Where to go fishing in the UK

There are many places to go fishing in the UK, but there are different kinds of fishing: fly, coarse and sea fishing. There are many inland waterways, such as canals, lakes and rivers, where you can go fly fishing or coarse fishing. Sea fishing has attractive spots that will provide the best sea fishing adventures.

Inland

Waterways Inland waterways are subject to rod licence, so you must be properly licensed or face a hefty fine. All waterways are subject to access rights. They may belong to a club, which you would have to join. There can be riparian rights, which give a landowner the exclusive right to fish from the river bank. Canals and rivers Canals are good for fly and coarse fishing. Carp and pike are often found there, along with other species, such as roach and bream. As rivers are becoming less polluted, fish are returning. However, there is still pollution. Salmon can be found in certain rivers, the Wye being a famous one, though salmon fishing is strictly controlled here. For salmon, it is better to go to Scotland. Zander, a fierce predatory fish is found in the Severn and is dangerous. Lakes The best lakes in Britain are artificial trout or carp lakes stocked for the purpose. Scottish lochs are often good. The Lake District is not famous for fishing, and it is not a major activity there. Reservoirs are not usually very good and have difficult access. Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland is, like all Irish lakes, well stocked, but well-controlled.

Sea fishing

Britain has seven thousand miles of coastline, not counting Northern Ireland and the many isles, so where to go is not a problem. The Irish sea is not rich in fish because of overfishing, though there are good fishing trips from Anglesey. The Bristol Channel is another interesting area as many fish pass through on the tidal surge, but beware, the region around Lundy Island is a conservation zone in which fishing is banned. Crossing to the North Sea, we find that Hartlepool has some fishing trips. Estuaries are usually good for fishing, but only by boat. Do not go out onto mudflats on foot. The Thames is improving and fish which are returning to The Clyde is good. Fishing off Cornwall is said to be excellent. Pollack like its rocky shores, but beware, anglers fishing on isolated rocks have been swept away by unexpected waves. Most beaches will offer some fishing opportunities. Scotland offers interesting fishing, as the rocky islands have many nooks for fish to lurk. However, some conservation zones are being established. Northern Ireland sea fishing provides good opportunities for anglers.