River Eden: Beckfoot

River level

The lowdown

• This fishery runs downstream from Eastfield Bridge to Beck Foot, with attractive upper Eden Valley scenery making it a cracking backdrop for a quiet day’s fishing.
• Most of the stretch is made up of fairly shallow, sheltered runs. Ideal water for working the fly through steady glides and softer edges.
• At the lower end, Scandal Beck joins the Eden. That confluence is a handy feature to keep an eye on, especially when the river has a bit of colour or extra push.
• Beckfoot Dub is the big feature. It’s a large, deep and slow-flowing pool at the lower limit, holding fish of various sizes.
• Salmon are reported in Beckfoot Dub during autumn. It’s also the spot where the river feels noticeably broader, deeper and more settled than the runs upstream.
• The association describes these Eden waters as fly fishing for wild brown trout. No stocking is carried out, so the appeal is very much natural river fishing.
• Day and weekly ticket holders can fish for trout and grayling with fly only. Spinning isn’t allowed, apart from for junior members, so bring the fly gear and keep it simple.
• The trout season runs from 15 March to 30 September inclusive. KSDAA’s grayling season runs from 16 June to 31 January, with all waters closed from 1 February to 14 March.
• The lower limit includes a fly-only section. Catch-and-release is encouraged, and barbless hooks are encouraged too. A tidy, careful approach suits this sheltered little Eden stretch bob on.
• There’s a ford and footbridge in the nearby Beckfoot area. Parking details aren’t published in the checked facts, so don’t assume you can pull up right beside the swim.

Methods: Fly fishing is the name of the game here, with dry fly, nymph or wet-fly approaches suited to the shallow runs and sheltered glides. Beckfoot Dub calls for a more patient presentation over deeper, slower water.

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, bream, barbel, chub, pike, perch, carp, tench, roach, rudd, crucian, eel, zander, catfish, trout

Named by Kirkby Stephen and District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A valid Environment Agency rod licence must be carried.
• Day and weekly ticket holders may fish for trout and grayling with fly only.
• Spinning is not allowed except by junior members.
• Anglers may not be accompanied by a dog.
• All KSDAA waters are closed from 1 February to 14 March inclusive.
• Fish under 12 inches from nose to fork of tail may not be retained.
• Ticket holders may take up to two trout and/or grayling per day.
• Fish roe, medicated bait and bait feeding are prohibited.

Where it is