This delightful small river drains the limestone country at the southern extremity of the county before emptying into the Kent estuary below Milnthorpe. The Bela is untypical of most cumbrian rivers and in places is almost chalkstream like with smooth glides and beds of ranunculus. Trout grow well in this rich stream and are of a higher average size than normal. In the old days of River Boards the season on the Bela always opened two weeks before anywhere else.
The best fishing is below the confluence of the two main branches namely Stainton Beck and Peasey Beck. A third feeder, Lupton Beck, enters Peasey Beck from the east. All three can provide interesting beck fishing in their lower reaches although ownership and permission is unclear – best to enquire locally.
Milnthorpe Angling Association control the stretch from the road bridge on the B6385 down to Beetham (including the first half mile of Peasey BecK). Day permits are not available.
Below Beetham the river enters Dallam Park and the estate generously makes permits available for youngsters from Milnthorpe to fish this inviting stretch of water.
The Bela also enjoys a run of salmon and sea trout although the weir at Heron Corn Mill is a major barrier. Plans are in place to ease the passage of migratory fish although their impact upon upstream trout stocks may not be beneficial.
The bulk of the fishable water is held by Calder Angling Association. Day permits are available from the secretary and membership is open to non residents.