Hill Holme

River level

The lowdown

• The beat runs for roughly 0.5 km upstream from Jubilee Bridge, just below the weir. Handy enough, and easy to locate.
• This is very slow, deep water rather than a rattly bit of river. Think steady glides and deeper-looking swims where the flow eases right off.
• The trees make casting awkward in places. Keep it tidy, fish short and accurate, and don’t try to launch some massive back cast through the branches.
• A few large chub are specifically mentioned here. They’re the main target to have in mind, especially around cover and the crease.
• Dry-fly and upstream nymph fishing are both described as consistent methods on the association waters. Light, neat presentations make sense in this sort of water.
• Winter is a cracking time for nymphing, with the method particularly suited to grayling. The slower pace of the stretch should suit a careful approach.
• The association says some good fish are present. It also reports wild brown trout and grayling across its waters, including occasional bigger fish.
• Fishing is on the right bank only. Parking is available at Jubilee Bridge below the weir, so access is pleasantly straightforward by the stretch.
• The association controls around 20 miles on the Eden and Lyvennet, with plenty of variation elsewhere, from fast water and riffles to pools and slower glides.
• The Eden is a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, so keep the banks tidy, use the stiles and leave gates exactly as you find them.

Methods: Keep things neat and controlled in the trees. Dry fly or upstream nymphing are the go-to options, with nymphing especially suited to winter grayling. For chub, look carefully around the deeper, slower water and cover.

Access & tickets

The water is run by Appleby Angling Association. Its current permits page says day tickets are presently suspended, so access is currently through association membership.

Fish the club names

chub

Key rules

• No spinning is allowed on Appleby AA waters.
• Maggots, corn, bread and similar baits are prohibited.
• Catch-and-kill limit of two fish per day, with a 10–15 inch size limit.
• Anglers must comply with Environment Agency licence bye-laws.
• Only one rod may be in use at a time.
• Tickets must be carried and produced when requested.
• Leave gates as found, avoid fence damage, use stiles and keep to the water's edge.

Where it is