On the surface, London can seem like a daunting place to start fishing. Its miles of waterways and variety of stillwaters seem like enticing prospects. But in reality, if you aren’t an experienced angler – or don’t have a fishing buddy who is – our city is a real challenge. In this case, becoming a member of one of London’s fishing clubs is a great starting point.
However, it’s easy to start fishing in London. And the canals and rivers are easy to get cracking – just pick up a rod, tackle, the correct rod license(s) and fish care equipment and you’re good to go. That’s the beauty of urban angling; everything is right on your doorstep.
If you’re anything like us, once you’ve started, you’ll be hooked.
How to Find a Fishing Spot
What’s on this page?
Is Fishing Allowed in London?
Yes, fishing is allowed in London and – from personal experience – it’s gaining in popularity. You can fish canals and rivers for both coarse and game fish (even sea fish in some locations) and multiple stillwaters that tend to specialise in carp and coarse fishing. And fly fishing is not out of the equation.
Of course, these locations do have their own set of rules and regulations you’ll need to follow. Some stillwaters and stretches of rivers or canals are member-only. Others allow day ticket fishing and some stretches – if you can believe it – allow you to fish for free. And thanks to the proliferation of canals, there are certain stretches of water that don’t follow the traditional coarse fishing close season.
How do I Start Fishing in London?
To start fishing in London you will need:
- An Environment Agency License
- A fishing location
- A day ticket or annual membership – unless you are fishing a free stretch of water
- Fishing tackle
- Fish care equipment
Where Can I Fish in London?
Although it may seem counterintuitive, London does have a wide selection of fishing locations including rivers, stillwaters and canals where you can coarse, fly and game fish.
It’s worth checking out our favourite fishing spots in London alongside the capital’s best fishing shops before you start,
Where Can I Fish in London for Free?
The majority of stillwaters are owned by syndicates or by local councils and require at least a day ticket to fish for free. However, there are certain stretches of canals and river systems where you can fish for free. These include:
- The River Thames – you can see where you can fish for free on The Thames here, but Teddington Lock is the prime location
- The River Wandle – the stretch around Morden Hall Park is owned by Morden Hall Park Angling Club, but outside of that you can fish other stretches of the river for free
Whilst the canals are free to the public, certain stretches are owned by local angling clubs and the rest by the Canal and River Trust. These require a day permit or season ticket.
And there are a few stillwaters where you can fish for free, including:
- Cannon Hill Common – which is owned by Merton Council
- Epping Forest Lakes – not all, but some. You can find out more about its rules and regulations here.
- Victoria Park Lake
However, fishing anywhere in London requires an Environment Agency Fishing License. Which costs around £30 for a two-rod trout and coarse license. Day tickets are only £6. So technically fishing anywhere costs something.
If you don’t have a fishing license you are at risk of being fined up to £2,500. And we need to support local rivers, canals and lakes run by the EA. So please do buy a license.
Where can I Fish on a Day Ticket in London?
The good news is that, unlike the dearth of free fishing locations, London is home to a suite of fishing venues that rely on day tickets. These venues include:
- Walthamstow Reservoirs – a challenging, beautiful series of lakes most renowned for huge carp. If it’s fly fishing in London you’re after, there’s a trout-stocked lake here too.
- Jacks Lake – a lovely beginner to intermediate lake in north London specialising in carp
- Grand Union Canal – the stretch north of Tottenham Lock that’s run by the River Lea Anglers Club tends to fish well. But buying a Waterways Wanderer Permit is a good way to fish the non-rented section of the canal(s). Ditto Regents Canal.
- Birchmere Lake – a decent spot for pike fishing in London that once held the UK record for the apex predator. Give our top pike fishing tips a run-through before you go after the record.
- Hampstead Heath Lakes – an annual permit for lakes on The Heath only costs £10.60
- River Lee Navigation – the stretch that runs from Tottenham Abbey to Waltham Marshes is owned by the River Lea Anglers Club
If you’re looking to fish the canal system(s), you can search the Canal & River Trust’s Fishery List to see what club you need to buy a ticket from.
What Type of Fish Can I Catch in London?
Thanks to the capital’s blend of rivers, canals and stillwaters, London is home to a diverse mix of fish. Some of the stocked lakes in and around London are excellent spots to fish for large carp. coarse fish and trout. You can even fly fish in one of the UK’s most famed venues, The River Wandle.
The canal systems support a host of coarse and game fishing life and – interestingly – as The Thames is connected to the sea, you can even find sea fish in certain tidal venues, alongside enormous predators.
If the nation’s most popular fish – carp – tickle your fancy, then try one of the best carp fishing spots in London.
Angling for sea fish in The Thames is, of course, a challenge. But the most promising spots are around Thamesmead and Woolwich – near the Thames tidal flood barrier. Although good-sized bass, mullet and flatfish have been caught further inland.
Coarse Fish
- Carp
- Roach
- Rudd
- Pike
- Perch
- Bream
- Barbell
- Zander
- Gudgeon
- Catfish
- Dace
- Tench
Game Fish
- Trout
- Salmon (albeit very rarely)
Sea Fish
- Eel
- Bass
- Mullet
- Flounder
- Flatfish
- Dogfish
A Guide to Pike Fishing in the UK
FAQs
Yes, you can fish in London’s canals. But not for free. You need an Environment Agency Rod License to begin with and either a Waterways Wanderers Permit – for stretches that aren’t privately owned – or a day/season ticket from privately owned stretches of the canals.
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
