Ennerdale Water is the most remote of the main Lake District lakes and the one that most rewards a fly angler. United Utilities permit water in the far west of the national park — no road runs along the south shore and the valley is largely car-free, which means the wild brown trout have seen relatively few flies. The trout are genuine wild fish, typically 8–14 oz but with fish to 2lb+ present, in excellent condition from the volcanic catchment's clean, well-oxygenated water. Arctic charr are present in the lake but live deep and are not a fly fishing target. The fishing is loch-style — drift from a boat with teams of wet flies, or work the bankside shallows at dusk with sedge and dry fly. United Utilities issues day and season permits; boat hire is available through the permit system. The combination of remoteness, wild fish, and spectacular fell backdrop makes Ennerdale one of the best-kept secrets in English still-water fly fishing.
A patient day, if you fancy it
Good wave on — drift country. Take your time — read the water before you cast.
Conditions on the water
Some readings unavailable — check directly before fishing.
The brief
The plan
Set up a broadside drift and cover the water systematically. Work Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear on the bob and Pheasant Tail Nymph on the point.
If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.
Keep an eye on changing conditions — wind shifts and cloud breaks can trigger short feeding spells.
A gentle ripple is ideal for drifting — broadside drift covering the wind lanes should be productive.
What's on, when
Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
Top pattern + the box
Why today scores what it does
- Hawthorn Fly is in its seasonal window, boosting the chance of targeted feeding.
Precipitation
Who this water suits
Ennerdale Water, on the water
Field guide · contributor-editedWhat this water is
Ennerdale Water is the most remote of the main Lake District lakes and the one that most rewards a fly angler. United Utilities permit water in the far west of the national park — no road runs along the south shore and the valley is largely car-free, which means the wild brown trout have seen relatively few flies. The trout are genuine wild fish, typically 8–14 oz but with fish to 2lb+ present, in excellent condition from the volcanic catchment's clean, well-oxygenated water. Arctic charr are present in the lake but live deep and are not a fly fishing target. The fishing is loch-style — drift from a boat with teams of wet flies, or work the bankside shallows at dusk with sedge and dry fly. United Utilities issues day and season permits; boat hire is available through the permit system. The combination of remoteness, wild fish, and spectacular fell backdrop makes Ennerdale one of the best-kept secrets in English still-water fly fishing.
- Volcanic
How to get to the water
Where the rules change
- Trout15 March → 30 September
Licences, sorteo, the rules
- United Utilities fishing permit required
- Available via unitedutilities.com/recreation
- Boat hire available through permit system
- Access via Bowness Knott car park (western end)
- No vehicle access beyond car park on foot permit.
Ennerdale Water
No photos yet for this water.
Ennerdale Water is the most remote of the main Lake District lakes and the one that most rewards a fly angler.
A patient day, if you fancy it
Good wave on — drift country. Take your time — read the water before you cast.
Some readings unavailable — check directly before fishing.
A reasonable day here, though temperature isn't quite in the sweet spot.
Set up a broadside drift and cover the water systematically. Work Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear on the bob and Pheasant Tail Nymph on the point.
If the main plan is not working, switch to a smaller, more imitative pattern fished slower and deeper. A change of drift angle can also make a difference.
Keep an eye on changing conditions — wind shifts and cloud breaks can trigger short feeding spells.
A gentle ripple is ideal for drifting — broadside drift covering the wind lanes should be productive.
- Hawthorn Fly is in its seasonal window, boosting the chance of targeted feeding.
Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.
- United Utilities fishing permit required
- Available via unitedutilities.com/recreation
- Boat hire available through permit system
- Access via Bowness Knott car park (western end)
- No vehicle access beyond car park on foot permit.
Ennerdale Water is the most remote of the main Lake District lakes and the one that most rewards a fly angler. United Utilities permit water in the far west of the national park — no road runs along the south shore and the valley is largely car-free, which means the wild brown trout have seen relatively few flies. The trout are genuine wild fish, typically 8–14 oz but with fish to 2lb+ present, in excellent condition from the volcanic catchment's clean, well-oxygenated water. Arctic charr are present in the lake but live deep and are not a fly fishing target. The fishing is loch-style — drift from a boat with teams of wet flies, or work the bankside shallows at dusk with sedge and dry fly. United Utilities issues day and season permits; boat hire is available through the permit system. The combination of remoteness, wild fish, and spectacular fell backdrop makes Ennerdale one of the best-kept secrets in English still-water fly fishing.
- Volcanic
- Trout15 March → 30 September
Ennerdale Water is the most remote of the main Lake District lakes and the one that most rewards a fly angler. United Utilities permit water in the far west of the national park — no road runs along the south shore and the valley is largely car-free, which means the wild brown trout have seen relatively few flies. The trout are genuine wild fish, typically 8–14 oz but with fish to 2lb+ present, in excellent condition from the volcanic catchment's clean, well-oxygenated water. Arctic charr are present in the lake but live deep and are not a fly fishing target. The fishing is loch-style — drift from a boat with teams of wet flies, or work the bankside shallows at dusk with sedge and dry fly. United Utilities issues day and season permits; boat hire is available through the permit system. The combination of remoteness, wild fish, and spectacular fell backdrop makes Ennerdale one of the best-kept secrets in English still-water fly fishing.