Best Fishing Locations in the United Kingdom by Season
Having the right information in order to find the right fishing spot can either improve or ruin your fishing trip. There are a variety of fishing locations in the United Kingdom, but some are better fishing locations for different times of the year. Therefore, here are the right locations for the United Kingdom depending on the time of year.
Spring Fishing (March to May)
This is a season is a time for new beginnings, as the rivers are beginning to flow nicely as a result of the winter rains, and the fish are becoming more active as the water warms.
During the spring season, the river Wye is exceptional. Northen pike are still heavily feeding when it is spawning time and can be found in the slower parts of the river. Also, it is one of the best times to visit the river as it more beautiful in the spring when the river banks are lush and green.
For sea fishing, the southern coast of the United Kingdom season is also great. In April, sea bass start working their way inshore and can be caught from the Devon and Cornwall beaches. It is still early spring and the water is still cold, so the fish are hungry and are not very picky with what is baited on the fishing line.
In March, the trout season is opened for most rivers. The river Test, that is located in the county of Hampshire, is on the more expensive side of rivers, but is worth it if you take your fly fishing seriously. A more affordable option is the Eden river located in Cumbria where you will be able to catch brown trout without spending a crazy amount of money on fishing permits.
Fishing in the Summer (June to August)
Summer brings in tourists and busier locations, but fishing can be better if you know where to go.
The peak of carp fishing is during this time. Linear Fisheries in Oxfordshire and Wasing Estate in Berkshire are good. At this time, the fish are feeding heavily, and you can expect lots of bites, especially in the mornings and evenings. Just know that some other anglers might be at the same spot during the weekends.
Sea fishing is also easier during this time. Huge numbers of mackerel arrive at the piers and harbours and fishing is very easy. It’s particularly good to take kids to places like Weymouth and Swanage, where they can catch fish in minutes.
The Norfolk coast is good to try if you want something different. You can try bass fishing at Wells-next-the-Sea or Brancaster, where the bass go into shallow water, and can be caught from the beach during high tide.
Fishing in the Autumn (September to November)
The autumn is probably the best season overall to fish. Crowds have gone home and fish are feeding heavily in preparation for the winter.
Chew valley lake in somerset has lots of pikes and autumns when the big fish start hunting. It’s worth the money, but you will need a boat permit. The scottish lochs are also brilliant. Loch Lomond has pike that will test your tackle.
Salmon run up rivers to spawn. The river tweed in scotland is famous for autumn salmon, though permits aren’t cheap. The tyne in northumberland is a more affordable option and has seen salmon numbers improve recently.
Begining in october, shore fishing for cod is a great option as well. Hartlepool and Tynemouth piers are reliable spots. Cod move closer to shore as the water cools, and you can catch decent-sized fish right through to christmas.
Winter fishing is quiet, which is perfect or miserable depending on if you enjoy freezing your hands off or not.
Pike are still feeding, and don’t mind the cold water in winter. Reservoirs and lakes are still productive. Grafham water in cambridgehire stays open and the pikes are less pressured than in the summer.
This is the time of year when sea fishing for cod is best. January and February attract the most sea fishing enthusiasts. The North East coast is known to yield the biggest cod pull. Most sea fishing charters will advertise North East water cod pulls. Seaham and Sunderland waters are best. All you need are some good waterproofs. Fishing is best when other anglers throw in the towel to get warm.
If you prefer river fishing than angling for grayling is an option. They only spawn time when trout are out of season. The River Ure in Yorkshire is especially known for it’s grayling. River fishing is a great way to relive the summer angling and get out of the cabin when river fishing in winter months.
Spring and autumn are the best. Choose a season based on what you want to catch and how much cold you can handle. The best balance of good fishing and decent weather is offered in spring and autumn.