Stenkrith Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper Eden gorge fishing, with the river squeezed into deep, narrow channels cut through solid Brockram rock. It’s got a wild, enclosed feel rather than broad meadow water.
• The deep pool below Stenkrith Bridge is the headline swim. Come late October or November and it can hold salmon, though the checked rules here only allow the stated trout and grayling fishing methods for day and weekly ticket holders.
• Trout are plentiful, but mainly small on this stretch. That makes accurate fly fishing the name of the game, with little pockets, crease lines and the edges of the deeper channels worth a close look.
• There’s a variety of good water below Stenkrith Park, and the lower section is described by KSDAA as seldom fished. Handy if you fancy getting away from the busier-looking bridge area.
• Fishing is technically from the far bank only. The river is narrow enough to cross while wading where conditions allow, but take care around the rocky channels and deeper pools.
• Day and weekly ticket anglers are fly-only for trout and grayling. No spinning is allowed, apart from for junior members, so keep the tackle nice and simple and work the water properly.
• The trout season runs from 15 March to 30 September. KSDAA’s grayling season runs from 16 June to 31 January, with all association waters shut from 1 February to 14 March inclusive.
• Stenkrith Park gives relatively accessible river access, which is bob on for reaching the water. Dogs can’t accompany anyone fishing, and you’ll need both the right ticket and a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
• KSDAA encourages catch-and-release and barbless hooks. If you do retain fish, the limit is two trout and/or grayling per day, subject to the stated 12-inch minimum size.

Methods: Fly fishing is the approach for day and weekly ticket holders, with careful work around the deep channels, bridge pool and quieter lower water. No spinning is allowed except by junior members.

Access & tickets

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

Key rules

• Day and weekly ticket holders may fish for trout and grayling with fly only.
• No spinning is allowed except by junior members.
• The trout season runs from 15 March to 30 September inclusive.
• The KSDAA grayling season runs from 16 June to 31 January.
• All association waters are closed from 1 February to 14 March inclusive.
• Anglers must carry the appropriate ticket and a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
• The association encourages catch-and-release and barbless hooks.
• Up to two trout and/or grayling may be retained per day, subject to the stated minimum size of 12 inches.
• Dogs may not accompany people fishing the association waters.

Where it is