Cumbria, a picturesque county in the north-west of England, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, serene lakes, and a rich cultural heritage. But there’s another aspect of Cumbria that captures the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and anglers alike – the Cumbria Fishing Festival. This annual event is a celebration of all things angling and offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of fishing in the pristine waters of the Lake District. In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the Cumbria Fishing Festival and explore why it’s a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.
A Celebration of Cumbrian Angling:
The Cumbria Fishing Festival is a celebration of the region’s vibrant fishing culture. It typically takes place over a weekend, bringing together anglers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. The festival showcases the diverse fishing opportunities that Cumbria has to offer, making it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the world of angling. Cumbria has lots of fly fishing lakes and rivers making it a great place for a fishing festival.
The Lakes:
Cumbria is home to some of the most breathtaking lakes in the United Kingdom, and these lakes play a central role in the festival. Anglers have the chance to fish in the crystal-clear waters of lakes like Windermere, Coniston Water, and Ullswater. Whether you prefer fly fishing, coarse fishing, or even pike fishing, there’s a lake in Cumbria to suit your preference.
Workshops and Demonstrations:
One of the highlights of the Cumbria Fishing Festival is the numerous workshops and demonstrations conducted by expert anglers. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from casting techniques and fly tying to fish identification and conservation. Even if you’re a novice angler, you’ll leave the festival with a wealth of knowledge and new skills to enhance your fishing experience.
Competitions:
For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, the festival hosts several fishing tournaments. These contests are a great way to test your angling prowess against other enthusiasts and maybe even win some fantastic prizes. Whether it’s a casting accuracy competition or a catch-and-release challenge, there’s no shortage of excitement at the Cumbria Fishing Festival.
Family-Friendly Fun:
The festival is not just for hardcore anglers. It’s a family-friendly event that welcomes people of all ages. Children can participate in beginner-friendly fishing sessions and learn about the importance of conservation and preserving the local aquatic ecosystem. The festival’s inclusive approach ensures that everyone, from youngsters to grandparents, can enjoy a memorable weekend by the water.
Come along for a week of fantastic fishing action whether it’s to learn new skills, catch your first fish or simply to discover and enjoy the best of fishing in Cumbria.
Well – the weather was ‘mixed’ to say the least but Cumbria’s third Fishing Festival ended on a high note with the capture of a huge 5.5lb brown trout from the Eamont. This exceptional fish was taken (and released) by Matt Davies during one of Stuart Broadhurst’s river trout sessions.
Meanwhile, anglers out on Derwentwater with Eric Hope found plenty of pike willing to take the fly racking up 16 for the event including a good fish for Warwick Alabaster. Pike anglers were also out in force on Esthwaite enjoying a couple of days in the expert company of Nige Williams while over the Cumbrian coast, Lee Cummings continued to push the limits in search of mullet and bass. Jeremy Lucas, Clive Mitchelhill and Glyn Freeman provided us with some great days on the rivers for trout, sea trout and salmon.
Kayak angling also proved to be a great success and demonstrated the huge potential in Cumbria for this rapidly developing branch of the sport.
All in all some fifty different angling events took place over the week-long festival at venues ranging from the Eden right across to the Esk and Irt. A great showcase for the variety of angling opportunities in the county and a real incentive for anglers to get out there and try something different.
A big thanks to all those who gave their support to once again make the event a great success.