Our towns and cities have a surprising wealth of fishing that’s cheap and easy to access. The term urban fishing strikes up images of concrete and trollies but there are some real gems to be found. These 10 are well worth a look and, if you’re a non-driver, most of them are easy to get to by bus or train!
STOWE POOL, LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE
This 90-acre city pool has everything from carp into the high twenties, to roach, bream, perch and tench, all little more than half-a mile-from the main bus station, or just footsteps from the Cemetery stop. Try feeder fishing with maggot and caster or corn.
More info: lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk 01543 308866
LAKESIDE LEISURE, SKEGNESS, LINCOLNSHIRE
Peace and quiet aren’t guaranteed, but boats and day visitors don’t put the fish off! There are four lakes to choose from, the most notable being the Boating Lake, with carp and cats to more than 30lb. Other lakes, including Horseshoe and Kingfisher, offer tench, silvers and even the odd trout.
More info: 01754 872631
TAUNTON/BRIDGWATER CANAL, BRIDGWATER, SOMERSET
Lots to explore here, with quality mixed fishing for roach, rudd, silver bream, tench and pike, along with quality perch to over 2lb. Roving with float tackle works a treat with bread, caster and worms.
More info: 01278 431777
LADYGROVE LAKES, DIDCOT, BERKSHIRE
Sat among the suburbs of this Oxfordshire town are two productive lakes just yards from Ladygrove Shops bus stop. You’ll find plenty of carp, bream and also decent roach here.
More info: 01235 817005
OAKLEY ROAD FISHERY, BROMLEY, KENT
This small lake might be slap bang next to busy roads and the Hastings Road/Trinity Church bus stop, but who cares when the fishing is so productive? Expect plenty of carp, along with nice silvers and roach, to floatfished maggot.
More info: 07563 608382
BUDE CANAL, DEVON
Just five minutes walk from the bus stop at The Strand, this water offers fabulous mixed fishing, with excellent carp, bream and silvers, and even the odd sea fish. The family will love the nearby beach while you fish, too!
More info: www.budecanalangling.co.uk 01288 352048
HAVING THE RIGHT SEATBOX OR CHAIR IS VITAL FOR URBAN WATERS. SEE OUR GUIDES FOR BEST OPTIONS.
SEFTON PARK LAKE, LIVERPOOL
A nice venue for carp, with lots of double-figure fish to target using specimen gear, or stepped-up float and feeder tackle. Decent roach are here, but seldom targeted. Fishing is free with an EA licence, but you need to get a ticket online from the council.
More info: www.liverpool.gov.uk
EASINGTON ANGLING LAKE, CO DURHAM
A few yards off the Moor Lane bus stop, a short hop from Sunderland and Middlesbrough, this friendly community club has a beautifully restored fishing lake offering carp, tench, roach and even a few ide and crucians!
More info: www.easingtondistrictanglingsociety.co.uk
MOUSECROFT POOL, SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE
Just off Mousecroft Lane (SY3 9DX), this town lake features carp to 20lb, and good bream to pole or feeder tactics.
More info: www.shrewsburytownfisheries.co.uk, 01743 462699
FIND SOME MORE FANTASTIC SPOTS FOR PLEASURE FISHING NEAR YOU IN THIS GUIDE.
EASTVILLE PARK LAKE, BRISTOL
Right in the heart of suburban Bristol, this lake has good stocks of silvers and bonus carp. It’s a bargain for a season, but nights are best avoided and restrictions on swims and floating baits must be observed.
More info: www.bristol.gov.uk
As with most urban environments when it comes to your angling you never really know what the lakes contain. Some of the biggest surprise captures come from little ponds and lakes right in the heart of towns and cities and they always have a little mystery surrounding them. You'll also no doubt hear the stories from the regular dog walkers of huge fish from bygone eras, but some of them actually turn out to be true. Unless you give them a go, you'll truly never know.
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