Holme Farm stretch, River Eden

River level

The lowdown

• The beat starts at the metal Bailey bridge in Appleby and works downstream, with the sewage stretch beginning below the island at Holme Farm.
• It’s a mixed bit of river, with wide quick runs sitting alongside long slow pools. Plenty to keep you busy as the water changes pace.
• Most of the association bank is fairly tree-free, so casting is easier. That open bank does mean fish can spot you, though — keep low and move quietly.
• The tail end has a very large, deep pool above the island. Proper feature water, and well worth taking your time over rather than charging in.
• Below the island, the sewage stretch runs down to the cattle grid. There’s often more tree cover here, giving a bit of shade and cover around the water.
• The long slow glide feeds into faster water, so have a good look at the crease and the neck of the glide. Those pace changes are classic holding areas.
• Evening hatches can be good, making the last few hours well worth fishing. Keep an eye on the surface and be ready to switch from nymphs to dries.
• Upstream nymphing and dry-fly fishing are the most consistent approaches. Czech nymphing comes into its own in winter, while spiders work nicely through riffles for much of the year.
• Lure and streamer fishing is seldom practised and isn’t considered effective locally. Worm fishing is allowed at certain times and in certain areas, so check the current rules before using it.
• The water holds wild brown trout and grayling. Barbless hooks and catch-and-release are recommended for keeping these healthy fish in good nick.

Methods: Stick with upstream nymphing and dry-fly fishing for the most consistent sport. Czech nymphs suit winter, spiders are useful in riffles through much of the year, and evening hatches can bring the dries into play.

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

trout, perch

Named by Appleby Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• The trout season is 15 March to 30 September, inclusive.
• The grayling season is 16 June to 14 March, inclusive.
• The association recommends barbless hooks.
• Catch-and-release is recommended for healthy fish.
• Worm fishing is allowed at certain times and in certain areas.
• Lure or streamer fishing is seldom practised and is not considered effective locally.
• United Utilities control the access road. Anglers may be locked in if they drive through without proper access arrangements.

Where it is