Fishing seasons in the UK
Fly fishing is a popular sport in the United Kingdom, with many anglers eagerly awaiting the start of each season to test their skills on the water. The UK benefits from not having extremely harsh seasons, but that doesn’t mean we’re not susceptible to some floods, heavy rain and winds.
There are four main fly fishing seasons in the UK, each with its unique challenges and opportunities, here’s our rundown of each season and what to expect depending on what time of year it is…
Spring
The spring season, which typically runs from March through May, is a popular time for fly fishing in the UK. As the water begins to warm up, fish become more active and start to feed more aggressively. This can make for some exciting fishing, particularly for trout and grayling.
Popular fly patterns for spring include black gnats, March browns, and hares ear nymphs.
Summer
The summer season, which runs from June through August, can be a challenging time for fly fishing in the UK. As the water temperatures rise, fish become more lethargic and less active, making them more difficult to catch.
This is particularly true on hot, sunny days when fish tend to retreat to deeper, cooler waters. Popular fly patterns for summer include dry flies such as black ants, beetles, and hoppers, as well as nymphs and streamers fished near the bottom.
Autumn
The autumn season, which typically runs from September through November, is a popular time for fly fishing in the UK. As the water temperatures cool down, fish become more active and start to feed more aggressively again. This can make for some exciting fishing, particularly for brown trout and salmon. Popular fly patterns for autumn include caddis flies, woolly buggers, and egg patterns.
Winter
The winter season, which runs from December through February, can be a challenging time for fly fishing in the UK. As the water temperatures drop, fish become less active and more difficult to catch. However, there are still opportunities for winter fly fishing, particularly for grayling. Popular fly patterns for winter include small nymphs, midges, and black flies.
In addition to these four main seasons, there are also regional variations in fly fishing seasons across the UK. For example, the spring season tends to start earlier in the south of England and later in Scotland. Similarly, the autumn season tends to last longer in the north of England and Scotland than in the south.
Overall, the different fly fishing seasons in the UK offer a range of challenges and opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're fishing for trout, salmon, grayling, or other species, each season brings its unique rewards and experiences on the water.
We offer expert advice on fishing if you want to visit us in store – you can also shop our Fishing Collection online to find the best brands on the market.
