IT’S A PERCH PARADISE IN THE LAKES
Plus roach, dace and monster pike
THE Lake District is one of Britain’s most popular holiday destinations, with thousands of tourists visiting every year to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes and idyllic villages.
Its dozens of lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see are inviting for any angler, especially when they are filled with specimen perch, roach, dace and pike of daunting proportions.
But it can be a daunting task trying to discover where to start when you’re faced with water in front of you spanning not acres, but miles.
Thankfully, a luxury hotel near Keswick is now offering fishing ‘experience days’ on the mighty Bassenthwaite Lake in Northern Cumbria, in partnership with local expert Eric Hope, who knows the lake better than most.
News reporter Freddie Sandford travelled to the impressive Armathwaite Hall to find out more. Here’s his story...
BASSENTHWAITE LAKE
In a deep wooded valley surrounded by cloud-clad mountains, Bassenthwaite Lake is easily the most breathtaking place I’ve ever fished.
More than four miles long, it is an immense and daunting water, but after meeting local guide Eric Hope I was filled with excitement after being told tales of monster perch he had landed.
Eric said: “The biggest perch I’ve had from here weighed 4lb 10oz, and on the very next cast I had a another of 4lb 6oz.
“There are some monsters in here. Let’s be honest, the lake is so big that you never really know what could be lurking in the depths.”
But it’s not just predators that Bassenthwaite has to offer – there are also huge shoals of roach with fish running to 2lbplus, as well as lots of dace that were introduced by pike anglers in the past.
One of the most enjoyable ways to target Bassenthwaite is from a boat, but Eric assured us that the banks also offer excellent fishing in many areas.
“Anglers have been getting 60lb bags of roach, dace and perch from the shore – and I offer guiding from there as well as from my boat,” he said.
TRUNDLING THE WORM
For our trip with Eric we went out on his boat ‘The Dog House’, and while I was expecting to be lure fishing, Eric explained that he does things a little differently.
“I’m not into this drop shotting stuff – today we’re going to be trundling a worm!” he said.
“This tactic involves using a light bomb and a worm hookbait that is slowly worked along the lakebed. It works brilliantly for the perch, and you can also pick up roach and dace on it.”
After feeding a few balls of groundbait laced with maggots, it wasn’t long before the first fish of the day was hooked, and an immaculate – and surprsing – roach came to the boat.
As the water is so clear in Bassenthwaite the fish are clad in incredibly vivid colours, so even the smallest examples are a joy to catch.
On the day of our visit, Bassenthwaite kept her monsters under wraps, but it was impossible to complain as an osprey flew overhead and countless wild roach and perch were landed.
This is such an exciting place to fish, because you know that the very next cast could result in the fish of your dreams.
FISHING AND MORE
The hotel itself is located close to the shore of Bassenthwaite, and it is the perfect base for a fishing retreat.
After a long day you can wind down in the spa or chill out in the billiards room that boasts a full-sized snooker table.
There are a number of options for food, including the Lake View Restaurant which, as the name suggests, offers stunning views over Bassenthwaite, or you could visit the Courtyard Bar and Brasserie if you fancy a more informal evening.
If you’re planning a fishing holiday over the coming months then make sure to check out Armathwaite Hall – the fishing on offer here is something really special.