The Trout Beck Project. Is part of an exciting partnership between the Eden Rivers Trust and local farmers to improve, restore and market wild trout fisheries.

The WTT has funded a riparian fencing project on this particular beck, an energetic North Pennine tributary of the River Eden in Cumbria. Trout Beck has all sorts of problems. There is too much silt due to animals grazing right up to the bank, exacerbated by the fall of the river from the hill to sudden lowland fields, there is habitat loss and the odd village septic tank leaking into the river, but fish populations still hold up here, unlike some other tributaries in the catchment. The biggest problem is that it is not used or recognised as a valuable fishery, and this is what Go Wild is all about.

Definitely NOT for the feint hearted. THIS IS DIFFICULT FISHING. The river banks are overgrown with tall vegetation that you have to bush whack your way through. Tread carefully, because there are no neatly manicured river banks, mown footpaths and heated huts. This is how nature intended.

Obstacles, you bet! There are weeds, tree roots, boulders, overhanging branches, fallen branches, bits of trees and that tall stuff growing on the river bank, usually hiding things for you to trip over. The mud comes in two varieties: the stickiest and the slippiest, and there’s plenty of it.

Stealth is essential, this isn’t like sneaking in from the pub. These wild brown trout know you’re coming even before you do!

Once you are in the water, you’re still not in the clear. The overhanging branches make it impossible to fish with anything other than a 7’ rod, and the lightest of lines. There is everything there to tangle your lines and snap your rod and really put a blemish on your day.

It is frustrating, difficult and downright annoying, and yet the most amazing experience for those on a quest for truly wild fish in wild surroundings.
Are you ready for the challenge?

This is a very small beck, exercise extreme stealth, there are brownies in them thar pools, and they’ll probably see you coming, right from turning off at Junction 40 on the M6, or from Scotch Corner! Click here to find out more about Go Wild