A river that needs little introduction, immortalised through the writings of Hugh Falkus the Cumbrian Esk is a ‘must visit’ for the sea-trout angler. This is where Hugh Falkus based most of his writing on, with many of his fishing programmes and photos within his books being located on the water that you will fish through our packages! This river is a Mecca for the sea-trout angler, so why not make the pilgrimage through Angling Worldwide? To date, we are the only company offering you this rare and exclusive opportunity to fish on this hallowed water.

The Cumbrian Esk is a truly stunning river, rarely can you fish a river where the shoals can be as easily spotted as they are in the Esk. The Esk, without rain to discolour it, runs gin clear with water that may appear to be only a couple of feet deep turning out to be a few feet more! You have been warned. The Esk holds a very sizeable run of both salmon and sea-trout with fish entering the river as early as May. However, the main run is usually later in the season, with August, water allowing, seeing large numbers entering the system. September can fish very well for both species, with the pools being laden with fish by this time.

The Esk is a river with tremendous character, it flows through some of the most unspoilt scenery in the UK – a great place to go and relax, escape from the madding crowd. Dreamt about fishing this river after reading and watching Hugh Falkus’ work? This dream now becomes a reality through Angling Worldwide!

In addition, we have expert, local saltwater guides who know the neighbouring coastline extremely well. Why not take advantage of our ‘Surf-and-Turf’ package, a great way to spend a few days in the area, combining the river fishing with the saltwater fishing. The bass and mullet sport can be prolific, and is a must try when in the area.

The River Esk is available on package breaks, be they guided or unguided, through Angling Worldwide. Whatever your requirements Angling Worldwide has got it covered! Contact us for more information on suitable packages and itineraries. Why not combine a river package with some bass and mullet fishing? We have very experienced local guides who have their finger on the pulse, being able to take you where you need to be and when you need to be there. Also, they can offer casting tutelage, why not combine your trip with some casting lessons? Or, get someone started in the magical sport? There can surely be no finer setting than the Cumrian Esk in which to do so.

Not sure which area would be best for you? We are here to help and have extensive knowledge of the rivers in question, having fished the rivers for many years. We can even work a few days fishing around a pre-booked family holiday, a welcome break.

ngling Worldwide caters for clients of all experience levels. Advice and packages will be tailored to your unique and exacting requirements. We have a team of specialist, professional guides working exclusively for Angling Worldwide. Their advice, tutelage, and experience are unsurpassed and are highly recommended if you’re a novice to this angle of the sport – they can mean the difference between a good trip and a great trip! Check out our testimonials from previous clients to view their unbiased opinions. In addition, please view our ‘on location’ photo gallery to view some catches by our clients whilst on Angling Worldwide packages!

Fishing licences and permits

You do require a migratory fish rod licence to fish on the Esk (this will cover you for all species including Salmon and Sea-trout). Permits will be included in the price of the package and will be arranged prior to your arrival. We want to make your stay as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, ensuring that’s all you have to concentrate on is catching fish!

Tackle

(Salmon);Single or double-handed rods can be used with line ratings of between 8-12; ideally a 10ft for 8 line if fishing a single hander or 13ft for 8/9 line if fishing a double hander – it’s not a big a river, therefore a double-hander may be too much. Reels are to your preference, but make sure that they have a decent drag system and plenty of backing! A range of lines should be carried to cover most eventualities However, a good money saving tip would be to carry poly-leader sets in 5ft and 10ft, which would reduce the lines that you have top carry to floating and intermediate. Tackle is available on loan for those without suitable set-ups, and for those that don’t want the hassle of bringing fishing gear with them on holiday. Spinning and bait fishing are viable and productive methods, condition allowing. We can advise you on suitable tackle to bring.

(Sea-trout); Any rod between 9ft and 10’6ft with a line rating of between 7-9 will suffice for sea-trout; usual resevoir/stillwater rods are great. Reels are to your preference, however, a decent drag system is recommended as is backing! A floating line, intermediate line, accompanied with some poly-leaders are all that’s required. Nylon in strengths of 8,10,12 and 15lbs, carry some 6+8lb fluorocarbon for the day and evening fishing. Tackle is available on loan for those without suitable set-ups, and for those that don’t want the hassle of bringing fishing gear with them on holiday. Spinning and bait fishing is permitted and we can advise you on what to bring if you wish to pursue these methods, which are very viable and successful when river conditions dictate.

(Bass and Mullet); The same tackle that would be used for sea-trout can be deployed for bass and mullet. However, pike taper lines are highly recommended to combat any stiff winds; we recommend the airflo 40+ lines for this.