Top 10 River Fishing Spots in the UK: A Must-Visit Guide for Anglers

Adam

16 Mar, 2025

Top 10 River Fishing Spots in the UK

Fishing in the UK offers some of the most serene and productive river fishing experiences in Europe. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner looking for the perfect spot, the UK is home to some of the best river fishing destinations. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 river fishing spots in the UK, offering insight into what makes each location unique, the species you can expect to catch, and useful tips to enhance your fishing adventure.

1. River Wye, Herefordshire

The River Wye is a premier fishing destination, especially for barbel and chub fishing enthusiasts. Stretching from Wales into England, it offers diverse fishing opportunities and stunning scenery.

Best Catches: Barbel, chub, pike, grayling

Best Time to Visit: June to October for barbel; winter months for pike

Fishing Tips: Use ledgering tactics with pellets for barbel; try trotting for grayling

2. River Thames, Oxfordshire & Berkshire

The River Thames is one of the most famous rivers in the UK, with excellent fishing opportunities along its middle and upper stretches.

Best Catches: Bream, perch, roach, pike

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for coarse fish; autumn for predators

Fishing Tips: Try feeder fishing for bream; use lures for pike

3. River Severn, Shropshire & Worcestershire

The River Severn is the longest river in the UK and an angler’s paradise, offering incredible opportunities for coarse and game fishing.

Best Catches: Barbel, salmon, zander, chub

Best Time to Visit: July to October for barbel; spring for salmon

Fishing Tips: Use live bait for zander; maggots work well for chub

4. River Trent, Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire

A legendary river among UK anglers, the River Trent is renowned for its monster barbel and specimen-sized chub.

Best Catches: Barbel, carp, roach, perch

Best Time to Visit: Late summer to autumn for barbel

Fishing Tips: Pre-baiting can improve your chances; night fishing is productive

5. River Avon, Warwickshire & Hampshire

The River Avon provides a fantastic blend of coarse and game fishing opportunities, particularly in the Hampshire stretch.

Best Catches: Pike, barbel, trout, grayling
Best Time to Visit: Autumn for pike; spring and summer for trout
Fishing Tips: Try dead baiting for pike; fly fishing is effective for trout

6. River Test, Hampshire

The River Test is a world-famous chalk stream, renowned for its pristine waters and exceptional fly fishing experiences.

Best Catches: Brown trout, grayling

Best Time to Visit: May to September for trout

Fishing Tips: Dry fly fishing is particularly effective; nymphing works well in cooler months

7. River Dee, Wales & Cheshire

The River Dee is a spectacular fishing location, offering great opportunities for salmon and sea trout fishing.

Best Catches: Salmon, sea trout, grayling

Best Time to Visit: Spring for salmon; late summer for sea trout

Fishing Tips: Fly fishing with shrimp patterns works well for salmon

8. River Tay, Scotland

Scotland’s River Tay is one of the best places in the UK for salmon fishing, attracting anglers from around the world.

Best Catches: Atlantic salmon, brown trout

Best Time to Visit: February to October for salmon

Fishing Tips: Spinning is effective during high water; fly fishing is best in summer

9. River Spey, Scotland

Famous for its fast-flowing waters, the River Spey offers some of the most exciting salmon fishing in the UK.

Best Catches: Salmon, sea trout
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Fishing Tips: The Spey cast is a must-try technique; use sinking lines in deep pools

10. River Eden, Cumbria

The River Eden is an angler’s paradise, known for its wild brown trout and impressive grayling stocks.

Best Catches: Brown trout, grayling, salmon

Best Time to Visit: Spring for trout; autumn for grayling

Fishing Tips: Nymph fishing is highly productive; dry flies work well in summer

Collapsible FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to fish in the River Wye is from June to October for barbel and during winter months for pike.

You can catch bream, perch, roach, and pike in the River Thames.

Use live bait for zander and maggots for chub to maximize your success.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for monster barbel, trophy-sized salmon, or a peaceful day fly fishing for trout, these top 10 river fishing spots in the UK offer something for every angler. From the powerful currents of the River Wye to the majestic River Spey, these destinations provide unforgettable fishing experiences.

Call to Action:

Have you visited any of these rivers? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you're planning your next fishing trip, make sure to check local regulations and get the necessary permits before you go. Happy fishing!

Top 10 River Fishing Spots in the UK: A Must-Visit Guide for Anglers