The Kent is the principal game fishing river in the south of the county. Like most rivers there has been something of a decline in migratory fish stocks but it can still provide some excellent fishing for sea trout and salmon.

Brown trout too are present, averaging around threequarters of a pound, but much bigger fish are not uncommon. Some supplementary stocking also takes place with fish of around the pound mark. In truth relatively few anglers focus their attention on the trout and for the early part of the season the river is relatively lightly fished. There is plenty of good fly water and it is well worth a visit during  April and May when the best of any daytime hatches take place.

Sea trout begin to show in June with the run usually peaking in July  - but much depends on water conditions. Kent sea trout can be of a good size and fish of over five pounds are fairly commonplace.

Spring salmon are few and far between these days and in most years salmon will only appear in number from August onwards. September and October are invariably the prime months.

Opportunities for visitors are pretty reasonable with day and week permits available for some excellent association water - although when conditions are good you are unlikely to find yourself alone.

Starting from the tide there are permits available for the Low Levens stretch from Mrs Parsons at the the farm bungalow. The river is tidal here but with a good water can be very productive to both fly and spinner.

The next beat upstream is syndicate water then above Levens Bridge lies some very good water through Levens Park. Deep pockets and endless patience are what is needed here - but with persistance you may, in time, get your ageing hands on a rod.

Past the road bridge the river approaches Force Falls, a significant barrier to fish and popular viewing spot when they are finally running. The next bridge up at Sedgwick marks the beginning of Kent Angling Association water which continues for thee miles into Kendal itself. The river here is a mix of more open sections interspersed with deep limestone 'troughs' but there is good water for all methods.

Finally the town water from Nether Bridge through to Victoria Bridge offers half a mile of free fishing (restrictions at Stramongate weir) for anyone who can tolerate the feeling of being watched. The river has been modified here for flood defence and there are few holding areas in normal water but when conditions are right every fish has to pass through at some time. Turn a blind eye to the gallery, a deaf ear to the odd comedian and focus on the fish.