Ennerdale Water is the most remote of the main Lake District lakes and the one that most rewards a fly angler. United Utilities permit water in the far west of the national park — no road runs along the south shore and the valley is largely car-free, which means the wild brown trout have seen relatively few flies. The trout are genuine wild fish, typically 8–14 oz but with fish to 2lb+ present, in excellent condition from the volcanic catchment's clean, well-oxygenated water. Arctic charr are present in the lake but live deep and are not a fly fishing target. The fishing is loch-style — drift from a boat with teams of wet flies, or work the bankside shallows at dusk with sedge and dry fly. United Utilities issues day and season permits; boat hire is available through the permit system. The combination of remoteness, wild fish, and spectacular fell backdrop makes Ennerdale one of the best-kept secrets in English still-water fly fishing.
- Volcanic
