FISHING IN THE UK
Much of the British Isles are fortunate enough to have open or lightly iced waters year-round. For those willing to brave the cold and sodden weather, winter fishing in the UK can be a highly rewarding hobby at pools and streams that are normally choked with anglers during warm weather. Keep these tips in mind, and increase your chances of landing fish all year long.

Though coarse fish and brown trout have a close season on rivers and streams during the late winter months, there are still plenty of options for winter fishing in the UK, no matter what your favourite prey is. Among the most commonly angled species during the winter months are greyling, carp, pike, trout, and eel. Be sure to check with the current regulations for your season and water of choice.

Some waters are certainly better than others during the winter, but you will have to make adjustments for the day. If a bright, sunny day, more shallow waters will warm up quicker with western exposure. If early or a dim day, deeper waters hold heat better. Because you'll likely be fishing close to the bottom, many experts recommend choosing gravelly beds to make your bait more attractive and to decrease the likelihood of losing your line and tackle on snags.

The first thing you'll want to keep in mind is the behaviour of the fish during the cool months. The odds are good that the fish will be hungry, but they'll also fill up fast. The feeding periods are much shorter, and you'll get less advantage from heavy “ground-baiting” than at other times of the year. Fish are also cold this time of year, with many species generally preferring to stay on the bottom, though this is not always the case.

The somewhat fewer strikes you do get will be somewhat subtle, in comparison. Wintertime fishing in the UK is characterized by allowing a little more time for the fish to really take the bait, depending on the size of the bait you're using. While you won't want to strike immediately, assume the fish are moving at half speed.

Baits will also tend disintegrate slower, meaning that bollies and other home-made baits should be made smaller or use a higher proportion of protein. High fat baits may seem appetizing to you, but they actually cause the fish to fill up too fast – most people recommend a bait with as little as 10-12% fat. Keep your tackle simple to keep from losing it in winter snags, but don't be afraid to use an additional rod to maximize your chances.

Also important when winter fishing in the UK is making sure you don't get a case of hypothermia while you're out there. Don't skimp on the fleeces, a thermal base layer and good, warm gloves. You'll need to keep your fingers agile enough to safely dislodge the hook on species that must be thrown back.

Where To Fish in The UK

Anglers Fishing Guide Homepage