Fish Species in Lancashire – Complete Angler’s Guide to Local Fish
A Comprehensive Guide
Lancashire is a haven for anglers, offering a diverse range of freshwater fish species across its lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Whether you’re targeting well-known species like carp and pike or seeking out lesser-known fish, this guide covers everything you need to know about the fish you can catch in Lancashire’s waters.
1. Carp
- Habitat: Found in many lakes and slow-moving rivers across Lancashire.
- Identification: Large-bodied fish with barbels around the mouth, typically golden-brown.
- Fishing Tips: Carp fishing often requires patience, with popular techniques including float fishing and using boilies.
- Learn more about Carp Fishing in Lancashire
2. Pike
- Habitat: Inhabit larger bodies of water, including reservoirs and slow-moving rivers.
- Identification: Long, torpedo-shaped body with sharp teeth and a distinctive greenish hue.
- Fishing Tips: Pike are often caught using lures or dead baits, best targeted early morning or late evening.
- Discover Pike Fishing Spots
3. Trout
- Habitat: Found in rivers and reservoirs, with both brown and rainbow trout present.
- Identification: Speckled with spots, often red or black, with a streamlined body.
- Fishing Tips: Fly fishing is the most popular method, especially in streams and smaller rivers.
- Explore Trout Fishing Techniques
4. Perch
- Habitat: Common in lakes, rivers, and canals across Lancashire.
- Identification: Striped with a greenish body and red-tinted fins.
- Fishing Tips: Jigging with soft plastics or using live bait like worms is effective.
- Find Perch Fishing Venues
5. Roach
- Habitat: Plentiful in rivers, canals, and lakes.
- Identification: Silver with red fins and large scales.
- Fishing Tips: Float fishing with maggots or bread is a popular technique.
- Learn More About Roach Fishing
6. Bream
- Habitat: Often found in deeper lakes and larger reservoirs.
- Identification: Deep-bodied, bronze-colored fish with a flattened appearance.
- Fishing Tips: Groundbaiting with a feeder setup is effective.
- Bream Fishing Tips
7. Chub
- Habitat: Fast-flowing rivers like the Ribble.
- Identification: Cylindrical body, greenish-brown, with a large mouth.
- Fishing Tips: Using live bait or lures mimicking small fish works well.
8. Eel
- Habitat: Found in various rivers and lakes, particularly in less disturbed areas.
- Identification: Long, snake-like body with a slimy texture.
- Fishing Tips: Night fishing with worm bait is typically effective.
- Eel Fishing Advice
9. Tench
- Habitat: Prefers weedy lakes and ponds.
- Identification: Olive-green with a rounded body and red eyes.
- Fishing Tips: Fishing with a feeder rod and using maggots or sweetcorn as bait can yield good results.
10. Grayling
- Habitat: Found in cleaner, faster-flowing rivers.
- Identification: Silver with a large dorsal fin, often referred to as the “lady of the stream.”
- Fishing Tips: Fly fishing with small nymphs or dry flies is most effective.
11. Rudd
- Habitat: Found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
- Identification: Golden in color with a red tint to the fins and an upturned mouth.
- Fishing Tips: Often caught using light tackle and small baits like maggots or bread.
12. Barbel
- Habitat: Typically found in fast-flowing rivers such as the Ribble.
- Identification: Long, cylindrical body with barbels around the mouth.
- Fishing Tips: Known for their strong fight, barbel are often caught using ledgering techniques with baits like pellets, boilies, or luncheon meat.
13. Minnow
- Habitat: Common in streams and rivers with clean water.
- Identification: Small, slender fish with a dark band along the sides.
- Fishing Tips: Often caught using small hooks and light tackle, commonly used as live bait for larger species.
14. Bullhead
- Habitat: Bottom-dwelling fish typically found in rivers and streams.
- Identification: Small, broad, and flattened head with a mottled brown color.
- Fishing Tips: Usually caught by accident while targeting other species, often with small baits like worms.
15. Dace
- Habitat: River species often caught by anglers.
- Identification: Slender, silver body with a slightly forked tail.
- Fishing Tips: Float fishing with maggots or small flies is effective.
16. Stone Loach
- Habitat: Found in clear, fast-flowing waters.
- Identification: Small, elongated body with a mottled brown appearance.
- Fishing Tips: Typically caught with small hooks and baits like worms or maggots.
17. Gudgeon
- Habitat: Rivers, canals, and lakes.
- Identification: Small, with a bluish-silver body and a whisker-like barbel near the mouth.
- Fishing Tips: Often caught using light tackle with maggots or small worms.
18. Brook Lamprey
- Habitat: Clean rivers with sandy or gravelly bottoms.
- Identification: Eel-like with a sucker mouth, lacks true jaws.
- Fishing Tips: Typically not targeted by anglers due to their small size and protected status.
19. Stickleback
- Habitat: Ponds, ditches, and slow-moving rivers.
- Identification: Small, with three to four spines on the back and a slender body.
- Fishing Tips: Usually caught by accident when targeting other small species.
Tips for Successful Fishing in Lancashire
Fishing in Lancashire can be incredibly rewarding if you know what you’re doing. Here are some tips to make the most of your fishing trips:
- Check Local Rules: Before heading out, be sure to check with the individual fishery for their specific rules and regulations. Additionally, review local bylaws and rules. For more information, visit the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust.
- Seasonal Considerations: Some fish species are more active during certain times of the year. Visit our Fishing Tips section for seasonal advice.
Join the Lancashire Fishing Community
We encourage you to share your fishing experiences and tips with other anglers. Visit our Contact Us page to ask any questions or connect with other fishing enthusiasts.
For more detailed information on fishing licenses and regulations, visit the GOV.UK fishing license page.