#155: The Lakeland Angler – On Derwent Water with Eric Hope
About this episode
The episode features angler-author Eric Hope discussing his passion for fishing on Derwent Water and his experiences in the Lakes.
...in which we spend a perfect autumn day 'gone fishing' on Derwent Water with angler-author Eric Hope. Setting out from Lodore, we cast our minds – and line – back to Eric's Lancashire childhood, and the day trips he made to Windermere, where he fell in love with angling and the Lakes. With waves lapping against the boat, Eric introduces us to the pastime that has given him a career and lifelong passion; to game and coarse fishing; to lines, bait and olives. Delving deep into the 'mangroves' of Manesty, we talk salmon on the world-class River Eden and introduce the 'holy trinity' glacial relics of Cumbria: the Arctic Charr, Schelly and Vendace. After diversions aplenty (why ice made Keswick; the 'floating island' of Derwent Water; the monster Pike of Windermere), we consider the zen of fishing – immersion in nature, mysteries beneath the waves, a chance to properly talk. Closing with our quickfire questions, Eric reveals his love for High Pike, the ODG, Wainwright's Eastern Fells... and Cranstons. Eric's book, Tales of a Lakeland Angler, is available here: medlarpress.com/Authors/eric-hope.html Eric's guiding business, Hemmingways Fishing is here: hemmingwaysfish.co.uk/
More episodes of Countrystride
- #162: The Grasmere Dialect Plays
- #161: Donald Campbell – Speed king of Coniston
- #160: Vicars of the fells
- #159: Blackwell – Arts & Crafts in Lakeland
- #158: Haystacks – How Wainwright changed our lives
- #157: A Cumbrian Christmas Cracker – December 2025
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