Top kayak Fishing Spots In The UK That Are Worth Visiting

Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors, or extreme sports, there’s nothing like a good kayaking trip to get your mood up. With the warmer weather and spring just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to go kayaking. Kayaking is a great and beginner-friendly way to spend your time outdoors. If you know how to kayak, you can explore new areas, get some exercise, and catch some gorgeous views and fish!

Kayak fishing is a unique sport and skill that has recently grown quite popular throughout the UK. It combines the peace and serenity of fishing with the excitement of kayaking! If you’re planning a trip around the UK and want to get some kayaking and fishing in, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of the best kayak fishing spots in the UK to help guide you along the way! Check out these exciting destinations and make your next kayaking trip worthwhile!

What to bring for a kayak fishing trip?

If you’re a beginner kayak fisher, chances are you don’t yet know the ins and outs of all the equipment you’ll need. It’s always a good idea to bring along camping essentials like warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and a life-vest. Aside from the usual fishing equipment, you’ll also need to bring along the star of the show: the kayak.

Many beginners often grapple with the decision of getting a hard-shell or inflatable kayak. Recently, the answer to the inflatable vs hard-shell war has been leaning towards inflatable kayaks, and for good reason. Inflatable kayaks are much more beginner-friendly, easier to transport, and lightweight.

They’re easy to set up and dismantle, meaning you’re able to explore more with less effort and a fraction of the time. Read on to learn about the best kayak fishing spots in the UK!

Derwent Water (Lake District)

The lake district is home to some of the most beautiful nature in the country, making it the top of this list. Although there are many places for you to kayak and fish to your heart’s delight, Derwent Water is the best of the best. Lovingly called “The Queen of The Lakes”, Derwent Water is home to some of the heaviest fish in the country, with many catching over 20lb fish!

The calm and serene waters are perfect for beginner fishers and are just as good if you’re a pro. Visit the east shore if you’re in the mood for kayak fishing for pike, trout, or perch. If you’re in the market for trout, June is the best time to visit.

River Fal (Cornwall)

Next on the list of must-see places for Kayak fishers are the clear and sparkling waters of the River Fal. This gorgeous, Cornish river is surrounded by a myriad of connecting waterways, making it a top pick for kayak fishers. The area is more sheltered from the elements than other open waters, so it’s perfect for winter wishing. In the River Fal, you can find plenty of Cornish mackerel, herring, pollack, whiting, dogfish, and seabass, to name a few.

Although the River Fal area is vast, some parts of it prohibit fishing or catching certain fish. It’s always a good idea to do your research beforehand, to be on the safe side. The surrounding area is gorgeous and makes for a beautiful kayak trek in the early morning. Make sure to bring your cameras to snap some gorgeous photos while you fish!

River Ouse (North Yorkshire)

If you’re looking to catch some fresh eels on your next kayak fishing trip, then look no further than the River Ouse. This 129-mile long river is located in northern Yorkshire and is the 6th longest river in the UK. The River Ouse is home to a wide variety of specimens from barbel to perch, to zander to eels.

Because of the size of the river, the rod license costs can differ from location to location. Be sure to research and check what the prices and laws are in the area before you embark on your trip. If you’re a fan of river fishing, then the River Ouse is a great choice for you!

Snowdonia (Northwest Wales)

Next on the list of top places to kayak fish in the UK is the National Park of Snowdonia in northwest Wales. The scenic freshwater lakes and the surrounding area make for a great camping spot for tourists and also attract a lot of kayak fishers. The Lyn Tegid (or Bala Lake) is a vast freshwater lake in the area that is the most popular with fishers.

If you have a rod license, you can catch one of 14 species of fish including perch, pike grayling, and eels. Other popular fishing spots include Llyn Dywarchen and Llyn Brenig if you’re interested in fly-fishing. Snowdonia is the perfect summer getaway as there are plenty of things to do for the whole family! From rafting to surfing, to bodyboarding and wakeboarding, there’s something for everyone!

Loch Ken (Galloway)

Last but not least, the final entry on this list is Loch Ken in Scotland. Located in the county of Kirkcudbrightshire, this freshwater lake is a popular destination for tourists and fishermen alike. Loch Ken is one of many popular fishing destinations in Scotland and has a rich array of fish to catch. From pike, trout, roach, to bream and perch, you can have your pick. Kayaking is a popular sport in Scotland, where you can explore some of the most remote and stunning areas in the country.

Although the area is fit for beginners, pros come to compete in freshwater fishing competitions held there every year. If you fancy a bit of competition or want to show off your fishing skills, head to this Scottish wetland in October for some fun!

So there you have it! Now that you’re all up to date, you’re ready to plan your next kayak fishing trip like a pro! Remember to plan and pack all your equipment, from your fishing gear to your inflatable kayak. Explore the Derwent Water in the lake district or head all the way down south to the River Fal in Cornwall. Visit the River Ouse in Yorkshire, head west to Snowdonia, or head up north to Loch Ken in Galloway. The world is your oyster, so take a chance and go kayak fishing this year!