The Top 10 Best Places to Fish in the UK
Fishing is an incredibly popular pastime in the United Kingdom, with millions of enthusiasts traveling far and wide to experience the diverse range of fishing locations the country has to offer. From the tranquil waters of chalk streams teeming with trout, to the vast expanses of reservoirs stocked with a variety of species, the UK is truly an angler’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just dipping your toes into the world of fishing, the UK has something for everyone.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 best places to fish in the UK, providing you with insider tips and tricks to make your fishing experience truly unforgettable. We’ll delve into the unique characteristics of each location, the species you can expect to find, and the most effective techniques to use in each fishing spot. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge you need to plan an unforgettable fishing adventure in some of the UK’s most picturesque and productive waters.
So, grab your fishing rod, put on your waders, and join us as we embark on a journey to discover the very best fishing destinations that the United Kingdom has to offer. With such an abundance of beautiful and bountiful locations, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next angling adventure.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best places to fish in the UK.
1. River Wye, Herefordshire
Why Choose the River Wye?
The River Wye is a renowned location for barbel and chub fishing. Running through the picturesque Herefordshire countryside, it offers breathtaking scenery and an abundance of fish, making it one of the best places to fish in the UK.
Top Tips for Fishing on the River Wye
To make the most of your fishing experience on the River Wye, consider using a feeder rig with a combination of pellets and boilies as bait. This will help you attract the barbel and chub that are commonly found in the river.
2. Rutland Water, Rutland
Why Choose Rutland Water?
Rutland Water is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Europe and is home to a thriving population of brown and rainbow trout. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings, Rutland Water is an angler’s paradise.
Top Tips for Fishing at Rutland Water
When fishing at Rutland Water, make sure to use sinking or intermediate fly lines to target trout feeding at various depths. Popular fly patterns include nymphs, buzzers, and lures.
3. Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire
Why Choose Grafham Water?
Grafham Water is another impressive reservoir known for its fantastic fly fishing opportunities. The reservoir boasts a healthy stock of trout, zander, and pike, making it a versatile fishing destination for anglers of all skill levels.
Top Tips for Fishing at Grafham Water
When fishing for trout at Grafham Water, try using dry flies or nymphs to imitate their natural food sources. For pike and zander, use large lures or dead baits to entice a strike.
4. River Test, Hampshire
Why Choose the River Test?
The River Test is a world-famous chalk stream and a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. Its crystal-clear waters provide the perfect environment for brown trout, grayling, and salmon, making it one of the best places to fish in the UK.
Top Tips for Fishing on the River Test
When fly fishing on the River Test, consider using dry flies and nymphs to imitate the natural insects found in the river. Be sure to practice your casting skills, as accuracy is crucial when targeting trout and grayling in this environment.
5. Loch Leven, Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Why Choose Loch Leven?
Loch Leven is a historic fishing destination, famous for its wild brown trout population. The loch is situated in the beautiful Scottish countryside, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for a day of fishing.
Top Tips for Fishing at Loch Leven
Fly fishing is the preferred method at Loch Leven, with wet flies and nymphs being particularly effective. Keep an eye on the weather, as overcast days can often provide the best fishing conditions. Experiment with different fly patterns and retrieval speeds to find what works best on the day.
6. Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Why Choose Lough Erne?
Lough Erne is a vast network of interconnected lakes in Northern Ireland, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The lough is home to a variety of species, including pike, perch, bream, and roach, making it an angler’s playground.
Top Tips for Fishing at Lough Erne
When targeting pike at Lough Erne, consider using large lures or dead baits to entice a strike. For coarse fishing, groundbait and feeder tactics are highly effective in attracting bream, roach, and perch. Don’t be afraid to explore different areas of the lough, as fish can often be found in unexpected locations.
7. River Tamar, Devon and Cornwall
Why Choose the River Tamar?
The River Tamar is a picturesque river that forms the border between Devon and Cornwall. It’s well known for its coarse fishing opportunities, with abundant populations of roach, bream, and dace. The river also holds a good number of sea trout and salmon during their migration season.
Top Tips for Fishing on the River Tamar
When fishing for coarse species on the River Tamar, try using float or feeder tactics with a variety of baits such as maggots, worms, or bread. For salmon and sea trout, fly fishing with patterns that imitate local insects or small baitfish is often the most effective approach.
8. Chew Valley Lake, Somerset
Why Choose Chew Valley Lake?
Chew Valley Lake is a stunning reservoir in Somerset, known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, as well as a healthy population of pike, making it an ideal location for anglers seeking variety.
Top Tips for Fishing at Chew Valley Lake
When fly fishing at Chew Valley Lake, experiment with different fly patterns and depths to find what the trout are feeding on. For pike, try using large lures or dead baits, and be prepared to cover a lot of water to locate feeding fish.
9. River Tweed, Scottish Borders
Why Choose the River Tweed?
The River Tweed is one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world, offering anglers the chance to target Atlantic salmon in a truly iconic setting. The river also holds a healthy population of brown trout and grayling, making it a great all-around fishing destination.
Top Tips for Fishing on the River Tweed
When fishing for salmon on the River Tweed, consider using fly patterns that imitate local insects, such as the Ally’s Shrimp or Cascade. For trout and grayling, try using dry flies or nymphs to mimic their natural food sources. Be prepared to adapt your tactics based on the water conditions and fish activity.
10. Draycote Water, Warwickshire
Why Choose Draycote Water?
Draycote Water is a popular reservoir in Warwickshire, known for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. With a healthy stock of rainbow trout and a scenic setting, it’s a great location for anglers of all skill levels.
Top Tips for Fishing at Draycote Water
When fishing at Draycote Water, try using a variety of fly patterns, such as nymphs, buzzers, and lures, to match the trout’s feeding preferences. Pay attention to the weather conditions, as they can influence the trout’s feeding habits and the best techniques to use. Be prepared to switch between floating, intermediate, and sinking fly lines to target fish at different depths.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is home to a vast array of fantastic fishing locations, each offering a unique experience for anglers of all skill levels. From the world-renowned salmon rivers to the tranquil reservoirs stocked with trout, there truly is something for everyone. So, pack your fishing gear, and set off on an adventure to explore the top 10 best places to fish in the UK.
Remember, the key to a successful fishing trip is being prepared, adaptable, and always willing to learn from your experiences. By following the tips and advice provided in this blog post, you’ll be well on your way to creating unforgettable memories and enjoying some of the best fishing the UK has to offer.
