High Newton Trout Fishery

High Newton is probably the best ‘top of the water’ rainbow trout fishery in Cumbria and can provide exhilarating sport to the dry fly at any time of the year.

This eleven acre former reservoir occupies an elevated position with a fantastic outlook over the Coniston Fells, the Cartmel Valley and out to Morecambe Bay. This does mean early season can be a little exposed and windy but, as soon as the weather warms, that same wind brings hordes of terrestrial fly onto the water and fish can rise continuously throughout the day.

Even during the warmest of the summer months when sport slows on more sheltered waters the trout can still be pulled to the surface. Free rising trout, crystal clear water, easy access and plenty of bank space make High Newton the first choice for anglers who prefer to fish imitative patterns and target cruising fish. Buzzers are favoured at the start of the season but be ready for Black Gnats and Beetles anytime from mid April. From then on right through to November terrestrials are at the top of the menu. Hawthorns, Alder Fly, Beetles, Bracken clock and big falls of Ants follow in succession with the first of the Crane flies appearing in numbers in late summer and into autumn. For experts the Caenis (Mayfly) hatch in June is a real test. During July and August early morning and late evening buzzer hatches can have the water churning. On breezy days try a team of small spiders drifting across the wind – but be ready for savage takes! Later in the year September and October can give some brilliant sport with the bigger fish feeding hard before winter

Visitors should note that High Newton is not stocked during July and August but there are well over 1,000 in the fishery from earlier stockings. As summer progresses they will become increasingly educated and anglers fishing imitative methods are more likely to enjoy success. Mornings and evenings will be the best times to fish and day permit holders are more than welcome to split their visit and avoid the more unproductive periods of the day.

The Association stocks fortnightly with top quality rainbow trout averaging 2lbs with good numbers of fish in the 4lb to 6lb bracket. There is no winter stocking.

High Newton is open all year from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

There is wheelchair access for visitors on this fishery if arranged in advance through the contact number.