Discover the beauty and serenity of fishing in Wiltshire, a beautiful county in the heart of the English countryside. Wiltshire boasts many fishing lakes and a rich angling heritage, with many lakes offering diverse freshwater coarse fishing opportunities for anglers of all abilities and interests. With its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear waters, this idyllic region provides a tranquil backdrop for unforgettable fishing experiences.
- Eden vale
- Hayward’s Pond
- Bowds
- Stanton Lake
- The Islands Carp Fishery
- Flaxland Fishery
- Shackells Fishing Lake
- Sabre Lake
- Mill Farm Trout Lakes
- Manningford Trout Fishery
- Shearwater Lake
- Hunters Moon Warminster
- Avon Springs Fishing Lakes
- Clivey Fishery
- White Horse Country Park
- Kennet and Avon Canal
- Wyatt Lakes
- Waldens Estate Fishery
- Witherington Farm
- Bowood Lake
- Crockerton Lake
- Bristol River Avon – Chippenham
- Tockenham Reservoir
- Steeple Langford Lakes
- Blackland Lakes
- Silverlands Lake
- Sevington Lakes
- Rood Ashton Lake
- River Nadder
- Pockeridge Lakes
- Petersfinger Lakes
- Leechpool Lake
- Ivy House Lakes
- Dodford Lake
- Fairwood Lakes Holiday Park
- Coate Water
- Gilmans Lake
- Newton Park
- Ratfyn Farmhouse
Wiltshire has an extensive network of rivers, lakes, and canals teeming with various fish species. The River Avon, in particular, is a cherished destination for anglers, known for its excellent barbel, chub, roach, and grayling fish stocks. The River Kennet, another Wiltshire gem, is a haven for fly-fishing enthusiasts pursuing wild brown trout and grayling in its pristine chalk stream waters.
Recommended Fishing Lakes in Wiltshire
Bowood Lakes
Situated within the beautiful Bowood Estate, this fishery offers coarse fishing experience, with opportunities to catch carp, bream, tench, and other species. Many nearby accommodations allow anglers to combine a peaceful retreat with a memorable fishing experience.
Cotswold Water Park
The Cotswolds Water Park is an extensive complex of over 150 lakes spread across 40 square miles in the heart of the Cotswolds, straddling the counties of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. This beautiful and diverse area offers a wide range of stillwater fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels and interests to enjoy fishing in, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day or fishing holiday.
With numerous lakes, the Cotswolds Water Park caters to various fishing preferences, including carp, pike, and even trout fishing. It is the perfect place for a fishing break. Here are some popular fishing spots within the park:
- South Cerney Angling Club Waters: This angling club manages several lakes within the Cotswolds Water Park, providing excellent coarse fishing opportunities. Species commonly found in these lakes include bream, tench, roach, crucian carp and perch.
- Lechlade and Bushyleaze Trout Fisheries: These two lakes offer exceptional trout fishing in the park. Lechlade is a 9-acre lake stocked with rainbow and brown trout, while Bushyleaze is a 22-acre lake primarily stocked with rainbow trout. Both lakes provide an enjoyable fly fishing experience in a beautiful setting.
- Watermark Fisheries: Located within the park, Watermark Fisheries offers several lakes dedicated to carp and pike angling. These lakes are well-maintained and stocked with specimen-sized fish, providing an exciting challenge the experienced angler.
- Linear Fisheries: Although not within the Cotswolds Water Park, Linear Fisheries is located nearby and offers several well-stocked lakes for carp and coarse fishing. With a range of day ticket lakes, this venue is popular among anglers visiting the area.
Fly Fishing in Wiltshire
Fly fishing in Wiltshire is a truly captivating experience that draws anglers from near and far to the county for its pristine chalk streams and picturesque rivers. The county boasts some of England’s finest fly fishing locations, providing an idyllic setting for anglers pursuing trout and grayling. The crystal-clear waters, abundant aquatic life, and lush surrounding landscapes make Wiltshire an unforgettable fly fishing destination.
River Avon
Originating in the Vale of Pewsey, the River Avon flows through Wiltshire’s countryside, offering many miles of excellent fly fishing. The clear waters of its chalk stream sections provide ideal habitats for brown trout and grayling. The River Avon is also home to several tributaries, with rivers such as the River Wylye and the River Nadder, which offer additional fly fishing opportunities. Several different clubs hold the fishing rights to this river, so do your research before you go fishing.
River Kennet
A tributary of the River Thames, the River Kennet is another renowned chalk stream in Wiltshire. Famed for its wild brown trout and grayling populations, the river’s clear waters and abundant aquatic life make it a fly fisher’s paradise. The banks of the River Kennet are often lined with lush vegetation, adding to the overall beauty of the location.
River Nadder
A tributary of the River Avon, the River Nadder flows through the southwestern part of Wiltshire. Renowned for its excellent wild brown trout fishing, the river also holds populations of grayling and coarse fish. The clear chalk stream waters and lush vegetation create a tranquil environment for an unforgettable fly fishing experience.
River Bourne
Originating near Pewsey, the River Bourne flows through Wiltshire before joining the River Avon near Salisbury. The river offers a delightful trout fishing experience, with its clear, fast-flowing waters providing ideal habitats for brown trout. Due to its ecological importance, the River Bourne is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
River Ebble
A tributary of the River Avon, the River Ebble flows through the picturesque Ebble Valley in southern Wiltshire. This chalk stream is known for its wild brown trout population and offers an enjoyable fly fishing experience amidst stunning surroundings. The river is also home to grayling and various coarse fish species.
River Lambourn
Although the River Lambourn is primarily located in Berkshire, it flows near the border of Wiltshire and offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. This chalk stream is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts targeting wild brown trout, with its crystal-clear waters and abundant aquatic life. The river is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its biological importance.
Chew Valley Lake
Chew Valley Lake is another popular fly fishing near Wiltshire. The lake is well stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout, making it a great place to catch various fish.
Fishing Clubs in Wiltshire
| Name | Address | Website | FB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Angling Club | 19A, Corfe Road, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6BQ UK | Website | FB |
| Chippenham Angling Club | 19; New Road Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1HT UK | Website | FB |
| Hale Park Fishery | Aquila; Highfield Lane Woodfalls Salisbury Wiltshire SP5 2NQ UK | Website | FB |
| Riverside Angling Club | Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0NS UK | Website | FB |
| Salisbury & District Angling Club | The Cart Shed; New Bottom Road Stratford-sub-Castle Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 6AB UK | Website | FB |
| The Salisbury Anchor Sea Angling Club | Harnham Community Sports and Social Club, Parsonage Green, West Harnham, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8LA UK | Website | FB |
| Warminster and District Angling Club | Steve’s tackle, 35 George street, WARMINSTER, Wiltshire BA12 8QB UK | Website | FB |
Angling clubs in Wiltshire play an essential role in the local fishing community by promoting the sport, providing access to prime coarse fishing locations, and engaging in conservation and environmental efforts. These angling clubs can cater to anglers of all skill levels and interests, offering coarse and game fishing opportunities across a range of rivers, lakes, and ponds in the region. Some notable angling clubs in Wiltshire include:
Cotswold Fly Fishers Club
The Cotswold Fly Fishers Club is an active fly fishing club that meets regularly to fish some of the best local lakes. The club strongly focuses on conservation and works to protect and improve fish stocks in local waters.
Warminster and District Angling Club
The Warminster and District Angling Club is a friendly club that welcomes anglers of all abilities. The club offers members the chance to fish at different lakes and rivers in Wiltshire, including Bowood Lakes, Cotswold Water Park, and Chew Valley Lake.
These are two great options if you want to join a fly fishing or coarse fishing club in Wiltshire.