Fishing locations near you
Eight million people in England and Wales live within five minutes’ walk of somewhere to go fishing. We take a look at some of the best fishing spots near you and offer some advice on how to enjoy them year round.
Environment Agency • Watersports • Sep 23, 2022 • 10 min read
Eight million people in England and Wales live within five minutes’ walk of somewhere to go fishing. We take a look at some of the best fishing spots near you and offer some advice on how to enjoy them year round.
Fishing is a great way to relax, be close to nature and have fun in the great outdoors all year round. What's more, many people are closer to a fishing spot than they think, so it’s quite possible you have an angling opportunity just around the corner.
Over the summer, the Angling Trust been offering Get Fishing events to help people try it. Some of these are still running, so check out their events page to find see what’s taking place near you. If you’re keen to give it a go, angling clubs and venues around the country will be happy to help you.
Here are some of the best places to fish in England and Wales to help you get started.
At this custom-built beginner fishery you’ll find six ponds which are all well stocked with a variety of different species. They run regular ‘have a go’ and family days which are perfect for anyone wanting to try the sport for the first time.
This two-lake fishery has lots of carp and a variety of smaller species to keep a bend in the rod all day long, providing fantastic opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Best known for its carp, but there are also plenty of bream, tench, roach and perch to add an interesting range of options.
Bream and carp will be your target species here, and you can also find regular ‘have a go’ events and activities which make a perfect introduction, or help you get back into it after a break.
Corby Boating Lake is a town-centre fishery offering fantastic angling including huge carp plus plenty of roach and perch too
This part of the River Trent has level concrete steps providing a nice easy base and there are loads of species including dace, roach, perch and chub.
Located right in the middle of Basildon, Northlands Park has two fishing lakes full of roach, tench, perch, bream and big carp. From about October onwards, there’s also good pike fishing for more advanced anglers.
Be sure to visit the council website first to check out the excellent map showing exactly where you can fish at the docks, as some places are reserved for boats and wildlife. Bristol is also host to a number of other venues both in and around the city.
These 12 reservoirs offer something for anglers of all abilities, from night fishing for big carp, coarse fishing for whatever comes along or fly fishing for trout.
These are just a handful of options, but there are lots of places across the country. Here are three useful websites that can help you discover other excellent fishing spots:
When the weather starts to change some 'fair-weather anglers' pack away their rods and stay at home – but they are missing out on so much!
Not only are the colours and sounds of autumn so beautiful, but some species of fish become more noticeable and in better condition over autumn and winter. Pike, in particular, spend the colder months fattening up ready for spawning in the early spring, which means they can be easier to catch and in great condition too.
Chub and perch also put on an appearance and their condition at this time of year makes for some very impressive catches. Carp and other fish in commercial fisheries are also available and, although they feed a bit less frequently in cold weather, they can still provide good sport for those willing to try.
Once you are safe and warm on the bank of your favourite water, with your fishing ‘licence to chill’ and your flask, you can relax. It’s time to enjoy nature in some of its most spectacular conditions, and experience fishing with all of the thrills.
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