Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Thursday 28th August 2008

Fishing in UK canals and rivers

Fishing is growing in popularity with more and more anglers flocking to our peaceful canals and rivers every year.

In this section we outline fascinating facts and figures for some of our more common freshwater fish together with essential do's and don'ts for fishing along the inland waterways.

It is important for anglers to have an appreciation of and respect for their quarry. The more you know about a fish, the more enjoyable the fishing experience.

However, it is perhaps even more important for anglers to appreciate and respect the wildlife and natural environment surrounding their 'swim'. Hence our piece on angling and wildlife; essential reading for any attentive angler.

Remember to buy your rod licence before you go fishing.

In this section ...

Dos and don'ts for fishing along UK canals and rivers »
Essential dos and don’ts for fishing on the UK inland waterways. More »
Fishing for tench »
The so-called 'Doctor Fish' has been a popular catch for anglers for many years. The tench has a strong stocky body which enables it to put up a good fight -inspiring many to specialise it its capture. More »
Fishing for barbel »
Ask any group of coarse anglers which species they would most like to catch, and barbel would be the choice of many. This bronzed fish is prized for its beauty and for its impressive resistance once hooked. More »
Fishing for pike »
The sudden scream of a reel and the arching of your rod as you reel in what you thought was a 1lb roach provides the first clue that your catch has been taken by one of the world’s first class freshwater predators, the pike. More »
Fishing for carp »
The carp is one of the most adaptable fish in the country. With its distinct appearance, long life span and one-time reputation as being un-catchable, the carp remains popular with anglers who have refined specialised techniques for catching this unique fish. More »
Fishing for roach »
Widespread, abundant and happy to take a wide range of bait, it's no wonder that the roach is one of the most popular fish among anglers. The roach is also the mainstay of many fisheries across the country. More »