Gloucestershire is a beautiful county located in the South West of England, and it is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and stunning countryside. It is also a popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, who come from all over the world to experience the county’s exceptional fishing opportunities.
Gloucestershire boasts a range of rivers and lakes that are ideal for fly fishing. The River Coln is one of the most popular destinations, offering excellent opportunities to catch brown trout and grayling. Other popular rivers include the River Severn, the River Wye, and the River Avon. In addition to these, there are many lakes and ponds that are perfect for fly fishing, such as the South Cerney Lake, Ham Pool, and Waterloo Screens Pool.
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, Gloucestershire has something to offer everyone. The county’s rivers and lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, grayling, pike, carp, and roach. With its stunning scenery and excellent fishing opportunities, Gloucestershire is a must-visit destination for any fly fishing enthusiast.
Fly Fishing in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a great destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its numerous rivers and lakes, the county offers a variety of fishing experiences for anglers of all levels.
Rivers
The rivers in Gloucestershire are well-known for their brown trout and grayling populations. The River Wye, which runs through the Forest of Dean, is a popular destination for fly fishing. The river is known for its excellent hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, making it a great spot for dry fly fishing. Other rivers in the county that offer great fly fishing opportunities include the River Severn, the River Avon, and the River Coln.
Lakes
Gloucestershire is also home to several lakes that offer excellent fly fishing opportunities. The Brook Farm Trout Fishery, located in Cranham near Cheltenham, is a popular destination for stillwater fly fishing. The fishery has two lakes that are fed from limestone aquifers, resulting in crystal-clear water that provides a wonderful aquatic environment. The lakes are stocked with rainbow and brown trout, and fly fishing is the only method allowed.
Other lakes in the county that offer great fly fishing include the Woolaston Fishery, the Horseshoe Lake, and the Lightmoor Pool.
Fly Fishing Guides
For those who are new to fly fishing or who want to improve their skills, hiring a fly fishing guide can be a great option. There are several fly fishing guides in Gloucestershire who can provide instruction, equipment, and access to some of the best fishing spots in the county. Some popular guides include the Fishing Breaks company, which offers guided fishing trips on the River Coln, and the Lechlade and Bushyleaze Trout Fisheries, which offer guided fishing trips on their lakes.
Overall, Gloucestershire is a great destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Whether you prefer rivers or lakes, there are plenty of options to choose from, and hiring a guide can help you make the most of your fishing experience.
Lakes for Fly Fishing in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a great location for fly fishing enthusiasts, with a variety of lakes and rivers to choose from. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the best lakes for fly fishing in Gloucestershire.
Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Water Park is a premier destination for fly fishing in Gloucestershire. The park is home to over 150 lakes, which offer a wide range of fishing opportunities. Many of the lakes are stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making them ideal for fly fishing. Some of the most popular lakes for fly fishing include:
- Lake 32: This lake is known for its large brown and rainbow trout, which can be caught using a variety of fly fishing techniques.
- Somerford Lagoon: This lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is a great spot for beginners to practice their fly fishing skills.
- Bowmoor Lake: This lake is known for its large brown trout and is a popular spot for experienced anglers.
Witcombe Reservoirs
Witcombe Reservoirs is another great location for fly fishing in Gloucestershire. The reservoirs are located in a scenic valley and are home to a variety of fish species, including brown and rainbow trout. Fly fishing is permitted on both reservoirs, but anglers must obtain a permit in advance. Some of the most effective fly patterns for fishing at Witcombe Reservoirs include:
- Black and peacock spider
- Hares ear nymph
- Pheasant tail nymph
Bushyleaze Trout Fishery
Bushyleaze Trout Fishery is a family-run fishery that offers some of the best fly fishing in Gloucestershire. The fishery is located in a picturesque valley and is home to two spring-fed lakes, which are stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Fly fishing is permitted on both lakes, and anglers can use a variety of techniques to catch fish. Some of the most popular flies for fishing at Bushyleaze Trout Fishery include:
- Damsel nymph
- Hare’s ear nymph
- Montana nymph
In conclusion, Gloucestershire is a great destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, with a variety of lakes and rivers to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there is something for everyone in this beautiful county.
Rivers for Fly Fishing in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is home to some of the most idyllic rivers for fly fishing in the UK. Here are some of the top rivers for fly fishing in Gloucestershire:
River Avon
The River Avon is a beautiful river that flows through the heart of the Cotswolds. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of brown trout. The river is divided into two sections, the upper and lower Avon. The upper Avon is a small river that is perfect for dry fly fishing, while the lower Avon is a larger river that is ideal for nymph fishing.
River Severn
The River Severn is the longest river in the UK and is renowned for its salmon and sea trout fishing. The river is divided into two sections, the upper and lower Severn. The upper Severn is a smaller river that is perfect for fly fishing, while the lower Severn is a larger river that is ideal for spinning and bait fishing.
River Wye
The River Wye is a beautiful river that flows through the Welsh borders and is known for its salmon and trout fishing. The river is divided into three sections, the upper, middle, and lower Wye. The upper Wye is a smaller river that is perfect for fly fishing, while the middle and lower Wye are larger rivers that are ideal for spinning and bait fishing.
When fly fishing on these rivers, it is important to have the right equipment and to follow the local fishing regulations. Always check the local regulations before fishing and make sure you have the appropriate fishing license. With the right equipment and knowledge, fly fishing on the rivers of Gloucestershire can be an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fly fishing lakes in Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire is home to several excellent fly fishing lakes that offer a variety of species to target. Some of the best fly fishing lakes in Gloucestershire include South Cerney Trout Fishery, Coln Valley Trout Fishery, and Woodland Waters. These lakes offer clear water, a variety of fish species, and stunning natural surroundings.
What are some good rivers for fly fishing in Gloucestershire?
Gloucestershire is blessed with some of the best fly fishing rivers in the UK. The River Coln, River Wye, and River Severn are just a few of the excellent rivers for fly fishing in Gloucestershire. These rivers offer a wide variety of fish species, including brown trout, grayling, and salmon.
Where can I find day ticket fly fishing in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is a beautiful area of Gloucestershire that is perfect for fly fishing. There are several day ticket fly fishing options available in the Cotswolds, including the South Cerney Trout Fishery and Coln Valley Trout Fishery. These fisheries offer stunning natural surroundings and excellent fly fishing opportunities.
Are there any fly fishing lessons available in Gloucestershire?
Yes, there are several fly fishing schools and instructors in Gloucestershire that offer lessons to beginners and experienced anglers alike. Some of the best fly fishing schools in Gloucestershire include the Fly Fishing School at Coln Valley Trout Fishery and the Fly Fishing Academy at South Cerney Trout Fishery.
What types of fish can be caught in the Gloucester Canal?
The Gloucester Canal is a popular destination for fly fishing in Gloucestershire. The canal is home to a variety of fish species, including pike, carp, roach, and bream. Fly fishing for pike in the canal is particularly popular, with many anglers targeting these predatory fish using large streamers and poppers.
Which rivers in Gloucestershire have good populations of trout?
Gloucestershire is home to several rivers that have excellent populations of trout. The River Coln, River Wye, and River Frome are just a few of the rivers that offer excellent trout fishing opportunities. These rivers are known for their clear water, diverse insect life, and beautiful natural surroundings.