Birkett Bottom to upstream limit, River Eden
A proper upper-Eden fly-fishing stretch running from Birkett Bottom to the upstream limit, near Birkett Common south of Kirkby Stephen. It’s tranquil upland water with rocky features, lively runs and pools, managed by KSDAA as a wild brown-trout fishery.
Run by Kirkby Stephen and District Angling Association · checked 16 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club
River Eden
Birkett Bottom to upstream limit, River Eden
Our river artwork — photos for this stretch are on the way
River level
Measured — Environment Agency
Kirkby Stephen gauge
Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.
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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open Kirkby Stephen on Live River Levels
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Pick the level range and direction you want on the River Eden. We check this Environment Agency gauge about once an hour and tell you when it's met. Real readings — not a forecast or a safety check.
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The lowdown
- This is classic upper River Eden country. Quiet, open and properly scenic, with Birkett Common sitting across the river around the Birkett Bottom area.
- The water has an upland feel, with rocky features breaking things up and a mix of runs and pools to work through. Expect the river to change character swim by swim.
- Fishing is primarily fly fishing, so the crease around the quicker water and the softer water below the runs are the obvious places to concentrate.
- The rocky bits should be worth a close look. They create little seams and pockets where trout can sit out of the main push, especially when the river has a bit of colour.
- The pools give you a chance to slow things down and pick apart steadier water, while the runs should suit a more searching approach with the fly.
- This is managed as a wild brown-trout fishery, with no stocking carried out on KSDAA waters. Grayling are also present in the association’s Eden waters.
- It’s an upper-river venue rather than a commercial stillwater, with the feel of a natural Eden fishery around Kirkby Stephen. Lovely setting, and nicely away from the faff of a busy day-ticket lake.
- Trout fishing is tied to the association’s permit rules and the statutory season, so check the current arrangements before setting off. The association’s rules and map are worth having to hand.
- KSDAA encourages barbless hooks and asks anglers to return all healthy fish safely. Keep it tidy, handle fish carefully and put them back in good nick.
- Access and parking aren’t tied to one fixed public car-park postcode. Use the association’s map and contact information to check the practical details for this bit of river.
Methods: This is primarily fly water, with the runs, rocky pockets and pools offering plenty to explore. Work the crease and softer edges carefully, and keep the approach tidy with barbless hooks.
Access & tickets
Day permit
Available to visiting anglers.
£20 (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Weekly permit
Current weekly permit.
£50 (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Adult membership
Membership is open to all, subject to the association’s current permit arrangements. Adult resident and non-resident options are available; junior membership is free.
£75 resident / £100 non-resident (as listed 16 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Day and weekly permits are available online through Kirkby Stephen and District Angling Association. Membership is also available, including resident, non-resident and free under-18 membership options.
Fish the club names
trout, barbel
Named by Kirkby Stephen and District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.
Key rules
- Trout fishing is subject to KSDAA’s permit rules and the statutory season.
- KSDAA encourages barbless hooks.
- Return all healthy fish safely.
- Check the association’s current rules and map before fishing.
Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.
GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fishWhere it is
Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.
Community reported
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