04/05/2026
Kendal & South Lakes Fishing Update: May 2026 🎣April finished on a high with a "scorching hot" spell that triggered early spawning in our stillwaters and some cracking catches across the board!
On the River Kent, the trout season is in full swing with fish over 5lb already landed, while Windermere continues to produce monster pike over 20lb and some lovely specimen Ferox and brown trout. Over at Killington, the silver fish have been active, with bags of roach and perch hitting 10lb+, Bream bags with fish in excess of 3lb much bigger.
Looking ahead to the rest of May, it’s all about variety! On the rivers, keep an eye out for sea trout which have started their run on the Kent; remember that while fly-only rules eased on May 1st, all salmon must still be returned until June 16th. For those hitting the River Kent, the best fly patterns right now are Dark Olive Uprights, Iron Blue Duns, and March Browns to match the hatches. If there's a breeze, a Black Gnat or a Hare's Ear Nymph deeper down is doing the business.
On the lakes, Windermere's pike and perch are moving into the w**d beds, making lures and Pike flies the tactics atm. Tench and bream are waking up at Killington, Loughrigg and WADAA waters like Cleabarrow/Skelsmergh (both Members only waters) —early starts with float feeder tactics are key with fish to almost 10lb reported already.
For the Carp hunters, High Thorn Farm and Ratherheath, plus the other Carp venues locally are seeing plenty of margin activity, so keep those surface baits ready for a warm afternoon.
Seafishing see's the Thornback Rays, Huss moving in. Smoothhounds and small Tope surely to follow shortly. Flatties amd other usual species are being caught in the usual spots.
Whether you're after specimen Tench & rudd at Loughrigg/Whinfell, Spring Pike on Windermere fly or shiny silver Salmon on the Kent, it’s shaping up to be a brilliant month. Tight lines everyone! 🐟✨
Carlsons Fishing Shop - South Lakeland Angling Centre open 9am to 5pm everyday except Sundays and Bank Holidays. We are well stocked for all your Angljng needs. We look forward to seeing you soon. 🙏
