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Home » UK Fly Fishing Lakes & Rivers: The Best Spots for Anglers » Fly Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Greater Manchester: A Comprehensive Guide

Fly Fishing Lakes and Rivers in Greater Manchester: A Comprehensive Guide

Fly fishing in Greater Manchester is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. With a variety of lakes and rivers to choose from, anglers can enjoy the sport in both urban and rural settings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, there are plenty of options available for fly fishing in Greater Manchester.

One of the top spots for fly fishing in Greater Manchester is the Piethorne Reservoir. This reservoir is located in the picturesque Pennines and is known for its large trout. Another popular location is the River Tame, which runs through the heart of Manchester and offers a unique urban fly fishing experience. In addition to these locations, there are many other lakes and rivers throughout Greater Manchester that offer great fly fishing opportunities.

Overall, fly fishing in Greater Manchester is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of the region. With so many options available, anglers of all skill levels can find a location that suits their needs. So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful day on the water or an exciting urban adventure, Greater Manchester has something to offer for every angler.

Fly Fishing in Greater Manchester

When it comes to fly fishing in Greater Manchester, there are a variety of options available for anglers of all levels. From tranquil lakes to flowing rivers, the region provides a diverse range of fishing opportunities.

Lakes

There are several fly fishing lakes in Greater Manchester that provide a peaceful and picturesque setting for anglers. One such location is Pennine Trout Farm and Fishery in Littleborough. This stunning venue offers two fly fishing lakes that span a total of five acres. With various swims available and good access for both the disabled and elderly angler, it’s a great option for those looking for a relaxed day of fishing.

Another popular fly fishing lake in the region is Chorlton Water Park, a Local Nature Reserve that was created when a gravel pit was flooded. The lake is now central to the Water Park and provides a great spot for anglers to catch a variety of fish species.

Rivers

For those looking for a more challenging fishing experience, there are several rivers in Greater Manchester that offer fly fishing opportunities. The River Irwell is a popular location for trout and coarse fishing, with stretches of the river offering great sport for anglers.

The Oldham Fly Fishing Club also offers fishing for brown trout in the River Tame, providing a unique and rewarding fishing experience. Additionally, there’s coarse fishing available on the Douglas, providing yet another option for anglers in the region.

Overall, Greater Manchester provides a diverse range of fly fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day by the water or a more challenging fishing experience, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Lakes in Greater Manchester

When it comes to fly fishing in Greater Manchester, there are several lakes that stand out as great places to cast a line. These include Dove Stone Reservoir, Pennington Flash, and Chew Reservoir.

Dove Stone Reservoir

Dove Stone Reservoir is located on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is a popular spot for fly fishing. The reservoir is stocked regularly with rainbow trout, and there are also wild brown trout to be found. The best time to fish here is from April to October, although fishing is allowed year-round.

There are several access points around the reservoir, and boats are available for hire. It’s worth noting that fishing is only allowed from the bank or from a boat, and wading is not permitted.

Pennington Flash

Pennington Flash is a 170-acre lake located near Leigh, just a short drive from Manchester. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and blue trout, and there are also pike, perch, and roach to be found.

Fishing is allowed year-round, with the best time to fish being from April to October. There are several access points around the lake, and boats are available for hire. It’s also worth noting that there are several fishing platforms around the lake that are suitable for disabled anglers.

Chew Reservoir

Chew Reservoir is located on the edge of the Peak District National Park and is one of the largest fly fishing lakes in the UK. The reservoir is stocked with brown trout, and there are also wild brown trout and pike to be found.

Fishing is allowed from March to October, with the best time to fish being from May to September. There are several access points around the reservoir, and boats are available for hire. It’s worth noting that fishing is only allowed from the bank or from a boat, and wading is not permitted.

Overall, these three lakes offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities in Greater Manchester. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, there’s something for everyone here.

Rivers in Greater Manchester

When it comes to fly fishing in Greater Manchester, the rivers in the area offer some of the best opportunities for anglers. Here are some of the top rivers in the region that are worth exploring:

River Irwell

The River Irwell is a popular fly fishing destination in Greater Manchester. It is known for its brown trout and grayling populations, which can be caught using dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. The river is also home to other species such as chub, dace, and roach. Fly fishing on the River Irwell is best done between March and October, with the peak season being from May to August.

River Mersey

The River Mersey is another great fly fishing location in Greater Manchester. It is a large river that flows through the region and offers a variety of fishing opportunities. The river is home to brown trout, grayling, and other species such as pike and perch. Fly fishing on the River Mersey is best done between March and October, with the peak season being from May to August.

River Tame

The River Tame is a small river that flows through Greater Manchester. It is a great location for fly fishing for brown trout and grayling. The river is also home to other species such as chub, dace, and roach. Fly fishing on the River Tame is best done between March and October, with the peak season being from May to August.

Overall, the rivers in Greater Manchester offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the region. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Greater Manchester offers a diverse range of lakes and rivers for fly fishing enthusiasts. With numerous fisheries to choose from, anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences, from tranquil days by the water to challenging carp fishing.

One of the largest and most popular fisheries in Greater Manchester is Bradshaw Hall Fisheries, which boasts nine fully stocked lakes set in over 50 acres. Ashley Hall Pool is another attractive water that offers good parking nearby and is easy to get to.

For those seeking a more scenic fishing experience, there are several pretty lakes and reservoirs near Manchester, including Etherow Country Park and Torside Reservoir.

It is important to note that, as with any fishing activity, it is essential to follow local rules and regulations to protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of fish populations. Anglers should also take care to properly dispose of any waste and respect the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.

Overall, we highly recommend exploring the many fly fishing opportunities available in Greater Manchester. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region of the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good spots for fly fishing in the Greater Manchester area?

There are several good spots for fly fishing in the Greater Manchester area. Some of the popular locations include Boggart Hole Clough, Bowker Lakes, Debdale Lakes, and Heaton Park Lake. These locations offer a variety of fish species, including carp, bream, roach, and tench.

What types of fish can be caught in the rivers and lakes around Manchester?

The rivers and lakes around Manchester offer a variety of fish species for fly fishing enthusiasts. Commonly caught fish species include brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling, pike, perch, and carp.

Are there any free fishing places near Manchester for trout fishing?

Yes, there are a few free fishing places near Manchester for trout fishing. One such location is the River Irwell, which is a popular spot for fly fishing. Another location is the River Tame, which is known for its brown trout population.

Where can I find private fishing lakes in Greater Manchester?

There are several private fishing lakes in Greater Manchester that offer fly fishing opportunities. Some of the popular ones include Farm Lodge in Radcliffe and Carcus Waters in Tottington. These lakes require a permit or membership to fish.

What are some recommended day ticket fisheries for fly fishing in Cheshire?

Cheshire offers several day ticket fisheries for fly fishing enthusiasts. Some of the popular ones include Capesthorne Hall, Mere Moor Fisheries, and Lymm Dam. These fisheries offer a variety of fish species, including trout, carp, and pike.

What are some popular spots for fly fishing in the Oldham area?

Oldham offers several popular spots for fly fishing enthusiasts. Some of the popular locations include Castleshaw Reservoir, Dovestone Reservoir, and Greenbooth Reservoir. These locations offer a variety of fish species, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and pike.