Exploring the Best Fishing Destinations in the UK

Although the UK is small, it is big on fishing.  

The UK’s choice of freshwater and saltwater fishing locations, from the rolling rivers of Wales to the tranquil lochs of Scotland, is unrivalled in its choice of regions that are steeped in tradition and beauty and are also bred with biodiversity.  

The lure is in salmon fly fishing in ancient rivers and bass angling just offshore from rugged coastlines, and the UK never fails to come out on top in the dreamy world of angling. 

All these advantages, plus the usage of smart fishing tools, make fishing in the UK even a more accessible and rewarding activity today.  

Such a resource as Fishbox is a popular tool used by anglers who want to arrive at the right time when fishing is the best, find the best catch times, and the species being caught in real-time.

The Fishbox App consists of knowledge of seasoned anglers, live environmental information, and predictive tech to make it a great tool whether you’re looking out for your neighbourhood waters or taking to the other side of America to catch the fish of a lifetime. 

So here, in no order, are some of the most iconic scenic and productive fishing locations around the UK that every angler should take on their bucket list.

1. Scotland – The Wild North of Fly Fishing

Scotland has a somewhat spiritual appearance in fly fishing, and it shows few signs of contention.  

Its great, unspoiled landscapes with legendary waters are famous for some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in the world.

Top Spots

• River Tay: The UK’s most famous salmon river, the fishing for Atlantic salmon on the Tay is good from spring to autumn.
• Loch Lomond: Ideal for pike, perch, and trout fishing. The fish is easy to look at, but as happy as its closeup is, the landscape surrounding it is just as captivating.

What You’ll Catch

• Atlantic Salmon
• Pike
• Brown trout

Best Seasons

• Summers for trout
• Spring & autumn for salmon

Local Tips

The number of permits required and the river section or beat varies. Most rivers are managed by local angling associations, which provide day tickets and advice. 

Here, salmon runs and water levels, both important to success, can be monitored through Fishbox.

2. Wales – Hills, Lakes, and Peaceful Rivers

Although the Rocky Mountains of Wales and its poetic charms are well known, Wales is also the freshwater fishing powerhouse. Welsh rivers and lakes are quiet and scenic, offering anglers seeking serenity and ideal spots.

Top Spots

• Llyn Clywedog: Some of its best-stocked trout fishing in the country is made by a man-made reservoir.
• River Usk: Its thick brown trout and grayling population make it a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a mainly rural area.

What You’ll Catch

• Grayling
• Brown trout
• Rainbow trout

Best Seasons

• Winters for grayling
• Late springs to early autumn for trout

Local Tips

Several Welsh waters are flying only, and catch and release policies may apply. 

Weather changes and insect hatches are important things to track, and the Fishbox App can be used in these waters to help track them.

3. Northern Ireland – Underrated and Full of Surprises

Fishing is rarely thought about as something to do in Northern Ireland, but that just makes it even more fun. 

It is filled with vast lakes and powerful rivers but offers games and courses, among other exciting opportunities for anglers.

Top Spots

• River Bann: The longest river in Northern Ireland, famous for its salmon and dollaghan (a unique lake trout).
• Lough Erne: A huge lake system that is ideal for pike and coarse fishing.

What You’ll Catch

• Dollaghan
• Bream
• Salmon
• Pike

Best Seasons

• Year-round coarse fishing in lakes
• Autumn for dollaghan
• Summers for salmon

Local Tips

Boat fishing is ideal on Lough Erne. Spots are very free or can be rented cheaply. 

To determine which part of the lake or river is most active, you can use Fishbox. This will make your casting much easier.

4. England – From the Chalk Streams to the Lakes

England has some of the world’s best trout streams, as well as sprawling lake districts and productive canals.

Top Spots

• River Test, Hampshire: One of the most famous chalk streams in the world for its crystal clear waters and its fly fishing tradition.
• Lake District (e.g., Ullswater, Derwentwater): Offers a mix of species in deep, scenic glacial lakes.

What You’ll Catch

• Perch
• Pike
• Grayling
• Brown trout

Best Seasons

• Summers & autumn for Pike and perch
• Late springs for fly fishing

Local Tips

Thousands of miles of chalk stream fishing support, along with associated fisheries, are owned privately, and fishing in many requires special permission or bookings. 

In areas such as the Test, The Fishbox App can help you find where to find publicly accessed beats or local guides.

5. Coastal Gems – UK’s Saltwater Hotspots

For saltwater rods and reels, the list of possibilities on the UK’s coastline runs on endless safari.

Top Spots

• Cornwall: Renowned for bass fishing, especially around Newquay and the Lizard Peninsula.
• Northumberland: Provides rock and surf fishing for cod and flatfish.
• Pembrokeshire Coast: Tons of fish suited to cliffs or piers for wrasse, mackerel, and pollock.

What You’ll Catch

• Pollock
• Bass
• Cod
• Wrasse
• Mackerel

Best Seasons

• Winters for Cod
• Summers for Mackerel and Bass

Local Tips

Tide knowledge is key when fishing the coast. There are places where Fishbox can provide accurate tide charts, lunar data, and the best fishing windows.  

Most of these also provide kayak and boat fishing for adventurous anglers.

6. Hidden Gems – Off the Beaten Track

Even great fishing isn’t required with a famous name. Lesser-known fisheries and wild waters do not have the crowds to make it into a magnet for fishermen.

Top Spots

• Blagdon Lake, Somerset: A trout lake of historical importance, fly fishing, sporting rolling hills.
• Loch Awe, Scotland: Famous for monster pike and wild brown trout.
• River Dove, Derbyshire: An idyllic limestone river with links to Izaak Walton and classic English fly fishing.

What You’ll Catch

• Rainbow trout
• Wild brown trout
• Pike

Best Seasons

• Autumn for pike
• Spring and early Summers for trout

Local Tips

Often, these hidden gems have angling clubs local to them that offer passes on an intermittent day basis. 

Fishbox researches in advance or suggests lesser-known hotspots according to your preferences.

Conclusion

The UK has a unique fishing landscape with ancient rivers filled with hundreds of years of angling history, as well as modern lakes teeming with game and coarse fish.  

Wherever you are fishing, it is always the experience of connection with nature, tradition, and sport – whether you are swinging a fly on the Hampshire chalk streams, mixing it with the bass in Cornish surf, or picking on a Highland loch. 

The right information is always key, no matter where you cast your line. 

That’s where Fishbox comes in. The Fishbox App has smart forecasting tools, location-based fishing advice, and community reports to help you fish smarter, not harder. 

So why wait? The UK’s waters are calling. Head down to the river and open up Fishbox to come across this island nation’s angling adventure.