There are some excellent fishing spots in London that hold a decent head of pike. A number of canals and rivers (including The Thames) hold some really substantial pike and can even be fished for free. However, make sure you check the stretch of water beforehand when you’re trying to find good fishing spots.
And there are a few notable lakes and stillwaters for pike fishing including Walthamstow Reservoirs – for north / east Londoners such as myself – and the three lakes owned by the Barnes and Mortlake Angling Club for southwest Londoners.
Below are what I believe to be the best nine bodies of water to fish for pike in London. And I mean in London – not in Essex, Kent or the home counties. These lakes, rivers and canals are – largely – accessible and great for a day session for Londoners. Just make sure you have the right fishing license and you check out our top pike fishing tips beforehand.
The Grand Union Canal runs from Paddington right into the heart of Birmingham – a whopping 137 miles in all. Initially built as a key transport link between the two, the canal provides a unique coarse fishing venue in the capital. It also features in our favourite carp fishing spots in London.
The most popular species caught in The Grand Union are Pike, Perch and Bream. With the former getting well into double figures and above the 20lb mark on occasion. Jack Pike are much more common than their larger counterparts, particularly around canal boats and moorings.
Variable. Classed as moderate ecological status by DEFRA. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend swimming in it, the canal is significantly cleaner than even a few years ago. Although some companies have been caught dumping sewage in various sections.
Because the canal has a real mixture of coarse fish you can target predatory fish like pike on a lure fishing setup, bread for carp and bream or worms and maggots for everything else.
Lures and spinners
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
Following on from the Paddington arm of The Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal is an 8.6-mile waterway initially formed to create a new canal from Paddington to Limehouse.
Slicing London from East to West – you can walk from Paddington to Victoria Park and out onto the River Lee – fishing tends to be more enjoyable at the eastern end (around the Limehouse Cut and Fish Island) or the western end around Paddington.
Whilst pike are not necessarily easy to find on Regent’s Canal, look for areas with underwater structure or features that would allow the pike to lay in wait. As the canals are largely homogenous, you’re going to need to walk to find the right spots. So get out there early and travel light.
Pro Tip: The towpath is especially busy around Camden and Regent’s Park – particularly on weekends – so if you’re an angler looking for peace and quiet this is a stretch to avoid.
Fish
Depth
Water Quality
Tackle & Bait
Permits
Carp
Bream
Roach
Pike
Perch
Barbel – we’ve never encountered one, but are reliably informed they’re there
Rudd
One – five feet for the majority. The average depth is around three – four feet.
Variable. Classed as moderate ecological status by DEFRA. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend swimming in it, the canal is significantly cleaner than even a few years ago. Although some companies have been caught dumping sewage in various sections.
Much like the Grand Union, Regent’s Canal has a real mixture of coarse fish. You can target predatory fish on a lure fishing setup, bread for carp and bream or worms and maggots for everything else.
Our best advice is to travel light. For predator fishing a travel rod and lure kit is perfect. For carp, bream and non-predatory river fish a longer two or three piece coarse fishing rod with a sensitive tip is perfect.
Travel net and unhooking mat
Lures and spinners
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms or maggots
Fjuka bait
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
One of London’s slightly lesser known rivers, the River Lea (leading onto the River Lee Navigation) is a lively 27.5-mile stretch of water that runs from Hertford, through Waltham Forest and into The River Thames at Canning Town.
The stretch of river that runs from Waltham Abbey to Tottenham is arguably the best stretch of river to fish and is owned by The River Lea Angler’s Club where you’ll need at least a day ticket to fish this six-mile stretch of water.
The River Lea has some really beautiful spots to fish and whilst the river is quite shallow, there are some much deeper pockets to be found where fast and slow-moving water converge. This creates some excellent conditions for pike.
Pro Tip: There are some fantastic weirs on The River Lea that hold some really sizeable pike. One in The Olympic Park and one further north in the River Lee Country Park near Cheshunt. Start in the Olympic Park and walk north and you’ll find some super spots.
Unfortunately The River Lea is a heavily polluted river. This has been an ongoing problem for some time, culminating in 2019 when Clapton residents noticed hundreds of dead fish in the water.
In 2021 Hackney Council felt compelled to write to The Environment Agency demanding action to cleanup the river such is the concern around the litter and visible pollution. Volunteer claim to be pulling over 100kg of plastic pollution from the river each month.
Because the river is much quieter than its canal counterparts you can afford to take a little more equipment with you. And as the river is much deeper it supports more life and larger fish. Double figure barbel, bream and carp are not uncommon. 15lb+ pike and monster perch are within your grasp too.
Lures and spinners
Float fishing
Ledger weights
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
Dead baits
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
The River Lea Angler’s Club owns the six mile stretch of river that runs from Tottenham to Waltham Abbey. This section of the river has no close season and is open 365 days a year and a day ticket is just £5.
The Thames is quite a daunting river to fish – particularly in London. The abundance of boats, murky waters, general size and current make the prospect of locating any carp a challenge. But there are huge carp in the capital’s main water source. As structures tend to be a big fish’s best friend, it’s worth finding the locks and weirs you can fish on The Thames here.
Pro Tip: The best stretch of fishing on The Thames in London tends to be on the southwest stretch of water around Richmond, Twickenham and Hampton Court. The abundance of structures, weirs and tributaries – and slightly cleaner waters – are home to big carp.
Positive
Huge – and we mean huge – carp live in The Thames
Good fishing spots from the banks and from or on islands
Negatives
The sheer scale of the river can make fishing a real challenge
Knowing where to start and having the patience required
You need serious tackle to combat the tide, snags and strength of the wild fish
Jacks Lake
Jack’s Lake – or HAPS (the Hadley Angling and Preservation Society) – is a fantastic lake in north London that has 44 pegs, 29 of which are available on a day ticket.
At just £8 for one rod or £13 for two, it’s brilliant value for such a quiet, friendly setting. Just remember to bring cash as the bailiff doesn’t take card payments. If you decide to purchase an annual membership you get access to an otherwise closed-off section of the lake and a night fishing permit.
Pro Tip: The Pike feed on boilies in the winter months, which is a unique prroposition and not one I have encountered before
Fish
Depth
Water Quality
Tackle & Bait
Membership
Bream
Roach
Carp
Tench
Pike – rumoured to be close to 20lb in weight
Perch
Eels
Barbel
Unconfirmed, but no deeper than 10 feet in the day ticket section.
Originally Jack’s lake was created in the 1880s as estate lakes for the owners of Beech Hill House. Until the 1960s it was used as a boating lake and up until 1982 – when HAPS purchased the lake – it was overgrown and was in a sorry state.
Since then the lake was drained, de-silted, the vegetation cut back, aggregate and drainage pipes added to ensure the recently stocked fish can thrive.
Jack’s Lake is relatively straightforward when it comes to tackle and setup. Start with a weighted setup and fish from the centre.
Fishing out towards the centre of the lake around the manmade islands with ledger weights is very successful for carp. For smaller perch and coarse fish, fishing near the margins was very effective.
Lures and spinners – only in the game fishing season from October – March
Float fishing
Feeder fishing
Ledger weights
Landing mat and net
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
PVA bags permitted at bailiffs discretion
Dead baits – no live baiting and it must be commercially purchased
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
Membership at HAPS gives you access to a cordoned off section of the lake, night fishing and up to two rods without a day ticket. For any membership enquiries contact [email protected].
For day ticket members – like us – £8 for one rod or £13 for two is great value. Remember to bring cash.
Barnes and Mortlake Angling Preservation Society
BMAPS has three separate lakes all in southwest London that are all exclusive to members. No day tickets are allowed. The club is run by a committee who are overwhelmingly friendly and happy to answer any questions you may have about the lakes.
One of the club’s best features is the lake access. Instead of being bailiff-reliant – although of course there’s always one present – you are sent access codes as you become a member or when you book a session.
Pro Tip: The Thames Young Mariners Lake – located in Ham, Richmond – is the most ‘exotic’ lake of the three because it has a direct connection to The Thames. As opposed to being a stocked lake, it is all-natural, with carp, pike and even flounders and mullet stocked by the river.
Potomac Lake in Gunnersbury Park once held the British record for pike at 38lb 4oz. Whilst this behemoth is no longer there, 20lb plus pike and 30lb plus carp are present.
Variable. Shadwell’s Pool at Barnes is the smallest of the three lakes at one and a half acres and five feet deep. Potomac Lake was originally a clay pit that is up to 24 feet deep. Thames Young Mariners is somewhere between the two, but closer to Potomac than Shadwell’s Pool.
Excellent across the three lakes. Thames Young Mariners in Ham is more at risk of external factors as it is directly linked to The Thames, but the other lakes have been lovingly restored and looked after. Your membership fee goes someway to ensuring quality.
The three lakes have substantial differences in topography that means the fishing can be quite unique.
As Potomac Lake is an old clay pit that reaches 24 feet in depth, the water temperature and visibility can have a significant impact on how you should fish. Whereas Shadwell’s Pool is only five feet deep at its peak, so is much more consistent. Although the silty bottom means round baits can sink, so consider lighter bait options or fishing off the bottom.
Thames Young Mariners can be a real lucky dip, and we’ve had success with multiple methods.
Lures and spinners – only in the game fishing season from October – March
Float fishing
Feeder fishing
Ledger weights
Landing mat and net
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
Dead baits
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
Membership at BMAPS grants you access to all three fishing waters should you wish. Although you can also buy a Gunnersbury Potomac only membership or a Shadwell and Thames Young Mariners option.
The all-in option comes in at around £200 per year (with the year running from April – March) and night fishing is an add-on.
Walthamstow Reservoirs
Arguably the most picturesque venue in London, Walthamstow Wetlands is the city’s largest carp fishing venue. Located in the heart of the Lee Valley in north London it is made up of nine individual reservoirs (and a river) stocked with huge specimen carp, alongside; bream, chub and barbel, pike and perch.
Fishing can be a real challenge here if you’re ill-prepared. Reservoirs one, two and three are good starting points for carp fishing especially. The largest carp pulled from these three waters is a whopping 45lb 12oz and 30lb + are not uncommon. The Lower Maynard reservoir has had a 46lb 8oz carp – the biggest on record here – but can be uncompromising water.
Positive
Huge pike (and carp) present
Overhanging trees and branches provide excellent structure for big carp – you’ll see them around the margins
Stunning setting and – on the right peg – beautifully peaceful
Negatives
Can be an uncompromising body of water(s)
High throughflow of visitors so get there early for the best peg
Fish
Depth
Water Quality
Tackle & Bait
Membership
Carp – the largest on record being a mirror or 45lb 12oz
Trout
Pike – supposedly the largest on record weighing in at 35lb from the Coppermill Stream
Perch
Bream
Eels
Roach
Chub
Barbel – multiple double figures on record
Variable. The ‘lighter’ reservoirs (one, two, three and Lower Maynard) are all up to 10 feet in depth and the fly fishing reservoirs aren’t dissimilar.
Higher Maynard and West Warwick are 19 feet at their peak. Lockwood – the big ‘un – is up to 34 feet deep.
As Walthamstow Wetlands is the premier source of water for over 3.5 million Londoners – and an important ecological site for waterfowl and birds of prey – the overall water quality is excellent. The Coppermill Stream itself is crystal clear and if you;re lucky you’ll spot a school of bream or carp near the mill.
The incredible funding received by the council from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Thames Water and the Greater London Authority – totaling around 7.5 million – has created further opportunities to improve water quality, such as the creation of new reedbeds.
One of the great things about Walthamstow Wetlands is the sheer scale and topographical differences. Some reservoirs are only 10 feet deep, some run to 34 feet. The Coppermill stream is very shallow and fantastic for shallow or surface fishing.
Lures and spinners
Float fishing
Feeder fishing
Fly fishing
Ledger weights
Landing mat and net – essential
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
Dead baits
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
For the Walthamstow Wetlands Fishery you can purchase day tickets for just £15 (up to 3 rods) or signup for an annual membership for anywhere between £100 to £400 depending on what exactly you’re looking to fish. You can see the full price list here and all additional information about .
Fly fishing runs a similar price list. A 75 fish season will set you back £400 with a 35 fish top up adding an extra £180.
Birchmere Lake
Birchmere Lake is an 11-acre fishery located in Thamesmead, Southeast London. A very sizeable body of water for the location. The access to the swims themselves – which are superbly maintained – is very good, with day tickets and disabled access a key feature of the fishery.
For the pike fishing enthusiasts among us – which should be everybody on this page – Birchmere once held the UK record pike. A whopping 41lb. Particularly impressive as the average depth of the lake is only five to seven feet deep.
Positive
Huge pike have been caught over the years
Excellent banks and swims for fishing.
Fantastic value fishing. £5 for one rod and £10 for two
Lake was restocked in 2015 with 250 carp up to 20lb and tench
Negatives
Whilst the lake’s floor is mostly gravel-based, the silty bottom can make bottom fishing with larger weights and baits a challenge
The lake has suffered from poaching in the past – although the fish are now chipped – and stock levels have been at best questionable
Fish
Depth
Water Quality
Tackle & Bait
Membership
Pike
Carp
Bream
Roach
Perch
At 11 acres Birchmere is a sizeable London-lake with depths ranging from 3 – 7 feet.
Good. The introduction of aerators alongside the chipping and stocking programs have helped restore balance to a lovely lake that’s had a tough time over the last decade.
There’s no pike fishing between 15th March – 1st October each year – in accordance with the game fishing close season and there’s no live baiting allowed at any point.
Lures and spinners – only in the game fishing season from October – March – minimum breaking strain of 8lb
Float fishing
Feeder fishing
Ledger weights
Landing mat and net
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
Dead baits – minimum breaking strain of 12lb, although we’d recommend higher and no fixed leads
Traces must have a minimum breaking strain of 15lb
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
Run as part of Thamesmead Town Angling Club, day tickets are available for purchase at Birchmere. One rod will set you back £6 for a day ticket that runs from dawn until dusk and night fishing – whilst available – is for members only.
Golf Course Lakes
I am breaking a golden rule of mine by recommending Golf Course Lakes as a London-based pike fishing option on the premise that it isn’t really based in London. But it is in an absolutely beautiful setting in the heart of The Colne Valley on the easterly edge of the Grand Union Canal near Ickenham. Which is – fortunately for this London-centric pike fishing page – near enough to Ruislip (the central line) for us to class it as London.
For Pike fishing specifically the North Lake is a better bet. Deeper and larger the fishing is – of course – not easy, but there’s a good head of Pike at 20lb+. The South Lake is better known for its larger Bream and Tench up to 9lb.
Positive
Stunning location
Members have a choice of two lakes with multiple 20lb+ Pike
Guest tickets are available for £10 per head
22 pegs available across the two lakes
Negatives
As the lakes are quite wild snags can be a problem, so stronger line is recommended
Difficult to get to for true Londoners
Fish
Depth
Water Quality
Tackle & Bait
Membership
Carp
Eel
Pike
Perch
Tench
Bream
North Lake is the deeper of the two primary lakes at 4 – 12 feet deep and six acres in size. South Lake 4 – 8 feet and four acres whilst the smaller Narrow Pond – two acres – only reaches around 2 – 4 feet in depth.
Very good across the two lakes. The abundance of wildlife – and unfortunately snags – are tantamount to that.
The two lakes are well renowned for predator fishing
Lures and spinners – only in the game fishing season from October – March
Float fishing
Feeder fishing
Ledger weights
Landing mat and net
Boilies
Bread, corn and ground bait
Worms
Maggots
Dead baits
You need an environment agency fishing license for any freshwater fishing in England (except the River Tweed). If you don’t want to purchase a 12 month license -although it’s only £30 – you can purchase a one day license for just £6.
You can purchase membership online here with an adult annual membership coming in at £120 (plus £5 joining fee). And you don’t need to purchase an annual membership to try out the lakes – guest tickets are available for £10 a session. You need to be a registered member to use the ticket.
Membership runs from June 16th – June 15th year round and any members who don’t renew their membership prior to June 15th will need to reapply. Members have a choice of two lakes that operate on a text-based booking system. Just message the bailiff with your name, car registration, session duration and lake of choice.
FAQs
Can you fish for pike in London’s canals?
Yes, you can fish for pike in London’s canals. Both Regents Canal and The Grand Union hold a good head of pike, although they’re tricky to find. Fish Island, Bow Lock – going north of Tottenham – hold sizeable pike. And to the west, the area around Camden through to Paddington can be a good hunting ground.
Where can I go pike fishing in London?
In London you can fish for pike in:
The Grand Union Canal
Regents Canal
The River Lea
Jacks Lake
Walthamstow Reservoirs
The River Thames
Barnes and Mortlake Angling Preservation Society
Birchmere Lakes
Golf Course Lakes
Can you fish for pike in The River Thames?
Yes, you can fish for pike in The River Thames. In London, the area around Teddington, Richmond and Hampton Court is home to a number of weirs, structure and – importantly – bait fish that make it an excellent home for large pike.
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.
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