Salmon - River Eden (Cumbria) 19/05/08

River Eden - 19/05/08
This probably the only time in my life that I will have a chance to catch a wild salmon. The planned trip almost went to drain when I was told the the venue were fully book on my entire week stay in Lake District. Driving there itself (from Norwich) took me 6 hours with 2 small kids strapped on the child seat. It wasn't pleasant.
I was down to no guide salmon fishing session at the last available venue (I am sure this venue is at the bottom of the ideal venue list). Not having the right gear was another challenge.
Driving from Ullswater (where we stayed) to the river eden took about 35 minutes. I decided to start the session early at 8 am. Arriving there wasn't difficult. The river looks good. Unfortunately, the deep water side was on the side of the bank throughout. Can't really understand why I was on the side of the river.
My guide, Mr. Edwind only managed to stick around for about half an hour worth where we went through the gear and a bit of overview of the technique. I brought all kind of lures, Rapala, Sebaki, Storm, a bit of left over spinners, a travel rod, 12lb Rapala tough line matched to Shimano 4000 series spinning reel. What I did not have were fly rod, salmon flies and wader suit. Mr Edwind there kept pointing out that we were handicapped and I truly belief that what he was saying was that our chance to catch a Salmon is close to none.
Consistency however paid-off. I got my first bite on orange Rapala floaters. Did not manage to land that one but it does give me a bit of hope that we were not totally hopeless afterall. Given 2 mile strecth to fish, I was sure that I will eventually get the salmon. After pool after pool and changing lure to spinners to lures and back to spinners, finally a true bite. The take was good, the hook felt firmed. After about five minutes worth of fight, an 8 pounder were landed. I could swear that it looks much heavier. Got pike before about that size and it was measured 12lb on the scale. That was pretty much the salmon of my life. Really wish that it could be served on dinner-plate. Don't really understand why catch and release applies for this fish (before mid June).

These are what I have learnt: 1. Wader suit is friend, or else the feet got too cold. 2. Learn to fly fish. 3. Salmon does not like sunlight 4. Salmon does not eat while going up river for spawning. Bright and shiny lures and spinners work the best. 5. 12lb line is good enough. 6. Day licence (£7), fishing permit (£35)
By the way, I do think the river have a very good potential. If there is a chance for me to go back there, I would. Properly geared of course. Mr. Edwin was great. I would recommend his service to anyone. 01228560122