Ennerdale is the quietest and least frequented of all the major lakes. Due to its distance from the main tourist centres and also the fact that no public road reaches further than the western end of the lake. This is a place visited by few Cumbrian anglers let alone visiting anglers. The scenery of the lake is superb and in places more reminiscent of a Scottish loch than an English glacial lake.

Ennerdale Water holds Trout and Arctic Char. Stocks of the latter have been struggling of late and are currently protected. The Trout, on the other hand are flourishing, and can offer excellent sport to anglers of an energetic persuasion taking a mobile approach.

The lake is crystal clear and fly fishing in anything other than a good ripple is unlikely to be productive. Footpaths circle the lake at more or less shoreline level giving the active angler far more water than can be fished in a day. The shore from Bowness Knott around to the outflow is the favoured area although Trout can be expected anywhere. April through to the end of June gives the best fishing. With luck and on the right day you can reasonably expect to come away with a couple of decent fish amongst the many that will have risen to the fly.

There are two access points for vehicles, one located by the outflow for the Southern and Western shore. The other located at Bowness Knott for the northern shore.

Ennerdale valley is now managed through the Wild Ennerdale project.