Red Tarn stands as a testimony to the writers and researchers of angling guides who rarely leave the office or venture this far north. From an original entry in an ancient copy of 'Where to Fish' the tarn has found its way into numerous, more recent publications - with scant regard for the poor, misinformed angler who drags his aching limbs in hope to the waters edge.
The tarn itself is magnificent - some consolation for the fishing which can be difficult and disappointing. Red Tarn sits under a great wall of rock and scree that rises almost perpendicular to the summit of Helvellyn. It is guarded on both flanks by the sharp aretes of Striding and Swirral Edge and has seen more than it's fair share of tragedies. Facing north east sunlight is a rare commodity for much of the year and the water is slow to warm. June is still early here, July, August and September probably the best months for a cast.
There are trout in there and, reputedly, schelly (an ice age, herring like remnant).
The Schelly or common whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), is a rare and endangered species of freshwater fish of the whitefish family.