Coniston Water is just over five miles long and a half a mile wide and remains synonomous with the ill fated speed attempt by Donald Campbell and Bluebird. For those who pursue their ambitions at a more moderate pace the lake offers fishing for trout, char, pike and perch.
The trout fishing has declined over the years and few anglers now target this species. Similarly the char fishing has fallen away with the result that angling activity on the fishery is now focused on the pike population. The pike are not as numerous as in neighbouring Windermere but the lake can still provide a realistic expectation of fish - and some good ones at that, with specimens of 20lb plus recorded each year.
Most of the better fish are caught over the winter months on deadbait. Summer lure fishing is best tackled from the boat where anglers are less likely to be disturbed by picnickers, their children or their livestock. The lake is popular with holidaymakers and good weather in high summer or at weekends should be a signal to look for quieter venues.