Bolton Willows

River level

The lowdown

• The beat sits just by Bolton, roughly four miles north-west of Appleby-in-Westmorland. Handy enough, and the river has a good mix of water rather than one single character all the way through.
• There are fast-flowing sections for working a fly through the crease, plus long slower glides where a more delicate presentation should come into its own.
• The large deep pools add another string to the bow. They break up the quicker runs and give the stretch plenty of variety for a day with the fly rod.
• Grayling fishing here is described as historically excellent, with wild brown trout also present. Appleby AA says its waters hold occasional trout of three pounds or more too.
• Evening fishing can be productive when a good hatch starts. That’s the sort of session where it pays to keep an eye on the water and be ready to switch approach.
• Fishing is primarily by fly methods. Lure or streamer fishing is seldom practised on these waters, so the beat is very much geared towards traditional fly work.
• The varied water suits several fly-fishing methods, from covering the quicker sections to fishing the steadier glides and deeper pools. Keep things adaptable and follow what the river is showing.
• Parking is available at Bolton Bridge and Ousenstand Bridge. From Ousenstand, walk upstream through the first field on the left bank to reach the water.
• Watch the boundaries at Ousenstand Bridge. Upstream of the first Appleby AA sign is private water, so don’t wander past it.
• The River Eden is a Special Area of Conservation and an SSSI. Fish it carefully, use barbless hooks as recommended and return healthy fish.

Methods: Primarily fly fishing, with the fast water, slower glides and deep pools offering scope for several fly-fishing methods. Evening sessions can be productive when a good hatch gets going; lure and streamer fishing is seldom practised.

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, chub

Key rules

• Trout fishing season is 15 March to 30 September, inclusive.
• Grayling fishing season is 16 June to 14 March, inclusive.
• The association recommends barbless hooks.
• The association recommends catch-and-release for healthy fish.
• Fishing is primarily by fly methods; lure or streamer fishing is seldom practised on these waters.
• Worm fishing is allowed only at certain times and in certain areas under association rules.
• All anglers must follow Appleby Angling Association regulations.
• Fishing upstream of the first Appleby AA sign at Ousenstand Bridge is private water.

Where it is