crown Inn

Fishing on: Coniston Water

One of the more famous waters in the Lake District, Coniston Water is popular go-to spot for fishing brown trout, pike, eels, perch and char

Just over five miles long and half a mile wide, a lot of its angling activity is now focused on the pike population, with specimens of 20Ibs and over recorded each year. Word has it however that most of the better fish are caught during the winter months on deadbait.

When trying your luck on the Coniston Water, The Crown Inn rests just half a mile away, waiting to give you a peaceful night’s sleep. Based in Coniston Village, this relaxed, pub-style hotel has a number of cosy, traditional bedrooms with high quality beds, private bathrooms, satellite TVs and tea and coffee amenities.

Their menu of classic British fare is just the thing to satisfy your hunger after a long day, and includes homemade pies and cooked breakfasts, using local ingredients where necessary.

If you’ve time the next morning, the Coniston Old Man is just a mile away, promising beautiful views and hillside walks.