Fishing in the UK in Spring: Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Season
As the days grow longer, the air warmer, and the chill of winter starts to fade, spring is an exciting time for anglers across the UK. It marks the start of a new fishing season, bringing with it a variety of opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting to pick up your rod, spring fishing can be a bit tricky if you're not prepared.
Spring offers a perfect balance of mild weather and abundant fish activity. The warming waters signal to many fish species that it’s time to feed and prepare for spawning. This period is vital for anglers, as fish are typically more active and more likely to bite. Plus, the spring months often bring fewer crowds compared to summer, offering a quieter, more peaceful experience.
Whether you're fishing in freshwater rivers and lakes or venturing out into the saltwater for some sea fishing, spring provides the right conditions for various species.
Top Species to Fish for in Spring
1. Carp
Carp are also highly active in spring, as the warmer waters stimulate their feeding behavior. They’re known for being more challenging to catch during colder months, but once the weather heats up, they are more likely to be found in the shallow margins.
Best Baits: Boilies, sweetcorn, and pellets.
Fishing Techniques: The most effective methods for carp fishing in spring include solid bags, Zigs or hair rigged boilie. Many anglers prefer fishing in the early mornings or late afternoons when carp are more active.
2. Perch
Perch are another species that become more active in the spring. These fish are predatory and thrive in the UK’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. As the temperature rises, perch move into shallow waters to hunt for food.
Best Baits: Worms, minnows, and small lures.
Fishing Techniques: Use light spinning tackle to cast small lures or spinners. A slow and steady retrieve can entice perch to bite.
2. Bream
Bream are best caught during this time of year in the early mornings or late afternoons, using a slightly sweet groundbait to attract them to your spot. Bream are usually more active during these times of the day when the water is still quite cool. They tend to keep to the deeper, calmer areas of the water so look for areas with overhanging trees and drop-offs. Check the weather forecast, as calmer days with little wind are often the best for this species.
Best Baits: Maggots, Redworm, or small pieces of bread and corn, sweet groundbait or a sweet additive.
Fishing Techniques: Regularly feed your spot to keep the fish interested and cast your bait as close to the lakebed or riverbed as you can. Keep your retrieve slow and steady, using a light feeder rig and short hook length.
4. Roach
Roach prefer water that’s no deeper than 6ft with a steady flow at this time of year. Make sure you’re using light tackle; floats, line and hooks, to increase your chances of a bite. Roach like to feed in weed beds as they can use these as cover from predators, so aim for these covered areas of the water.
Best Baits: Maggots, Casters, Bread, Hemp, Sweetcorn and Worms.
Fishing Techniques: Use a small hook size on a fine line with either maggots, casters, bread punch, as well as a loose feed like groundbait that will disperse in the water to attract the shoal to your spot.
Top Tips for Spring Fishing
- Time Your Fishing Trips Wisely: Fish are more active early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the water is cooler and less disturbed by traffic. Aim to fish at dawn or late afternoon for the best chances of success.
- Use the Right Bait: The spring months bring a variety of natural food sources into the water, including small fish, worms, and insect larvae. Use baits that mimic these food sources, like maggots, worms, and small lures. Freshwater fish, such as carp and trout, are particularly fond of worms and maggots in the spring, but brightly coloured pop ups or bright fruity attractants will also work.
- Check the Weather Forecast: Spring weather can be unpredictable, so always check the weather forecast before heading out. Fish tend to bite better when the weather is stable and warm. Avoid fishing during heavy rain, as this can cause water temperatures to fluctuate rapidly, affecting fish activity.
- Target Shallow Areas: As fish become more active in spring, they often move to shallow waters, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Target areas near the banks, reed beds, or submerged structures like rocks and fallen trees.
Essential Gear for Spring Fishing
Using the right gear is key to a successful fishing experience. The UK’s spring waters can vary widely in terms of temperature and conditions, so it's essential to bring the right equipment for the job.
Equipment:
Carp Fishing: A 10-12ft carp rod with a test curve of around 2.5-3.5lb is ideal for spring fishing. Use a reel with a smooth drag to avoid line breakage when a large carp takes the bait.
Bream Fishing: A 12ft Pellet Waggler Rods or a Tench Rod is ideal for Bream fishing this time of year.
Roach Fishing: Use a fine 3lb or 4lb line and small hook size to catch your roach during spring, on a mid-length lightweight rod. Make sure there’s enough mid-section power to deal with heavier fish but sensitive enough to offer instant bite detection.
Perch Fishing: Lure Rods are ideal for Perch Spring fishing. You want a rod that will bend most in the upper third of the blank to help with sensitivity.
For spring fishing, you’ll want to use a line that’s appropriate for the species you’re targeting. For most freshwater species, a 10-12lb monofilament line will suffice.
Spring fishing in the UK offers an exciting opportunity to catch a wide range of species. With the right preparation, gear, and techniques, you can enjoy a rewarding fishing season. Just remember to respect local regulations, keep an eye on the weather, and always be mindful of the species you're targeting. So grab your gear, pick your fishing spot, and enjoy a successful spring fishing adventure in the UK!
