Fly fishing in London? Your read that right! Think of London and most likely it conjures up visions of urban sprawl, crowded subways, pollution, noise and a landscape dominated by concrete. This is not exactly synonymous with a pastime usually associated with remote, pristine environments. You’d probably think of the managed banks of Hampshire chalkstreams or the remote lochs in the Scottish Highlands.
However, for the intrepid anger willing to go off the beaten path and boldly go where very few other fly anglers venture they will discover a lifetime’s worth of fishing for a diverse range of species. My own journey into this type of angling began several years ago. It was motivated by the need to fish as often and as cheaply as possible. Along the way I’ve learned new methods and discovered quite a few amazing venues with some unbelievable fish residing within them.
Photos above by @Ben_quinton
Venue Types Found in London
Docks
Before the advent of air freight, shipping containers and heavy goods vehicles, docks formed a key part of the UK’s commercial infrastructure. Most of the docks are located in the eastern section of the city, particularly in the north side of the river Thames. Given that they were constructed to dock ocean going vessels they are pretty deep, in some cases thirty feet plus.
The fish community varies by dock. One or two are dominated by carp, others have mostly mixed coarse species (roach, bream, zander and perch in particular). Where the docks are connected to the Thames, saltwater fish also are present. They find their way in when pleasure and small commercial vessels enter and leave via the locks. Mullet are not an uncommon sight in some docks as well. And, one dock has become a sea bass mecca for London’s lure anglers. Even more surprising is the presence of sea trout in many of the docks. Although rare, they aren’t an altogether uncommon catch for bait and lure anglers.
The fishing used to be under the control of various now defunct clubs so at the moment are de facto free.
Photo by @Ben_quinton
Rivers and streams
All four corners of London have streams and rivers of varying sizes. They range from grotty urban brooks with road run off, culverts and high walled flood defences. The best known of all of London’s rivers is the River Wandle. It’s a conservation success that has an established population of wild brown trout which were reintroduced just over twenty years ago. General coarse fish dominate these waterways with the chub being most common.
Accessibility is generally free. With that said, some London Boroughs prohibit fishing outside of designated fishing areas but do not actively police. So, the only issue will be the odd interaction with local busy bodies.
Head to this link to check of some of Tim’s recommended flies for fly fishing in London!
Stillwaters
London has a lot of still waters ranging from small park ponds, park lakes such as those found in Hampstead Heath, to very large reservoirs such was the Walthamstow Wetlands. Your targets will be roach, rudd, bream, perch and carp.
Fishing will be a mixture of free or fairly cheaply via a local club.
Canals
The Regent’s Canal, Limehouse Cut and Grand Union Canal all hold general coarse fish. The River Lea Navigation in East London is to all intents and purposes a canal in form. Like the above, it offers year round fishing. Pike are present to good sizes and will be the most practical winter species to target.
Technically a Waterway Wonderers Pass must be purchased from the Canal and Wateways Trust but permitting is seldom enforced.
The Thames
The upper section of the river has a freshwater fish community. With that said, throughout most of the city both salt and freshwater fish cohabit in the brackish water until South East London. Bass, thin lipped mullet and flounder are the main saltwater species you will encounter.
Most of the Thames in London is free.
Where to start
Keeping your fishing local often means that you can visit little and often. From my experience this is the best way to discover what’s around you. Here, the Internet is your friend. Searches, maps, Facebook groups and Instagram are great tools for finding out information about locations or networking with other anglers.
Because most of London is virgin territory for fly anglers paying attention to other disciplines is key for gaining information about what a location of interest holds. To catch my first London bass I got a tip off my a lure angling friend. My small stream fishing began after Google searches for information. These are important parts of the process in finding fish in these waterways.
Motivation
It cannot be stressed enough that determination, motivation, time and effort are the most important factors in London fly fishing. One also has to fish without being inhibited by self consciousness. This could be the ‘hypervisibility’ of being the only fly angler around carp anglers, for instance, or getting second takes by passersby who are surprised to see anyone fishing the waterway you’re on.
This type of fishing is certainly not for the salmonid-only diehard. Instead, it’s for the angler who appreciates and enjoys catching a wide variety of species.
Summary
Urban fly fishing offers the city based angler opportunities for fish near to home, which means that you can potentially fish more frequently and reduce fishing related expenditure. There are opportunities to fish year round and in all weather conditions. With climate change likely meaning that salmonid angling may become less feasible in hotter climes multi species fishing will in all likelihood move to the forefront of fly fishing.
So, with most city dwellers located not too far from a body of water, why not investigate what your local area has to offer. You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you find!
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