Having been inspired by the dawning of a bright sunny day that is now slightly overcast and therefore perfect for fishing, this post is for anglers or would-be anglers. I have a brother who is mad keen on fishing and will go out in all weathers. When he visits us at Blenheim Lodge, he likes to fish at Ghyll Head, Windermere, an approximate 10-15 minute drive from our Bowness guest house.

My brother takes advantage of the corporate fishing permits that we offer our guests to use free of charge. In all the many years that he has visited us and fished at Ghyll Head, he has possibly only come away empty-handed about four times. In fact, we have feasted on sweet fresh rainbow trout for dinner often and often from his activities, to the point where we now tell him to release the fish he catches.

Even in an area where beautiful scenery is commonplace Ghyll Head stands out from the crowd. Hardly surprising that this is WADAA’s most popular fishery. Ghyll Head nestles in a small elevated valley overlooking Windermere and is the perfect place for a day’s trout fishing. (Words and photo courtesy of www.lakedistrictfishing.net/WADAA-waters)

As with many dedicated fishermen, my brother will stay as long as he can to fish by the lakeside. He has all the fancy rods and flies and other paraphernalia that all avid self-respecting anglers seem to possess, and takes great delight in trying out all his gear. Sometimes, our younger son joins him, and both are known to brave both wind and rain for hours before admitting defeat on cold stormy days.

May and June are excellent months for fishing at Ghyll Head, and if you are interested in this activity and want to stay at Blenheim Lodge, do remember to ask us for a free fishing permit. We offer two free fishing permits on a first come first served basis to our guests which cover the Windermere and Ambleside Angling Association local waters that are open for fishing. It is not cheap to pay for daily permits, and there are certain WAADA lakes which are only available for fishing to members only – so do take advantage of the permits we buy on a yearly basis when staying with us if you enjoy this sport.

During May and June fish can be all over the fishery but return to the deeps as the water temperatures rise in mid summer, returning to forage in the shallows as autumn brings cooler conditions. (Words and photo courtesy of www.lakedistrictfishing.net/WADAA-waters.)

Oh! And do remember to bring your own fishing tackle if you intend to fish WAADA waters without a guide. At Blenheim Lodge, we can, of course, arrange for paid tuition and guiding for budding or experienced anglers with a local guide. The guide will provide the gear too if you do not have your own. In England, the law also requires anyone aged 12 and over to have a personal rod licence in order to fish legally. This can be purchased from post offices and shops selling permits or online.

Ghyll Head is open all year from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Day permits are £18.00 for a two fish limit, catch and release is permitted and, as with all our other waters, barbless or de-barbed hooks are mandatory. (Words and photo courtesy of www.lakedistrictfishing.net/WADAA-waters.) NOTE: GUESTS STAYING AT BLENHEIM LODGE WILL BE ABLE TO FISH GHYLL HEAD FREE OF CHARGE USING OUR CORPORATE PERMITS.

Lastly, we do have outside taps for you to wash your catch and dirty boots. We will even store your fish for you until you leave. Happy fishing!

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