Bessy Beck Trout Farm, near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, is a long-established stillwater fishery with multiple lakes, clear water, and year-round trout sport.
Looking for the best flies and tactics for Bessy Beck? This guide covers water typography, seasonal hatches, recommended fly patterns, depth and line setups, plus tackle tips.
Water Typography & Location
- Shoreline: Easy access with maintained pegs for casting.
- Depths: Shallows for stalking, deeper pools up to 20ft.
- Clarity: Clear water with occasional upland colour.
- Stocking: Rainbow, brown, and blue trout, including larger specimens.
Seasonal Flies & Tactics
Spring
- Flies: Buzzers, Diawl Bach, Pheasant Tail Nymph.
- Depth & Line: Floating/midge-tip, 12–15ft leaders.
- Method: Slow figure-of-eight or buzzers under a bung.
Summer
- Flies: CDC sedges, hoppers, beetles, damsels.
- Depth & Line: Intermediates by day, floaters for evening dries.
- Method: Pull damsels or fish dries static at dusk.
Autumn
- Flies: Minkies, zonkers, fry patterns, dabblers.
- Depth & Line: Intermediates or DI3 sinkers.
- Method: Erratic retrieves to mimic injured fry.
Winter
- Flies: Cats Whisker, tadpoles, bloodworms, hotheads.
- Depth & Line: DI5–DI7 lines for deep fish.
- Method: Slow retrieves with pauses near the bottom.
Tackle & Tips
- 9–10ft rods rated #6–7 cover most conditions.
- Fluorocarbon leaders help in clear water.
- Watch for evening hatches – often prolific.
- Change depth regularly; trout move with conditions.
Bessy Beck Trout Farm combines classic Cumbrian scenery with productive trout fishing, making it a must-visit for stillwater fly anglers.