Fly fishing is a popular pastime that has been enjoyed by anglers for centuries. It involves using a lightweight lure, called a fly, to catch fish in freshwater or saltwater bodies. London may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of fly fishing destinations, but the city actually has several lakes and rivers where anglers can enjoy this sport.
One of the best spots for fly fishing in London is the River Wandle. This 14-mile trail is packed full of wildlife, including kingfishers, green woodpeckers, water voles, and even kestrels. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, chub, and dace. Another great location is the Regent’s Canal, which holds general coarse fish such as pike and carp.
If you’re a beginner, we would recommend starting with a stocked lake. Although Greater London has a real dearth of fly fishing locations, there are some excellent stocked lakes with mammoth trout and freshwater rivers abundant in trout. Additionally, you can learn to fly fish near London in idyllic still water and stream-fed trout fisheries, some of which have great Mayfly hatches and are home to Surrey Hills wild brown trout as well as stocked fish.
Fly Fishing Lakes in London
When it comes to fly fishing in London, there are plenty of lakes to choose from. In this section, we will discuss three of the best fly fishing lakes in London.
Hyde Park Serpentine
The Hyde Park Serpentine is a 40-acre lake located in the heart of London. It is a popular spot for fly fishing, and for good reason. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including carp, roach, bream, and tench. The best time to fish at the Serpentine is early in the morning or late in the evening. If you are new to fly fishing, there are plenty of guides and instructors who can help you get started.
The Regent’s Park
The Regent’s Park is another great spot for fly fishing in London. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including carp, roach, and bream. The best time to fish at the Regent’s Park is in the early morning or late evening. If you are new to fly fishing, there are plenty of guides and instructors who can help you get started.
Wimbledon Park Lake
Wimbledon Park Lake is a 17-acre lake located in South West London. It is a popular spot for fly fishing, and for good reason. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including carp, roach, bream, and tench. The best time to fish at Wimbledon Park Lake is early in the morning or late in the evening. If you are new to fly fishing, there are plenty of guides and instructors who can help you get started.
Overall, these three fly fishing lakes in London offer plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, there is something for everyone.
Fly Fishing Rivers in London
London is home to several rivers that are perfect for fly fishing. In this section, we will discuss the three most popular rivers for fly fishing in London: the River Thames, the River Lea, and the River Brent.
River Thames
The River Thames is the longest river in England, and it runs through the heart of London. It is also one of the most popular rivers for fly fishing in London. The river is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, grayling, chub, and pike. The best time to fish for brown trout is from April to June, while the best time to fish for grayling is from October to December.
The River Thames has several fishing clubs, and some of them offer day tickets to non-members. If you are interested in fishing the River Thames, we recommend checking out the Thames Anglers’ Conservancy or the Thames Trout Fishing Association.
River Lea
The River Lea is another popular river for fly fishing in London. The river runs through East London and is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, chub, and dace. The best time to fish for brown trout is from April to June, while the best time to fish for chub is from September to November.
The River Lea is managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, and they offer day tickets to non-members. There are also several fishing clubs that operate on the River Lea, including the Lea Valley Angling Association and the London Anglers’ Association.
River Brent
The River Brent is a small river that runs through West London. It is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, chub, and dace. The best time to fish for brown trout is from April to June, while the best time to fish for chub is from September to November.
The River Brent is managed by the Brent Angling Club, and they offer day tickets to non-members. The club also offers fly fishing lessons for beginners.
In conclusion, London has several rivers that are perfect for fly fishing. The River Thames, the River Lea, and the River Brent are all great options for anglers of all skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good fly fishing spots in the London area?
London has several great fly fishing spots for both beginners and experienced anglers. Some of the top fly fishing spots in London include Albury Estate’s Syon Park Lake, Little Britain Lake, Thorney Weir, South Norwood Lake, Osterley Park Fishing, Knightscote Ponds, Creedence Fishery, Redbridge Lakes, Stockley Road Lakes, and Clockhouse Pool. These spots offer a unique angling experience in the bustling city.
What types of fish can be caught while fly fishing in the rivers and lakes near London?
The rivers and lakes near London are home to a variety of fish species that can be caught while fly fishing. These include brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling, carp, pike, roach, and perch. The type of fish that can be caught depends on the location and the time of year.
Are there any fly fishing shops in London that offer guided trips or lessons?
Yes, there are several fly fishing shops in London that offer guided trips or lessons. Some of the top fly fishing shops in London include Farlows, Sportfish, and Orvis. These shops offer a range of services, including guided fly fishing trips, fly casting lessons, and equipment rentals.
Which trout reservoirs in the UK are closest to London?
The closest trout reservoirs to London are located in the south of England. Some of the top trout reservoirs in the UK that are closest to London include Bewl Water, Ardingly Reservoir, and Weir Wood Reservoir. These reservoirs offer excellent fly fishing opportunities for trout.
Is it possible to fly fish on the River Thames?
Yes, it is possible to fly fish on the River Thames. The River Thames is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, grayling, chub, and pike. However, fly fishing on the River Thames requires a special permit, which can be obtained from the relevant authorities.
Are there any free fishing spots in London for fly fishing enthusiasts?
Yes, there are several free fishing spots in London for fly fishing enthusiasts. Some of the top free fishing spots in London include the River Wandle, the River Lea, and the Regents Canal. However, it is important to note that some of these spots may require a fishing license, which can be obtained from the relevant authorities.