Moss Eccles is a very picturesque five acre, man made, tarn owned by the National Trust and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The tarn is best approached from the Tower Bank Arms at Far Sawrey, near Hawkshead. Limited parking is available in Sawrey village and under no circumstances should vehicles be taken up the lane to the tarn.
This is a WADAA fishery and the association stock the tarn annually with a large number of good sized brown trout averaging over 1lb. Odd fish do grow on and brownies over 3lb have been caught. Fishing is best early season from March 15th to June and the trout respond well to imitative fly patterns. Moss Eccles is relatively shallow and warmer summer weather tends to restrict the fishing to early morning and late evening. At weekends and during July and August the tarn can also be very busy with passing walkers washing their muddy dogs or offspring.. Outside of those times it's usually a quiet place to spend a morning or afternoon, and what better way than to finish off with a hearty meal and a pint at the Tower Bank Arms.
Fishing on Moss Eccles is by fly only with a two fish per day limit. Catch and release is encouraged using barbless hooks and the tarn is open from 15th March to 30th September inclusive.