Best Times & Seasons to Fish in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers some of the best fishing in Europe. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in the United Kingdom are typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when fish are more active and feeding.

Month	United Kingdom Fishing Location
January	River Tweed (Scotland) – Salmon fishing.
February	Loch Lomond (Scotland) – Brown trout, pike, and perch.
March	River Wye (England/Wales) – Trout and grayling fishing.
April	River Dee (Wales) – Atlantic salmon, trout, and grayling.
May	Loch Awe (Scotland) – Brown trout and pike.
June	River Tay (Scotland) – Salmon fishing.
July	Lough Corrib (Ireland) – Brown trout and salmon.
August	River Severn (England/Wales) – Barbel, chub, and pike.
September	River Test (England) – Trout fishing.
October	River Tyne (England) – Salmon fishing.
November	River Tyne (England) – Salmon fishing.
December	Loch Tay (Scotland) – Brown trout and pike.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in the United Kingdom. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing in the United Kingdom

River Tweed, Scotland: Best months to fish: February to November; Targeted fish: Salmon and Brown Trout.

River Wye, England/Wales: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Salmon, Trout, and Grayling.

River Severn, England/Wales: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Barbel, Chub, and Pike.

River Tay, Scotland: Best months to fish: January to October; Targeted fish: Salmon and Trout.

River Spey, Scotland: Best months to fish: March to September; Targeted fish: Salmon and Trout.

Loch Ness, Scotland: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Brown Trout, Salmon, and Arctic Char.

Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Pike, Perch, and Bream.

Lake Windermere, England: Best months to fish: March to November; Targeted fish: Pike, Perch, and Roach.

River Thames, England: Best months to fish: June to October; Targeted fish: Barbel, Chub, and Pike.

Loch Lomond, Scotland: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Pike, Brown Trout, and Perch.

River Itchen, England: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Brown Trout and Grayling.

Lake District, England: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Brown Trout, Pike, and Perch.

Norfolk Broads, England: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Pike, Perch, and Roach.

Lake District, Northern Ireland: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Brown Trout and Pike.

River Derwent, England: Best months to fish: April to September; Targeted fish: Brown Trout and Grayling.

River Ribble, England: Best months to fish: May to October; Targeted fish: Salmon, Trout, and Grayling.

River Eden, England: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Salmon, Trout, and Grayling.

Loch Tay, Scotland: Best months to fish: March to October; Targeted fish: Brown Trout, Pike, and Perch.

River Tyne, England: Best months to fish: April to September; Targeted fish: Salmon and Sea Trout.

River Teith, Scotland: Best months to fish: February to November; Targeted fish: Salmon and Brown Trout.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in the United Kingdom

Lundy Island, Bristol Channel: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Bass, Pollack, and Mackerel.

Plymouth Sound, Devon: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Mackerel, and Cod.

Isle of Wight, English Channel: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Plaice, and Mackerel.

Portland Bill, Dorset: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Pollock, and Garfish.

Cornish Coast, Cornwall: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Bass, Mackerel, and Pollack.

Cardigan Bay, Wales: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Plaice, and Turbot.

Solway Firth, Scotland: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Flounder, and Sea Trout.

Loch Ryan, Scotland: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Bass, Cod, and Whiting.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Cod, and Mackerel.

Orkney Islands, Scotland: Best months to fish: June to August; Targeted fish: Pollock, Mackerel, and Ling.

Holyhead, Anglesey: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Pollock, and Mackerel.

Firth of Clyde, Scotland: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Bass, Mackerel, and Thornback Ray.

Brighton, East Sussex: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Cod, and Plaice.

North Norfolk Coast, Norfolk: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Flounder, and Thornback Ray.

Western Isles, Scotland: Best months to fish: June to August; Targeted fish: Pollock, Mackerel, and Sea Trout.

Shetland Islands, Scotland: Best months to fish: June to August; Targeted fish: Mackerel, Pollock, and Haddock.

Firth of Forth, Scotland: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Cod, and Whiting.

Penzance, Cornwall: Best months to fish: April to October; Targeted fish: Bass, Mackerel, and Pollack.

The Needles, Isle of Wight: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Plaice, and Mackerel.

Llandudno, Wales: Best months to fish: May to September; Targeted fish: Bass, Cod, and Plaice.

Recommended Fishing Guides in the United Kingdom

These UK-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Kestrel Warrior Fishing Trips	Brighton, United Kingdom
Ramsgate Fishing Charters	Ramsgate, United Kingdom

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Atlantic Salmon

The best time to fish for Atlantic salmon in the United Kingdom is typically from late spring to early autumn, with peak months being June, July, and August. Fishing is most productive during the early morning or late evening hours when salmon are more active. Some of the best UK salmon fishing locations include the River Tweed, River Tay, River Spey, and River Dee.

Brown Trout

The best times to fish for brown trout in the United Kingdom are typically spring and summer, from April to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of day. Some of the best locations for brown trout fishing in the UK include the River Test, River Wye, Lake District, and River Tweed.

Rainbow Trout

The best times to fish for rainbow trout in the United Kingdom are typically from spring to early autumn, with months like May, June, and July being excellent. Rainbow trout are often active during the morning and evening hours. Some of the best locations for rainbow trout fishing in the UK include Grafham Water, Rutland Water, Chew Valley Lake, and Loch Leven.

Pike

The best times to fish for pike in the United Kingdom are during the cooler months of autumn and winter, from October to March. Pike are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for pike fishing in the UK include the Norfolk Broads, Lake Windermere, River Thames, and Loch Lomond.

European Perch

The best times to fish for European perch in the United Kingdom are typically spring and summer, from April to September. Perch are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon. The best locations for perch fishing in the UK include the Norfolk Broads, River Thames, Lake Windermere, and Loch Lomond.

Carp

The best times to fish for carp in the United Kingdom are typically during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early autumn, from April to October. Carp are often most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the best UK carp fishing locations include Linear Fisheries, Yateley Complex, Wraysbury Reservoir, and Walthamstow Reservoirs.

Bream

The best times to fish for bream in the United Kingdom are typically during the spring and summer months, from May to September. Bream are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations for bream fishing in the UK include River Trent, River Severn, River Thames, and Norfolk Broads.

Zander

The best times to fish for zander in the United Kingdom are typically during the autumn and winter, from October to February. Zander are often more active during low light conditions and can be caught throughout the day. Some of the best locations for zander fishing in the UK include the River Severn, River Trent, Fenland Rivers, and the Broads.

Sea Bass

The best times to fish for sea bass in the United Kingdom are typically during the spring, summer, and autumn months, from April to October. Sea bass are often more active during the early morning and late evening hours. The best locations for sea bass fishing in the UK include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and the South Coast.

Atlantic Cod

The best times to fish for Atlantic cod in the United Kingdom are typically during winter, from November to February. Cod are often more active during daylight hours and can be caught from the shore or by boat. Some of the best locations for cod fishing in the UK include the North Sea, Northumberland coast, Norfolk coast, and the Outer Hebrides.

Mackerel

The best times to fish for mackerel in the United Kingdom are typically during the summer, from June to September. Mackerel are often most active during daylight hours and can be caught from the shore or by boat. Some of the best locations for mackerel fishing in the UK include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and the Northumberland coast.

Pollock

The best times to fish for pollock in the United Kingdom are typically during the spring, summer, and autumn months, from April to October. Pollock are often more active during daylight hours and can be caught from the shore or by boat. Some of the best locations for pollock fishing in the UK include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and the Scottish Highlands.

Flounder

The best times to fish for flounder in the United Kingdom are typically during the spring, summer, and autumn months, from April to October. Flounder are often more active during the rising tide and can be caught from the shore or in estuaries. The best locations for flounder fishing in the UK include Norfolk coast, River Thames, Solway Firth, and the South Wales coastline.

Turbot

The best times to fish for turbot in the United Kingdom are typically during the spring, summer, and autumn months, from April to October. Turbot are often more active during daylight hours and can be caught from the shore and by boat. Some of the best locations for turbot fishing in the UK include the South West coast, the Isle of Man, the English Channel, and the North Sea.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in England. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in France. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ireland.

Best Fishing in the United Kingdom on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

River Tweed (Scotland) – Atlantic salmon fishing.
Loch Awe (Scotland) – Brown trout and pike fishing.
River Wye (England/Wales) – Trout and grayling fishing.
River Severn – Barbel and chub fishing.
Lake Windermere (England) – Pike and perch fishing.
River Dee (Wales) – Atlantic salmon, trout, and grayling fishing.
Lough Corrib (Ireland) – Brown trout and salmon fishing.

Spring

River Tweed (Scotland) – Atlantic salmon fishing.
River Wye (England/Wales) – Trout and grayling fishing.
Loch Lomond (Scotland) – Brown trout, pike, and perch fishing.
River Test (Hampshire) – Brown trout and grayling fishing.
Norfolk Broads – Pike, perch, and bream fishing.
River Dee (Wales) – Atlantic salmon, trout, and grayling fishing.
River Tay (Scotland) – Salmon fishing.

Summer

Cornwall Coast – Mackerel, bass, and pollock fishing.
Norfolk Broads – Pike, perch, and bream fishing.
Lake District – Brown trout and pike fishing.
River Test (Hampshire) – Brown trout and grayling fishing.
Loch Lomond (Scotland) – Brown trout, pike, and perch fishing.
River Severn – Barbel and chub fishing.
Devon Coast – Bass, mackerel, and plaice fishing.

Fall

River Tweed (Scotland) – Salmon fishing.
Loch Lomond (Scotland) – Brown trout, pike, and perch.River Wye (England/Wales) – Trout and grayling fishing.
River Dee (Wales) – Atlantic salmon, trout, and grayling.
Loch Awe (Scotland) – Brown trout and pike.
River Tay (Scotland) – Salmon fishing.Lough Corrib (Ireland) – Brown trout and salmon.