Fishing in London is more exciting than many think. Even in a busy city, the River Thames and nearby waterways offer some fantastic spots to catch a variety of fish. Here’s a detailed guide to the best 10 fishing locations, including insider tips.
Richmond is easily accessible via Richmond Station (South West Railway and Underground District Line). From there, Old Deer Park and the riverside paths are within a 10–15 minute walk. Public access is open along many parts of the bank.
Best Seasons:
Spring through early autumn (April–September) is ideal for roach, dace, and perch. Migratory species like eel can appear in autumn.
Gear & Bait:
Light float rods (10–12 ft)
Small hooks (size 12–16)
Baits: maggots, worms, sweetcorn, and bread pellets
Typical Catches:
Roach, perch, dace, bream, and occasional eels
Local Tips:
Fish early morning or just after a tide change.
Stick to the margins near overhanging trees for better bites.
No need for a local permit — just a valid rod licence. (Official Rod Licence info)
2. South Bank of the Thames near Teddington / Ham Lands
Accessible via Teddington Station. Walk along the south bank of the Thames toward Ham Lands. There are marked paths and public bank stretches.
Best Seasons:
Late spring to early autumn. Barbel are more active in summer, while roach and bream can be caught all season.
Gear & Bait:
Medium-weight ledger rods or float rods
Hooks: 10–14
Baits: maggots, worms, sweetcorn, pellets
Groundbait mix for bream and chub
Typical Catches:
Roach, bream, perch, chub, occasional barbel
Local Tips:
Best fished on calm days; windy conditions make float fishing tricky.
Fish near deeper pools and slack water behind obstructions like bridges.
Respect nearby private banks — stick to public areas only.
3. Hampton Court Palace Riverside
A scenic spot near Kingston. Easily reached by train (Hampton Court Station) or car. Plenty of space along the riverside paths.
Best Seasons:
Spring to autumn for most coarse fish
Early summer for bream and chub
Winter for hardy species like roach
Gear & Bait:
Medium to heavy float rods (12–14 ft)
Ledger rigs for deeper stretches
Baits: worms, maggots, pellets, bread
Typical Catches:
Chub, bream, roach, barbel
Local Tips:
Early morning or late evening is quieter and more productive.
Avoid fishing near heavy boat traffic.
Bring a landing net and keep fish handling minimal for catch-and-release.
4. Staines Bridge to Teddington Lock (Public Thames banks)
Public bank stretches along the Thames from Staines Bridge downstream to Teddington Lock. Multiple access points via local car parks and stations.
Best Seasons:
Summer: best for chub, bream, roach
Autumn: bigger barbel appear
Spring: good for perch and dace
Gear & Bait:
Mix of float, ledger, or feeder rods
Hooks: 10–16
Baits: maggots, worms, sweetcorn, boilies for larger fish
Typical Catches:
Chub, bream, roach, perch
Local Tips:
Fish deeper glides and slow-flowing edges for best results.
Feed small amounts of groundbait regularly to attract fish.
Check tide and water levels; fishing is better during slack water.
5. Walthamstow Reservoirs (North-East London)
Easily accessed via Walthamstow Central or Blackhorse Road stations. Car parking available for day permits. Note: this is a “river-area hybrid” with reservoir-style fishing.
Best Seasons:
Year-round fishing for carp, perch, and pike
Trout stocked during spring and autumn
Gear & Bait:
Carp rods (12 ft, 2–3 lb test) for larger fish
Float rods or ledger rods for perch and trout
Baits: sweetcorn, boilies, worms, lures for pike
Typical Catches:
Carp, tench, perch, pike, trout
Local Tips:
Popular spot — arrive early for the best bankside locations.
Method feed for carp or tench, soft plastics/lures for pike.
Keep the area clean; Walthamstow has strict rules for conservation.
6. Kingston-upon-Thames Riverside
Easily reachable from Kingston Station. The riverside walk along Canbury Gardens offers public fishing access, and there are several slipways for better water access.
Best Seasons:
Spring to early autumn is ideal. Summer afternoons often produce good catches.
Gear & Bait:
Float rods (10–12 ft) for small to medium fish
Ledger rods for bream and chub
Baits: maggots, worms, sweetcorn, and boilies
Typical Catches:
Chub, bream, roach, perch
Local Tips:
Fish near bridge pilings or where slower water meets deeper pools.
Early morning is usually quieter.
Kingston Riverside is scenic, making it a great spot for a relaxed fishing day.
7. Hammersmith / Chiswick Riverside (Central London stretch)
Accessible via Hammersmith or Chiswick stations. Public river banks along the Thames towpath.
Best Seasons:
Spring and summer are best for coarse fish. Some species like barbel may appear in deeper pools during summer.
Gear & Bait:
Light to medium float rods
Hooks: 12–16
Baits: worms, maggots, sweetcorn, bread
Typical Catches:
Roach, dace, perch, occasional chub
Local Tips:
Urban fishing can be busy, so aim for early morning or weekdays.
Fish near calm eddies or behind moored boats for more bites.
Keep an eye on boat traffic; safety is important.
8. Richmond Lock and Weir Area
Located near Richmond, this area offers both scenic and productive fishing spots. Access via Richmond Station with a short walk to the lock and riverside.
Best Seasons:
Spring to autumn for coarse fish
Winter for hardy roach
Gear & Bait:
Ledger or float rods depending on water depth
Baits: maggots, worms, sweetcorn, pellets
Typical Catches:
Chub, roach, bream, perch, occasional eel
Local Tips:
Fishing near the weir can be tricky due to currents — use heavier rigs.
Check tide tables for the tidal Thames section to optimize fishing times.
Be cautious of slippery banks around the lock.
9. Lea Valley / River Lee Navigation
North-East London. Accessible via Tottenham Hale or Walthamstow stations. Multiple public fishing spots along the navigation channels.
Best Seasons:
All year round, with spring and summer offering peak activity.
Gear & Bait:
Medium to heavy float rods for bigger fish
Hooks: 10–14
Baits: worms, maggots, bread, boilies
Typical Catches:
Bream, chub, carp, roach, perch
Local Tips:
Fish near structures like locks and bridges where fish gather.
The area can be busy with boaters; stick to the banks.
Consider catch-and-release for larger carp to maintain healthy populations.
10. Barnes / Putney Riverside
South-West London. Accessible via Barnes Station or Putney Station. Several public riverbanks with good access.
Best Seasons:
Spring to early autumn.
Summer evenings can be productive for larger fish.
Gear & Bait:
Float rods for smaller fish, ledger rods for bream/chub
Baits: maggots, worms, sweetcorn, pellets
Typical Catches:
Roach, chub, bream, perch, occasional pike
Local Tips:
Fish near slower currents, corners of the river, and overhanging tree sections.
Early morning or late evening gives the best chance of catching bigger fish.
Barnes and Putney riverside offer scenic spots perfect for photography or relaxing while fishing.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in London is easier and more rewarding than many imagine. From tidal stretches at Richmond to urban riversides in Hammersmith and Putney, the city offers a mix of scenic beauty, accessibility, and variety of fish species. Whether you are a beginner looking for a peaceful day by the river or an experienced angler chasing chub, bream, or carp, these 10 spots provide options for everyone.
Remember: always follow local regulations, have a valid rod licence, and practice catch-and-release whenever possible to help preserve London’s rivers for future anglers. With the right gear, timing, and a bit of patience, London’s rivers can be surprisingly fruitful and relaxing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Best Medical Universities in California
1. Do I need a fishing licence to fish in London rivers?
Yes. Anyone aged 13 or older needs a rod licence to fish in England. You can purchase one online via Gov.uk Rod Licence. Some stretches may also require additional permits (especially near locks or private clubs).
2. What types of fish can I catch in London rivers?
You can expect:
Coarse fish: roach, perch, chub, bream, dace
Predators: pike, occasional barbel
Other species: carp in reservoirs or stocked areas like Walthamstow
3. When is the best season for fishing in London?
Spring to early autumn is ideal for most species.
Summer mornings and evenings often produce the best bites.
Certain fish like barbel or trout may have seasonal restrictions; always check local byelaws.
4. Are these fishing spots family-friendly?
Yes, many locations like Kingston Riverside, Hampton Court, and Walthamstow Reservoirs are safe for families. Just supervise children near the water, and be aware of boats or slippery banks near locks and weirs.
5. Can I fish from a boat on these rivers?
Some stretches allow boating, but it’s usually regulated. Most of the spots listed in this guide are public bank fishing areas. If you want to fish from a boat, check local permits and rules before heading out.
