Knowing the species you’re targeting not only makes your fishing more successful, but also more rewarding. Each species has its own behaviour, preferred bait, and ideal habitat. Whether you’re fishing lakes, rivers, canals or coastal waters, here’s a handy guide to some of the UK’s most popular fish.
1. Carp
Arguably the UK’s most sought-after coarse fish, carp are strong, smart, and often elusive. Common, mirror, and leather carp are the main varieties you’ll encounter.
- Where: Stillwaters, commercial fisheries, lakes, and canals
- Best Baits: Boilies, sweetcorn, pellets, bread
- When to Fish: Warmer months, early morning and late evening
2. Pike
A top predator, pike offer thrilling sport for those who enjoy lure or deadbait fishing. Handle with care—they’ve got serious teeth.
- Where: Rivers, lakes, large canals
- Best Baits: Lures, deadbait (sprats, mackerel)
- When to Fish: Autumn to early spring
3. Perch
Great fun on light tackle, perch are aggressive feeders and often found in shoals. Their bold stripes and spiky fins make them easily recognisable.
- Where: Rivers, lakes, canals
- Best Baits: Worms, small lures, maggots
- When to Fish: Year-round, especially effective in cooler weather
4. Roach
Roach are one of the most common and accessible freshwater species in the UK. Ideal for beginners, but still a favourite among experienced anglers.
- Where: Canals, rivers, ponds, lakes
- Best Baits: Maggots, bread, casters
- When to Fish: All year, best in mild conditions
5. Barbel
Barbel are powerful river fish, known for their fighting strength. A real prize for river anglers, particularly on the float or feeder.
- Where: Clean, fast-flowing rivers like the Wye or Trent
- Best Baits: Meat, pellets, boilies
- When to Fish: Summer evenings and autumn days
6. Tench
Tench are elusive bottom-feeders, often active in low light. They’re a classic summer target, especially in lily-covered lakes.
- Where: Stillwaters, gravel pits, estate lakes
- Best Baits: Sweetcorn, worms, bread, groundbait
- When to Fish: Spring through early autumn
7. Trout (Brown & Rainbow)
Trout provide some of the finest sport fishing in the UK. Brown trout are wild and wily, while rainbow trout are often stocked for sport.
- Where: Rivers, streams, reservoirs
- Best Baits: Flies, spinners, worms
- When to Fish: Spring and early summer, depending on the venue
8. Sea Bass
One of the UK’s top sea species, bass can be found from the shore or boat and put up a cracking fight.
- Where: Estuaries, surf beaches, rocky marks
- Best Baits: Lugworm, peeler crab, lures
- When to Fish: Late spring to early autumn
9. Mackerel
A summer staple for sea anglers, mackerel are fast, plentiful, and great for beginners. A string of feathers off a pier can result in a full line of fish.
- Where: Piers, harbours, boats
- Best Baits: Feather rigs, shiny lures
- When to Fish: Summer months
10. Pollack
Often found around rocky coastlines, pollack are aggressive feeders and great fun on light tackle.
- Where: Deep water, rocks, piers, boats
- Best Baits: Lures, ragworm, mackerel strips
- When to Fish: Spring through autumn