Grayling Fishing on the River Eden
The River Eden is a fantastic place in England to fish for the abundant Grayling. The river, which flows through Cumbria, is home to fish of up to 3lb+. This year has been one of the best seasons we have ever had for fishing for grayling and the end of the season on the 14th March is fast approaching. This year we have found that our Tungsten Nymphs have been a sure-winner for catching these fish! The River Eden has been home to Grayling for almost a century, with numbers booming around the 1990’s and staying strong ever since. They are seen mostly during the cooler winter months – long after the 30th September when trout season is over.
Whilst the River Eden is home also to larger fish such as salmon and trout, it is the grayling that have made this river such a successful fishing destination with its year round season. For those who need a helping hand with some techniques, there are plenty of guides and experienced fly-fishing instructors who can help to make sure your day is a fruitful one. Due to the varied and changing waters of the River Eden, nearly all methods of fly fishing can be applied. During the winter months, long-trotting for grayling is permitted on certain beats. The grayling can be caught using conventional techniques such as using dry-fly or north country spiders in the Autumn months as they are found closer to the surface, but when the food is sparse in winter, Czech and French nymphing techniques or bugging as it is called are best to search for the Grayling along the river bed. However don’t disregard the dry fly as fishing the duo or trio (New Zealand Style) can also work well when you get warmer spells in winter. The beats of the River Eden to try are Warwick Hall - www.warwickhall.org, Penrith Angling Association - www.penrithanglers.co.ukm, Carlisle Angling Association - www.carlisleanglingassociation.org.uk, Lazonby Hall Fishing - 01228 560122,
Eden Lacy – 01768 898316, Kirkby Stephen Angling Association - www.kirkbystephen.net, Appleby Angling Association - www.applebyangling.co.uk,
Just remember that if you are 12 years or older, an Environment Rod Agency licence is required. These are available at your local post office.
