Fishing laws in the UK
Before your fishing trip make sure you check whether it is legal to fish. Some areas operate 'close seasons' or fishing is forbidden. Limits are often set to protect fish stocks and a license is needed for rod fishing. Visit the government website for more details.
Six of the most picturesque spots in the UK for fishing provided by Fishing TV
River Wye, Wales
This stunning river is popular with fly fishers and coarse anglers alike. The former are attracted by the excellent trout fishing to be found in the upper river, and the annual salmon run, while the latter enjoy the barbel fishing that the river is famous for.
River Dove, Derbyshire
The Dove, a limestone river, rises near Buxton and flows through the Peak District, cutting its way through a series of impressive gorges. The Dove is a name that resounds down through the fishing ages, being mentioned in Izaak Walton’s Compleat Angler, originally published in 1653, for the quality of the trout and grayling fishing. Coarse anglers will also enjoy great catches of chub, barbel as well as roach, bream, pike and more.
Windermere, Cumbria
Not only the largest natural lake in England, but without doubt one of the prettiest too. Along with all the other activities that the Lake District has to offer, Windermere holds some very big pike, as well as perch, eels, trout, and one of only 340 populations of Arctic Charr in the UK. Salmon and sea-trout also migrate through the lake.
River Itchen, Hampshire
The chalk streams of the south of England are famous the world over as one of the places where dry fly fishing for brown trout was codified and developed. The manicured banks of the Itchen and the famously ‘gin clear’ waters make it an idyllic place to fish, and its quintessentially British.
Padstow, Cornwall
This charming fishing port is on the foodie map for the quality of its seafood. The productive waters of the Cornish coast offer angling from the shore, from boats, and in the estuary of the River Camel.
Loch Leven, Kinross, Scotland
Fly fishers chasing the wild brown trout here are overlooked by Loch Leven Castle and the ruins of the Priory of St. Serfs, as well as the surrounding nature reserve and its populations of wildfowl. The fish grow to an impressive size and are renowned for their fighting ability.