Red Tarn stands as a testimony to the writers and researchers of angling guides who rarely leave the office or venture this far north. From an original entry in an ancient copy of ‘Where to Fish’ the tarn has found its way into numerous, more recent publications – with scant regard for the poor, misinformed angler who drags his aching limbs in hope to the waters edge.
The tarn itself is magnificent – some consolation for the fishing which can be difficult and disappointing. Red Tarn sits under a great wall of rock and scree that rises almost perpendicular to the summit of Helvellyn. It is guarded on both flanks by the sharp arêtes of Striding and Swirral Edge and has seen more than it’s fair share of tragedies. Facing north east sunlight is a rare commodity for much of the year and the water is slow to warm. June is still early here, July, August and September probably the best months for a cast.
There are trout in there and, reputedly, Schelly (an ice age, herring like protected white fish). The trout I have caught in the tarn have been small and thin but perhaps I was unlucky.
The easiest approach is from Glen ridding by following the track alongside Red Tarn Beck directly to the tarn at 2,400 feet above sea level. At least you will be able to say you’ve fished it!
The Schelly or common whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), is a rare and endangered species of freshwater fish the whitefish family.
It is found only in Brothers Water, Haweswater, Red Tarn and Ullswater and is one of only four species of freshwater fish under the protection of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Put it back!