The United Kingdom, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers a plethora of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Fishing lakes in the UK are a popular choice for those seeking a serene and rewarding outdoor experience.
From tranquil countryside ponds to bustling commercial fisheries, there’s something to suit every angler’s preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of fishing lakes in the UK, exploring some of the best-known venues, discussing the different types of fish that can be found, and providing valuable tips for a successful fishing trip.
The Allure of Fishing Lakes in the UK
Fishing lakes in the UK offer a unique blend of natural beauty and sporting excitement. Surrounded by lush greenery, these serene bodies of water provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The challenge of landing a prized fish adds an element of thrill and satisfaction, making fishing a truly rewarding pastime.
Overview of UK Fishing Lakes
The UK boasts an extensive variety of fishing lakes, ranging from small private waters to large public reservoirs. Each lake offers different species of fish, such as carp, trout, pike, and tench, and many lakes provide facilities and amenities for both beginners and experienced anglers. The sport has a long tradition in the UK, and the abundance of well-stocked lakes reflects the growing interest in recreational and sport fishing.
Types of Fishing Lakes in the UK
Carp Lakes:
Carp fishing is immensely popular in the UK, and carp lakes are a staple for many anglers. These lakes are often stocked with common carp, mirror carp, and sometimes the elusive ghost carp. Carp lakes can be found in nearly every county, and some of the most renowned include Linear Fisheries in Oxfordshire, Bluebell Lakes in Northamptonshire, and Etang de Brigueuil. Each offers a unique fishing experience, with fish that often grow to impressive sizes, providing a challenge for even the most experienced angler.
Trout Lakes:
For those who enjoy fly fishing or bait fishing, trout lakes are plentiful across the UK. Well-known trout fisheries include Rutland Water, Blithfield Reservoir, and Chew Valley Lake. These lakes are home to both rainbow and brown trout, offering a variety of opportunities for fly fishing enthusiasts. Many trout lakes offer catch-and-release policies, allowing anglers to experience the thrill of landing a large fish while preserving the population for future anglers.
Coarse Fishing Lakes:
fishing targets fish other than trout and salmon, and the UK has numerous lakes where species like tench, bream, roach, perch, and pike thrive. Coarse fishing lakes are spread across the UK, with hotspots including Bury Hill Fisheries in Surrey, Waveney Valley Lakes, and Clattercote Reservoir. These lakes often feature well-stocked waters, suitable for both match fishing and leisure fishing.
Top Fishing Destinations in the UK
Linear Fisheries (Oxfordshire):
Linear Fisheries is one of the most famous carp fishing destinations in the UK. With several well-maintained lakes, including St. Johns Lake, Oxlease Lake, and Braseys Lake, Linear Fisheries attracts carp anglers from across the country. Known for its large carp, many of which exceed 40lb, this location offers a real challenge for anglers looking to catch their personal best. Linear also provides excellent facilities, including fishing lodges, bait shops, and camping areas.
Bluebell Lakes (Northamptonshire):
Bluebell Lakes is another top-tier destination for carp fishing, offering six different lakes on a beautiful estate. The lakes, including Kingfisher Lake and Sandmartin Lake, are known for producing some of the largest carp in the UK, with multiple 50lb-plus fish caught each year. Bluebell Lakes is well-suited for anglers of all levels, with plenty of options for both day tickets and overnight stays.
Grafham Water (Cambridgeshire):
As one of the UK’s premier trout fisheries, Grafham Water is a massive 1,500-acre reservoir stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. It’s an ideal spot for fly fishing, particularly in the warmer months when trout are more active. The scenic surroundings and abundance of wildlife add to the experience, making it one of the most picturesque places to fish in the UK.
Bury Hill Fisheries (Surrey):
For anglers looking for a diverse range of species, Bury Hill Fisheries is the perfect choice. This fishery offers lakes for carp, tench, roach, bream, and predator species like pike and zander. Old Bury Hill Lake is especially popular with predator anglers in the colder months, while Milton Lake offers a peaceful setting for anglers targeting silver fish.
Chew Valley Lake (Somerset):
Chew Valley Lake is renowned for its pike fishing, but it’s also a superb trout fishery. With its vast size and rich ecosystem, the lake supports a wide range of species. Pike fishing at Chew Valley is a highlight for many, with fish weighing up to 40lb caught regularly. The lake also offers boat hire and fly fishing lessons, making it a great place for newcomers to the sport.
Fishing Techniques and Tackle for UK Lakes
The type of fishing technique you use will largely depend on the species you’re targeting. Carp fishing often involves ledgering with boilies, pop-ups, or particles, while pike fishing typically requires dead baits or lures. Fly fishing, especially for trout, is another popular technique, requiring specialized rods, lines, and flies that imitate the natural food of the fish.
Tackle for Carp Fishing:
For carp fishing, a 12- to 13-foot rod is standard, along with a strong reel capable of holding a long cast. Many carp anglers use bite alarms, rod pods, and bait runners to keep an eye on their lines over long periods. Boilies, sweetcorn, pellets, and bread are common baits, and it’s crucial to match your tackle with the lake and the size of fish you’re expecting to catch.
Tackle for Pike Fishing:
Pike fishing demands strong tackle due to the size and aggression of the fish. A robust spinning rod, around 9-10 feet in length, paired with a powerful reel and strong braided line, is ideal. Large lures and spinners are commonly used to entice pike, and many anglers prefer dead bait fishing, especially in colder months when pike become more sluggish.
Tackle for Fly Fishing:
Fly fishing requires a more delicate approach. For trout fishing, a 9-foot rod paired with a reel spooled with floating or sinking fly line is typical. Anglers need a range of artificial flies, often imitating insects like mayflies or caddisflies, to match what the trout are feeding on in the lake. Fly fishing is both an art and a science, requiring patience and skill, particularly when targeting wary wild trout.
Seasonal Variations in Fishing
Fishing in the UK is highly dependent on the seasons. Spring and early summer are often the best times for coarse fishing, with species like carp and tench becoming more active as water temperatures rise. Autumn can also be productive, as fish begin feeding more aggressively in preparation for the colder months.
In winter, predator species such as pike and zander take center stage, with many anglers targeting them during this period. Trout fishing can be good year-round in stocked fisheries, though natural lakes and reservoirs may see less activity in the colder months. Fly fishing is typically best in the late spring and early autumn when insect hatches are more frequent.
Conservation and Responsible Fishing
Conservation plays a vital role in maintaining the health of fishing lakes across the UK. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch-and-release, particularly with larger, older fish that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy fish populations. Many fisheries have strict rules regarding the use of barbless hooks and fish care equipment, such as unhooking mats and carp cradles, to ensure the safety and well-being of the fish.
Fisheries often work closely with organizations such as the Angling Trust to promote sustainable fishing practices. Stocking programs, habitat restoration, and water quality monitoring are all essential components of ensuring that future generations can enjoy fishing in the UK.
FAQs
Q: What types of fish can I catch in UK fishing lakes?
A: The UK boasts a wide variety of fish species across its fishing lakes. Popular species include carp (common, mirror, and F1 carp), pike, tench, perch, roach, bream, and even catfish. Carp fishing, particularly for large specimens, is a major draw for anglers at lakes like Drayton Reservoir, Monk Lakes, and White Acres, where fish can weigh over 40 lbs.
Q: Do I need a fishing licence to fish in the UK?
A: Yes, a rod fishing licence from the UK government is required if you plan to fish in public waters. This licence applies to anyone aged 13 and above and can be purchased online. Be sure to carry your licence with you, as inspectors occasionally check for compliance.
Q: Which are the best fishing lakes for carp in the UK?
A: Some of the top carp fishing destinations include White Acres in Cornwall, known for its fishing festivals, Drayton Reservoir in Northamptonshire, and Monk Lakes in Kent, which offers both day and night fishing. Each of these locations provides anglers with a mix of competitive and leisure fishing opportunities, with fish reaching impressive sizes.
To Sum Up
Fishing lakes in the UK provide diverse, world-class angling experiences for all levels of fishermen. From the challenge of catching a record-breaking carp at Linear Fisheries to the serene fly-fishing opportunities at Grafham Water, there is something for every type of angler.
Whether you’re interested in coarse fishing, predator fishing, or fly fishing, the UK’s lakes offer unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while honing your skills. As the popularity of fishing continues to grow, responsible and sustainable practices will ensure that these waters remain abundant for years to come.
To read more, click here.
