Thirlmere is a large and very scenic lake alongside the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick. Helvellyn towers over the eastern shore while to the west conifer plantations dominate the fells. Thirlmere is a water supply reservoir providing Manchester with much of its supplies – with the result that water levels can drop dramatically over a dry summer. However at normal levels the lake is a spectacular wild fishery and for most of the year quiet and undisturbed. The water is now leased to WADAA - whose principle aim is to protect this unique fishery while still maintaining accessible fishing for its members and visitors alike.

Thirlmere holds brown trout, pike, perch and char. Despite it's size this is not a rich lake and the biomass of fish of all species is comparatively small. This feeds through to the pike population which although healthy is present in nothing like the size or numbers to be found elsewhere in Cumbria. Typically they will run at 6-8lb with an occasional fish into the teens. Dismiss the idea that you may find an under fished eldorado full of large, naive pike. If it was that good we would know by now. But nevertheless, it is still a unique place to fish and, for most of the time, will be far from the madding crowd on other, more popular, venues.

The usual feedback from anglers is that the pike take some finding. In that respect a boat is a big help for lure fishing, while bank anglers can only keep their fingers crossed that they've picked the right spot. Please note that groundbait or freshwater dead baits are not permitted.

The western shore of the lake is the most accessible with several car parks and a footpath running the full length of the lake shore. Boats may be launched at Armboth car park on the western shore. The use of engines is restricted to registered WADAA members and even then only electric outboards may be used.

Please note that the whole of the southern shore from Wythburn church round to Wythburn Beck is a conservation area and access is not permitted.