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River Tay, Scotland -

The River Tay is by far the longest river in Scotland and the seventh-longest in Great Britain. It's an unusually big trout river and is also full of salmon. The salmon fishing season starts on the 15th of January each year, as fish migrate through the river leading up to the spring months anglers notice a significant increase in numbers. When fishing for salmon, the spring months are always your best bet for catching the most fish.

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River Itchen, England -

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 developed. The River Itchen in Hampshire is no exception as it rises to the south of New Alresford and flows 26 miles (42 km) to meet Southampton Water below the Itchen Bridge. The manicured banks of the Itchen and the famously "gin clear" waters make it an idyllic and quintessentially British place to fish.

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Loch Leven, Scotland -

Fly fishers chasing the wild brown trout here are overlooked by Loch Leven Castle and the spectacular ruins of the Priory of Saint Serfs, as well as the stunning surrounding nature reserve and its populations of wildfowl. The abundant fish grow to an impressive size and are famous for their fighting ability.

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River Dove, England -

The Dove is a limestone river that rises near Buxton before flowing through the Peak District, cutting its way through a series of dramatic gorges. The Dove has been a well-know name throughout British history, even 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 and barbel as well as roach, bream, and pike.

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Lake Windermere, England -

Not only is it the largest natural lake in England, but without doubt one of the most scenic too. Along with all the other activities that the Lake District has to offer, Windermere is known for its large pike, as well as perch, eels, trout, and one of only 340 breeding grounds of Arctic Charr in the UK. Salmon and sea trout also migrate through the lake.

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River Wye, Wales -

This stunning Welsh 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.

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River Usk, Wales -

The River Usk rises on the northern slopes of the Black Mountain, Wales, in the westernmost part of the majestic Brecon Beacons National Park. Mostly offering double bank fishing, situated a few miles above Brecon, Penpont provides some excellent wild brown trout fishing with the occasional sewin (sea trout) and even salmon. Fishing is usually better in the early season with April, May, and June being the most productive months.

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River Frome, England -

The River Frome is 30 miles (48 km) long and is considered to be the major chalk stream in southwest England. It rises from the Wessex Downs at Evershot and is joined by the Sydling Brook just upstream of Wrackleford. 

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River Trent, England -

A great competitive fishing venue, the River Trent is home to a smorgasbord of fish including roach, dace, chub, barbel, perch, pike, eel and carp. On the Nottingham Embankment stretch of the River Trent, the silverfish fishing is fantastic, with plenty of fish to catch on a simple stick float. The ‘Bean by the River’ café nearby serves hot and cold food and drinks and has toilet facilities.

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River Avon, England -

Perfect for coarse and specimen anglers, the River Avon is situated between the seaside resort of Bournemouth and the New Forest. It is ideally located for pleasure anglers who want to combine a family holiday with first-class angling. The Royalty Fishery offers access to the River Avon as well as facilities for your session.

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River Tyne, England -

Ideal for anglers after salmon or sea trout, the River Tyne in Northumberland also offers specimens such as large chub and dace in peat-tinged water which gives the fish confidence and means you can fish for them in daylight as well as at night. 

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River Severn, England -

The Severn catchment is perhaps best known for its coarse fishing for barbel and chub in the middle reaches. The main stem provides some good salmon fishing opportunities but below Shrewsbury is mainly concentrated around the weirs. By May/June that trout and grayling start to arrive in the upper reaches. Some of the tributaries are also well known for their wild brown trout and grayling.

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River Spey, Scotland -

If you’re a local to Scotland, or heading up that way for an inland holiday, then the River Spey should definitely be on your list. Anglers travel from all over to get a bite at this riverbed, most wanting to visit the home of the famous Spey Cast. Around September is the best time to go if it’s salmon you’re after, but be warned, they are tricky to catch.

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River Towy, Wales -

If Wales is your preferred destination, then the River Towy’s upper river can make for an exciting fishing trip, with a narrow face, running through rock-faced gorges. Anything from fresh run grilse and ten-pound sewin can be found here. Large pike are known to lurk in the deep murky pools, but brown trout can also be found with a fly rod. 

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River Thames, England -

If heading south in the city is your preference, then look no further than the River Thames running throughout the glorious city of London. Whether you’re a match angler, hunter, or simply after a relaxing day of fishing, the River Thames is home to roach, perch, barbel, chub, pike, and even carp. Just make sure to get your license and additional permit.

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River Whafe, England -

Heading back up North, it’s only right to appreciate the Yorkshire Dales with the River Whafe flowing right through the Yorkshire Estate of the Duke of Devonshire, this river is surrounded by some of the most picturesque sights in Yorkshire. As well as trout, grayling have been spotted along the water, so be sure to keep an eye out.

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River Don, England -

Home to a wide range of species, from roach, skimmers, perch and barbel, carp, and even eels, this river allows anglers from all disciplines and preferred methods to sit at the riverbed. Anglers can use poles, stick floats, bombs, ground bait feeders, and any other methods they might have in mind.

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River Helford, England -

Situated on the Cornwall coast, the Helford River offers fishing in the best possible surroundings. Although this is technically sea fishing, it’s still considered a river. Expect good-sized mullet, big bream, and even various flatfish with sizeable plaice here in Cornwall. Bass, pollack, and mackerel can also be found, so it really is like a treasure chest for all anglers out there. Make sure to grab yourself a Cornish pasty!

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River Dee, Scotland -

The River Dee is renowned as one of the great salmon rivers of the world. Not only is Scotland a beautiful country, but if it’s salmon you’re after,  this river is an absolute must. Rising in the Cairngorms and flowing through Southern Aberdeenshire, this fishing trip will be one to remember and is ideal for fly anglers.

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River Tweed, Scotland -

The river Tweed’s salmon fishing season starts on February 1 and finishes on November 30. It's one of the most extended salmon fishing seasons in Scotland and the UK. One of the great rivers for Atlantic salmon and Seatrout, the river divides itself into four sections, and due to the width of the river, the lower two sections of Tweed are frequently fished from a boat.

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River Ness, Scotland -

The River Ness is a salmon river that flows from Dochfour weir at Loch Ness, 6 miles (10 km), through Inverness town center. Remarkably, the river Ness doesn’t suffer like other Scottish rivers during a drought. Indeed, there is a vast reserve of water in Loch Ness. Before your fishing trip, make sure you check the current regulations. Some areas operate 'close seasons' where fishing is forbidden. Limits are often set to protect fish stocks and a license is needed for rod fishing.

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Horseshoe Lake, England -

So named because of its shape, Horseshoe Lake is the dream location for carp fishers looking for a big catch. Horseshoe Lake spans 62 acres and attracts hundreds of anglers each year. The lake is also home to tench, roach, bream, pike, rudd, and perch, allowing you to enjoy a rich fishing experience.

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Rutland Water, England -

Famous for producing big brown trout, Rutland Water is possibly the jewel in the crown of the UK lakes and is the largest and often the best, especially in Spring and Autumn. Depending on the weather conditions and time of year, fly fishing on Rutland Water can produce spectacular results. 

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Draycote Water, England -

Draycote is a seriously well-run and well-stocked fishery located near Dunchurch. At 658 acres, it isn’t too daunting in size. The reservoir is famous for its buzzer fishing and its superb grown-sized trout, which quickly put on weight thanks to the abundance of fly life. The main target is rainbow trout, averaging around 2 lb (0.9 kg), with plenty of bigger fish spicing things up, including brown trout up to around 10 lb (4.5 kg) in weight.

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River Esk, England -

Considered one of Yorkshire’s premier spots for fishing, located by the welcoming seaside town of Whitby, the Esk offers the best of both worlds; river and sea spots to cast your net. You can pick a place at one of the piers to while away a few hours by the beach before trying your luck along the River Eek. To come back with more than just the catch of the day, you can also book a space on a charter boat for a more social fishing experience.

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Sywell Reservoir, England -

Once known as the tench fishing mecca, this 67-acre council-run reservoir is steeped in angling history. Although it has never laid claim to a record for the species, it was the go-to venue for big tench reaching double-figures. Over a decade ago 2,000 young tench were released into the reservoir from Caverton Fish Farm in Nottinghamshire and today there are still some very big tench to be had. Fishing here is on the up thanks to efforts being made by the Environment Agency.

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The River Ant, England -

The Ant is one of the jewels in the crown of the Norfolk Broads fishing waterways and supports incredible stocks of fish such as big pike, bream, tench, roach, rudd, and practically every coarse fish. The fishing is good all the way up this navigable channel to Taylers at the top end, where boat navigation ceases at the road bridge carrying the Honing to Dilham road. Species to be found here are shoals of medium-sized bream, rudd, perch, roach, and numerous pike.

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Llandegfedd Reservoir, Wales -

If you want wild, windswept fishing (similar to what you get in Ireland) with a relatively unknown stock of huge bream, pike, and roach, Llandegfedd is a truly unspoiled natural wonder. Bags of bream totaling 300 lb (136 kg) have been recorded with hard-fighting hybrids thrown in too. You never really know how the day's fishing is going to go, but if you can find the mirky water where the wind has stirred it up, the fish are never far behind.

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River Ribble, England -

One of England’s premier barbel and salmon fishing rivers, this spate river is home to some truly exceptional fishing for a whole manner of specimen fish. Barbel, bream, and huge chub are generally the main targets with plenty of fish over the double-figure mark recorded consistently. If you prefer to run a float through, the large head of roach and dace will make for a prolific day, and if you've never caught a salmon, the Ribble is renowned for its good runs of fish.

See also: The most captivating British towns you have to visit

Sources : (Angling Times) (Visit Norfolk) (The Guardian) (Fishing TV)

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