Anglers keen to cast a line whilst visiting the Lake District will be delighted by the diversity of the fishing available in and around the Hawkshead area. On the doorstep Esthwaite Water rates as one of the finest waters in the Lake District. Predominanantly a trout fishery, Esthwaite Water also boasts both excellent pike and coarse fishing. Ann Tysons House (B&B) are now offering full use of the 'hotel permits' issued to us by 'Esthwaite Water trout and winter pike fishery' and the 'Windermere and Ambleside District Angling Association'. The permits entitle bed and breakfast residents free shore/bank fishing amidst some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery in the Lake District National park.

Ann Tysons B&B has two free of charge 'hotel permits' allowing 'free bank fishing' on 'Esthwaite Water trout and winter pike fishery'.

Esthwaite Water - Trout Fishing
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Deeper basins to the north and south of the lake combine with extensive shallows to create a particularly rich and varied fishery. The eutrophic nature of the water means Esthwaite Water is the only fishery in the north of England capable of producing true grown on fish and every season fish into double figures are reported. Rainbow trout are stocked on a regular basis averaging 1.75lb with a proportion of larger fish to 6lbs. A breeding population has established and, truly wild rainbows may be caught. Wild brown trout are present but to supplement the existing stock browns are periodically introduced. The fishery record for Rainbow Trout is 16lb 3oz and 10lb 12oz for Brown Trout respectively.

The fishery is open for fly fishing throughout the winter. Sinking lines and lures are generally the order of the day during the colder months although prolonged mild spells can see the fish surface feeding to small midge. By late August fish are really back on the move again and once into September surface sport is again the big attraction with a variety of fly in evidence. By now the fish from earlier stockings will be in superb condition. Given reasonable weather surface activity can continue through into November when early afternoon buzzer hatches can still be expected. The first hard frosts will put the fish down and signal its time for the sinkers to come out once again. Boat and rod hire can be arranged at 'The Hawkshead Trout Farm'.They also offer fly fishing tuition for both the expert or beginner.

Esthwaite Water - Coarse Fishing
Hawkshead Trout Fishery has now opened Esthwaite for coarse angling from 1st November to the 31st March inclusive, and it is obvious from trial sessions that a huge coarse fish population still exists. Good nets of mainly roach and perch have been taken by anglers using groundbait or feeder methods in conjunction with maggot. Fish are caught under the most severe conditions and November, December and March are particularly productive months. Milder overcast days are best as the fish will feed all day. Cold bright days usually limit action to dusk. Both yellow and red maggot catch, the roach perhaps preferring yellow due to the huge amount of sweetcorn that gets introduced year round. Bites are good pulls on the quiver or swingtip and action is generally guaranteed as groundbait always draws in a few hungry rainbows. These must be returned immediately and not placed in keepnets.

The average size of the roach is around the seven ounce mark but larger fish, some in excess of 2lb, are caught every year. Huge shoals of roach are present in Esthwaite but the restricted bank access really means that the fish have to be in a couple of areas or fishing can be slow. Night fishing is not allowed and anglers are restricted to using one rod when fishing for trout. Two rods are permitted on the pike and coarse permit but no trout may be retained. Besides roach and rudd there are good stocks of perch and these are often caught by anglers fishing worm for the rainbow trout. Fish to 3½lb are known to be present and the full potential of the water is yet to be exploited. Esthwaite contains a few tench and gudgeon along with the ubiquitous eel. The eels grow to very good size and fish over 5lb have been trapped in fyke nets.

Boat and rod hire can be arranged at 'The Hawkshead Trout Farm'.

Esthwaite Water - Winter Pike Fishing
Esthwaite Water over the past decade or more has established itself as one of the most productive pike fisheries in the country, with many high profile anglers throughout the UK fishing Esthwaite on a regular basis, throughout the winter. With a record of 38lb + and a huge head of 20lb + specimens, anglers regard their cross country treks in pursuit of these huge predators as well worthwhile and rarely go away disappointed. The season lasts from 1st October through to 31st March, with no summer fishing for the pike allowed except by special arrangement. Methods are restricted to dead baits and lures only. Fly fishing for the pike is also welcomed throughout the winter season.

Boat and rod hire can be arranged at 'The Hawkshead Trout Farm'.They also offer fly fishing tuition for both the expert or beginner.

Ann Tysons B&B has two free of charge 'hotel permits' allowing 'free fishing' on any of the waters belonging to 'Windermere & Ambleside Angling Association' listed below.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: Take the A592 from Bowness to Newby Bridge. After the severe right hand bend take the lane to the left marked for Cartmel Fell and the water is on your right after ¾ mile. Parking is restricted and is on the left.

This is a lovely 11 acre water with deep areas nearest the road and shallows at the far end. Lots of buzzers, damsels, small Rudd fry, olives, sedges and bracken clock beetles. Lots of wildlife including Badgers and Red Deer in the early morning.

Fishes best on floating line and imitative patterns but a sinker and a hot orange lure can always be relied on to save the day. This water is very much on or off. Stocked monthly.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: Take the A590 road from the M6 motorway and after you reach High Newton village turn right in the bad bends and take the gated fell road. There is parking on your right and the lake is hidden on the left by a wall and dam.

This is 11 acres and is high at 600' above sea level and is affected by wind but the fishing is superb because the lake is fairly shallow. It is stocked monthly with Rainbow Trout and fishes best to anything black and small on a floating line. Intermediate with menaces produce well. Terrific buzzer hatch with lots of terrestrials including gnats and beetles. Barbless hooks must be used.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: Take the A591 Kendal to Windermere road. At Ings turn right on the lane for Troutbeck. After about 3 miles you will see a very rough track to your right with a huge sleeping policeman at the bottom. Turn up the track and the lake is on the left after about 7/10ths of a mile.

The water is 7 acres and very exposed and high. A large head of minnows, crayfish and small Brown Trout. Stocked monthly with quality Rainbow Trout. Most methods work but a small black dry takes some beating or a static nymph. Try lures from the dam.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: To find the tarn start at the 'Tower Bank Arms Pub, Near Sawrey', walk 50 metres towards Hawkshead and turn right up the narrow lane. This road quickly becomes an unmade track which passes the fishery.

Moss Eccles is a picturesque 5 acre man made tarn owned by the National Trust and is recognised as a Site of Special Scietific Interest. The Association stocks the tarn annually with a large number of good sized brown trout averaging over 1 lb. The fish grow on well and brownies over 3 lb have been caught.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: School Knott tarn is situated high on School Knott Fell above Windermere. Easiest access is to park near School Knott Stores and follow the public footpath, the tarn is at the top.

Although only a small tarn of just over 1 acre it does hold some good fish and rainbow trout over 5 lbs and brownies over 3 lbs have been caught.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: High Arnside Tarn is another National trust owned water of about 1 1/2 acres situated on the A595 between Coniston and Skelwith Bridge. To get there park in the lay-by just south of the turn-off to High Arnside Farm (about 2miles on the left pastSkelwith Bridge coming towards Coniston.). Take the public footpath between High Arnside Farm and Tarn Hows. The tarn is through a gate on the left after about a 15 minute walk.

Rainbow trout are are stocked annually and fish to 3lb are present.The tarn does get very weedy and early season fishing is definitely best.

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: Hayeswater Reservoir is a 34 acre North West Water reservoir situated about seven miles north of Ambleside on the fells to the east of Hartsop on the A592 Kirkstone Pass road.It is a wild brown trout fishery situated at 1400 ft above sea level.

It is an interesting and strenuous 1 1/2 mile walk up the track from the car park at Hartsop.Because of its situation the best fishing is usually later in the year and July and August can be productive when other waters are to warm.

Game rivers and fisheries also under the jurisdiction of Windermere and Ambleside Angling Association includes these additional waters:

• River Rothay
• River Brathay

Tickets: Two f.o.c. hotel permits provided for guests of 'Ann Tysons Guest House, Hawkshead'.

Directions: Take the A591 Kendal to Windermere road. Cross the roundabout and in ½ mile you enter a dual carriageway. Turn left off this onto Ratherheath Lane and the fishery is a couple of hundred yards down on the right with a car park on the left.

Species include good Carp to 20lbs, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Chub, Gudgeon and Bream and the odd Brown Trout. This water is often coloured and fishes well then, as it is very shallow at about 4' average and is about 5 acres and surrounded by trees so it is generally fishable in the worst weather because of the shelter.

This lake has pegs marked out and most have fishing platforms including one for disabled anglers at the gate next to the car park. Fish fine and well and at a good distance out to be consistent and good baits are red maggots, casters, worm, sweetcorn, worms and bread. For Carp and some of the bigger Tench boilies are excellent and anglers also seem to have become preoccupied on Trout pellets which also work well.

Waggler float fishing, ledgering or pole fishing all produce and if there is colour in the water, which is often, then you can fish much closer in.

Coarse fisheries also under the jurisdiction of Windermere and Ambleside Angling Association include these additional waters:

• Holehird Tarn
• Grasmere
• Rydal Water
• Blelham Tarn
• Cleabarrow Tarn
• Atkinson's Tarn

The following WADAA waters offer both game and coarse fishing free of charge using our 'hotel permits'

• Lake Windermere
• Grasmere
• Rydal Water