Sea Trout Fishing 

The sea trout was once the mainstay of summer angling on CAA waters with fantastic sport available to the angler from dusk until dawn.
But alas the sea trout has also declined in numbers on the Eden. However, the Solway rivers including the Border Esk, Annan and Nith still produce quality sea trout angling. The population that returns to the Eden is very fickle some years there are significant numbers and in others they are hardly ever caught but there does seem to have been a steady improvement in numbers caught on the association water since 2009.
A smaller form of sea trout also occurs in the Eden known locally as the Herling, these can be between a quarter pound to over a pound in weight they are characterised by being quite thin with smooth scales.

Like the migratory salmon the sea trout can be caught anywhere as the runs pass through the CAA waters, so anglers should be prepared to look for them. Again local knowledge and asking questions should yield some answers.

Sea trout can be caught through the day but it is at night when this type of fishing is most productive and the nocturnal fly fishers are the ones who have most success. At dusk and during the first hour of darkness a floating or intermediate line is often favoured and then some replace these with a sinking line to see them through until dawn. Flies vary from standard sea trout patterns such as teal and silver and butcher to larger flies tied on Wilson low water hooks such as the medicine and elver type patterns.

A large single handed fly rod of approximately 10 - 11 feet for a 7 -8 weight line is the favourite of many.

Sea trout can be caught on both quill minnows in summer water conditions and spinners such as Mepps size 0 – 2 during spates, they can also be caught using trotted worm tactics in both clear water and flood conditions.

Check the Weather before venturing out or travelling at Carlisle weather forecast

Visitors to the lower reaches of Carlisle Angling Association waters should be aware that the river downstream of the North British Railway bridge can be affected by incoming tides therefore it is adviseable to check tide times before you visit Tide tables for Silloth and the Solway

Members and visiting anglers can also check the water levels for the River Eden prior to their visit by calling the Environment Agencies 'Rivercall' on 09066197733 or go to Environment Agency river levels for Eden and Esk region