Aspatria Angling Club holds fishing rights on several miles of the River Ellen upstream from Ellenhall Bridge (near Gilcrux) to Harriston. Day, weekly and season permits for our water can be obtained from the permit secretary, Mrs Jean Holt (see Locate & Contact Us), and start from as little as £5.00. Brown trout fishing is available from 15 March to 30 September, while sea trout and salmon can be targeted from 1 May to 15 October. (Information regarding closed seasons and fishery byelaws in the region can be obtained from the Environment Agency's website: www.envionment-agency.gov.uk/regions/northwest).

The Ellen is described in Where to Fish as a stream, and there are many places where this fits Aspatria A. C. water much better than that of a 'river.' It varies from shallow, fast flowing riffles to deep, sluggish pools, and there is great scope for tactical variety here. Immediately upstream from Ellenhall Bridge can be found slow, tree-lined glides, intimate pools, and shallow, chuckling runs ideal for the upstream nymph, wet fly and dry fly angler. The deeper pools below the old Wardhall Lime Works, and near the 'new bridge,' are proven sea trout and salmon lies. Much of the river upstream from this bridge is wooded and difficult to fish effectively with the fly, but ideal for the spinner or worm approach. The Ellen then opens out into another pastureland area holding several other productive pools, which must be carefully approached given that much of the bank hereabouts is raised.

Good-looking daytime sea trout lies can be found immediately upstream from the Ellen Villa road bridge, and immediately downstream from the recently refurbished railway bridge. Above here the river narrows near the 'Big Pool,' a noted salmon lie, and remains so for some distance before a slower, tree-lined bend. The pool under Arkleby Mill bridge is not particularly deep, but can hold a good trout or two. Further upstream is real 'red-indian fishing' that involves a fair amount of wading, and which, like the river in general, makes you feel you have really earned your fish.

The River Ellen as seen from just above Ellenhall Bridge.
A good holding pool for migratory species below the old lime works.
The River Ellen as seen from the railway bridge near Ellen Villa.
The thumbnails below show some of the more productive pools and reaches of the River Ellen on Aspatria Angling Club water. Click on to the thumbnail of your choice for a larger picture.
The Rhubarb Pool.
The Stretches of River Controlled By Aspatria Angling Club
Click Here for a map showing the stretches of The
   River Ellen controlled by Aspatria Angling Club