The Best Fly Fishing Rivers in the UK: Where to Fish This Summer
Looking for the best fly fishing rivers in the UK this summer? From the mighty Eden on our doorstep to the chalk streams of the South, discover our top picks and the gear you need to fish them.
Summer is finally here. The mayfly hatch has passed, the rivers have settled into their summer levels, and the evenings are stretching out beautifully. It is, without a doubt, our favourite time of year to be on the water. We spend a lot of time in the shop talking to customers about where they are heading for their summer trips. It is always fascinating to hear the plans. Everyone has their favourite stretch of water, but there are a few rivers that constantly come up in conversation.
We are incredibly lucky in the UK. We have an astonishing variety of fly fishing available to us. From the tumbling freestone rivers of the North to the gin-clear chalk streams of the South, there is something to suit every style of angler. If you are looking for inspiration for a summer fishing trip, we have put together a list of what we consider to be some of the best fly fishing rivers in the UK.
1. The River Eden, Cumbria
We have to start close to home. The River Eden flows practically past our front door here in Penrith, and we are fiercely protective of it. It is a magnificent freestone river, winding its way through some of the most beautiful countryside in the North of England.
The Eden is famous for its wild brown trout. These are not stocked fish. They are wild, beautifully marked, and often surprisingly large. Summer on the Eden is all about evening rises. As the sun drops, the river comes alive with rising fish taking sedges and small olives. It is challenging fishing. The water is often clear and the fish are easily spooked. You need a stealthy approach and a delicate presentation.
A light fly fishing rod, something like a 9ft 4-weight, is perfect here. You want a rod that can punch a dry fly into a breeze but still protect a fine tippet. The Greys Cruise Fly Combo is a cracking starting point if you are new to this style of fishing. At £143.99 for a rod and reel setup, it is hard to beat as an entry into river trouting.
(River Eden, Cumbria)
2. The River Test, Hampshire
You cannot talk about the best fly fishing rivers in the UK without mentioning the Test. It is the spiritual home of dry fly fishing. This is a chalk stream in its purest form. The water is incredibly clear, filtered through the chalk hills, and it supports an astonishing abundance of insect life.
Fishing the Test is an experience. It is steeped in history and tradition. You are often fishing to sighted fish, casting to individual trout that you can clearly see holding in the current. It requires precision casting and an absolute understanding of what the fish are feeding on. The "match the hatch" philosophy was practically invented here.
You will need a good selection of trout flies to succeed on the Test. Tiny upwing patterns, delicate spinners, and terrestrial patterns are all essential. Because the water is so clear, good fishing sunglasses are absolutely vital. You need to be able to spot the fish before they spot you.
(River Test, Hampshire)
3. The River Tweed, Scotland
If you are after salmon, the River Tweed is legendary. It is one of the "Big Four" Scottish salmon rivers, and it produces some spectacular fish every year. While the autumn run is perhaps the most famous, summer salmon fishing on the Tweed can be exceptional, particularly if you get a good lift in water levels.
The Tweed is a big river. It requires a different approach to the intimate trout streams. You will be using double-handed rods, Spey casting long lines, and covering a lot of water. It is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. There is nothing quite like the solid pull of a fresh-run salmon taking your fly in a strong current.
For this kind of fishing, you need robust gear. A reliable fly reel with a strong drag system is non-negotiable. You also need dependable waders and boots. You will be spending long hours in the water, often wading deep. We sell a lot of Simms waders to Tweed regulars because they simply do not let you down
(River Tweed, Scotland)
4. The River Usk, Wales
The Usk is a fantastic, fast-flowing river in South Wales. It is renowned for both its wild brown trout and its runs of salmon and sea trout. It is a river of deep pools, fast glides, and rocky runs. It is incredibly varied, meaning you might be fishing a dry fly in the morning and swinging a salmon fly in the afternoon.
The trout fishing on the Usk is top-tier. The fish are strong and fight hard in the fast currents. It is a river that rewards a versatile angler. You need to be able to switch tactics quickly depending on the conditions. Nymphing in the deeper runs is often highly effective during the day, before switching to dry flies for the evening rise.
Because the wading on the Usk can be tricky, with slippery bedrock and uneven bottoms, good footwear is essential. A sturdy pair of wading boots with tungsten studs will keep you upright and confident.
(River Usk, Wales)
5. The River Wharfe, Yorkshire
The Wharfe is a classic Yorkshire Dales river. It is a beautiful, tumbling freestone river that offers some of the best wild brown trout and grayling fishing in the country. It is a river of contrasts, from the fast, rocky upper reaches to the slower, deeper glides further downstream.
The Wharfe is famous for its "North Country Spiders". These traditional, sparsely dressed wet flies are incredibly effective here. Fishing a team of spiders across and down the fast runs is a traditional and highly successful method. It is active, engaging fishing that requires constant concentration.
You do not need heavy gear for the Wharfe. A light, responsive rod and a floating fly line are all you need. A good fishing bag to carry your flies, tippet, and a flask of tea is also highly recommended.
(River Wharfe, Yorkshire)
Essential Gear for Summer River Fishing
|
Item |
Why You Need It |
Our Recommendation |
|
Lightweight Waders |
Summer rivers are warmer, but you still need to stay dry. Breathability is key. |
|
|
Polarised Sunglasses |
Essential for spotting fish and reading the water, while protecting your eyes from glare. |
Any quality amber or copper lens from our sunglasses range. |
|
Dry Fly Selection |
Summer evenings are all about the dry fly. Have a variety of sizes and profiles. |
A comprehensive selection from our trout flies section. |
|
Floatant and Sinkant |
You need your dry flies to ride high and your nymphs to drop quickly. |
Gink for dry flies, Xink for nymphs and leaders. |
FAQ: Summer River Fly Fishing
Q: What is the best time of day to fish in the summer?
A: During the height of summer, the middle of the day can be very tough. The sun is high, the water is warm, and the fish often seek deep cover. The best fishing is usually early in the morning before the sun gets too hot, and late in the evening when the temperature drops and the hatches begin. The "evening rise" is the classic summer fly fishing experience.
Q: Do I need chest waders for summer fishing?
A: Not always. If you are fishing smaller rivers or streams, thigh waders or even just wading trousers might be perfectly adequate and much cooler. However, chest waders give you the versatility to wade deeper if you need to cross the river or reach a difficult lie. If you choose chest waders, make sure they are highly breathable.
Q: What tippet strength should I use for summer trout?
A: Summer river levels are often low and clear. This means the fish can be very spooky and line-shy. You will generally need to scale down your tippet size compared to spring fishing. A 4lb or 5lb fluorocarbon tippet is a good starting point, but you may need to drop down to 3lb or even 2lb if the fish are being particularly fussy.
Q: Are there any specific rules I need to be aware of?
A: Yes. Always check the local bylaws for the river you are fishing. Different rivers have different rules regarding catch and release, bag limits, and the types of flies you can use. You also need a valid Environment Agency rod licence to fish anywhere in England and Wales.
Get Out There
We are blessed with some truly magnificent rivers in the UK. Whether you are stalking wild brownies on the Eden or swinging a fly for salmon on the Tweed, summer is the time to make the most of it. Make sure your gear is sorted, check your fly boxes, and get out on the water.
If you need any advice on where to go or what gear you need, pop into the shop in Penrith or browse our full fishing tackle range online. We are always happy to point you in the right direction. Tight lines.
