Fishing in Lancashire

Where to fish in Lancashire

Best Fishing Venues in Lancashire

Where Are the Best Places to Fish in Lancashire?

Introduction

If you’re wondering where the best places to fish in Lancashire are, this guide will take you through the top spots offering a diverse range of fishing experiences. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, Lancashire’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs provide exceptional opportunities for all.

Discover the Best Fishing Venues in Lancashire: Carp, Course, Fly, and Sea Fishing Spots, here and on other pages on this site

Where Are the Best Places to Fish in Lancashire?

Introduction

If you’re wondering where the best places to fish in Lancashire are, this guide will take you through the top spots offering a diverse range of fishing experiences. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, Lancashire’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs provide exceptional opportunities for all.

1. Best Places to Fish in Lancashire

  • Ribble River: One of the best places to fish in Lancashire, known for its salmon and sea trout, perfect for fly fishing.
  • Fairhaven Lake: A family-friendly location with a variety of coarse fish, ideal for a relaxing day out.
  • Cleveley Mere: This private fishery is famous for its large pike and carp, offering an exclusive fishing experience.
  • Wyreside Lakes: A complex of lakes that is particularly noted for carp, providing varied fishing experiences.
  • Anglezarke Reservoir: Ideal for those seeking coarse fishing in a scenic setting.

Carp and Course Fishing:

  1. Borwick Fishing (Borwick Waters)
  1. Pendle View Fisheries
  1. Wyreside Lakes
  1. Bannister House Farm Fisheries
  1. Fleets Dam
  1. Curley’s Trout Fishery
  1. Bowland Lakes Leisure Village

Fly Fishing:

  1. Stocks Reservoir
  1. Mere Beck Fly Fishing

Sea Fishing:

  1. Fylde Coast
  2. Morecambe Bay

These venues cover a wide range of fishing experiences across Lancashire.

2. Interactive Map

Coming soon our interactive fishing map to find detailed information on parking, facilities, and fishing spots across Lancashire.

3. Seasonal Fishing Tips

Spring (March – May)

  • Coarse Fishing: As temperatures rise, coarse fish such as carp, tench, and bream become more active. Spring is an excellent time to target these species using float fishing or feeder tactics with maggots, worms, or corn.
  • Fly Fishing: Target trout in the Ribble River with nymphs and wet flies.
  • Pike Fishing: Early spring at Cleveley Mere is perfect for pike, as they feed aggressively after winter.

Summer (June – August)

  • Coarse Fishing: Summer is prime time for coarse fishing, particularly at Wyreside Lakes. Focus on early mornings or late evenings when fish are most active. Float fishing with pellets, boilies, or luncheon meat can yield great results. Surface fishing techniques, like using floating dog biscuits, can also be very effective for carp.
  • Fly Fishing: Continue to target trout and try dry fly fishing during hatches.
  • Night Fishing: Night sessions for carp at Wyreside Lakes are popular and often productive.

Autumn (September – November)

  • Coarse Fishing: As the weather cools, fish start to prepare for winter, feeding heavily. Autumn is an excellent time to target big bream and tench using ledgering tactics with ground bait to keep fish interested. Anglezarke Reservoir is an ideal location during this time.
  • Pike Fishing: Pike become more active as temperatures drop, making Cleveley Mere a hotspot for large catches. Use dead baits or large lures to entice these predators.
  • Salmon Fishing: The salmon runs are at their peak in the Ribble River, providing thrilling opportunities for anglers.

Winter (December – February)

  • Coarse Fishing: Winter fishing can be challenging, but targeting perch in Lancaster Canal or other still waters using small, bright lures or maggots can be rewarding. Focus on fishing deeper areas where fish tend to congregate in colder months.
  • Pike Fishing: Pike fishing at Cleveley Mere remains productive, with fish often found near structure or deep waters. Slow retrieval with lures or dead baiting can be particularly effective.

5. Best Techniques and Equipment

Fly Fishing

  • Target Species: Trout and salmon, particularly in rivers like the Ribble River.
  • Techniques: Use nymphs in spring, and dry flies in summer.
  • Internal Links: Learn more about Fly Fishing in Lancashire.

Coarse Fishing

  • Target Species: Carp, bream, tench, and roach in still waters like Wyreside Lakes.
  • Techniques: Float fishing in summer; ledgering with boilies or pellets. In colder months, use ground bait to attract and hold fish in your swim.

Pike Fishing

  • Target Species: Pike in waters like Cleveley Mere.
  • Techniques: Dead baiting in winter, slow retrieve lures in autumn.

Match Fishing

  • Target Species: Roach, bream, and carp in lakes and canals.
  • Techniques: Pole fishing with light rigs and ground baiting.
  • Coming soon our Match Fishing in Lancashire guide.

6. Local Facilities and Amenities

  • Accommodation: Find nearby lodges and campsites on our Accommodation Guide (coming soon)
  • Tackle Shops: Visit Local Tackle Shops for all your fishing needs.
  • Guided Tours: Explore options for Guided Fishing Tours across Lancashire.

Here are a few other great sources of information on fishing in general
Environment Agency: For up-to-date information on fishing licenses and regulations.
Angling Trust: A great resource for conservation efforts and angling news.