The Best Fishing in England and Ireland

The closest most get to fishing on the islands of England and Ireland is ordering fish and chips. But fishing offers the chance to get out and experience nature in some of the islands’ most beautiful places. Unlike the United States where a fishing hole or river can be hundreds of miles from the nearest city, fishing in the denser countries of England and Ireland usually puts you close to some charming and historic small towns and some cosy accommodations. And if you decide to spend your time camping, these accommodations become even more welcoming on your return to civilization.

Kyle of Sutherland, Scotland

Looking for trout? Looking for salmon? You’ll find both in the Kyle of Sutherland. Remote, wild and achingly beautiful, the Kyle of Sutherland is a large tidal area which extends about 25 miles from the confluence of the rivers Oykel and Cassley to the Dornoch Firth. The Kyle of Sutherland Angling Club taking in the region of 400 salmon and 200 sea trout per season. Handa Island, Scourie Beach and Sandwood Bay Beach are nearby attractions, and one of the quaintest communities in the area is the village of Lairg. This is where you’ll find comfort along with a hearty breakfast at the two-star Rhiconich Hotel. Here you’ll find permits available for the 11,500 acres of the Rhiconich Estate.

Lough Corrib, Connemara, Ireland

Heading across the watery divide between Scotland and Ireland, we find the vast beauty of the 44,000-acre Lough Corrib. This lovely lake stretches 35 miles from the city of Galway to Maam Bridge and is one of the best game fisheries in the world. Game angling at the Lough is complimented by the warm hospitality of the locals, which can be found in abundance at any one of the hotels around Lough Corrib.  As the lake is difficult to navigate, a guide is recommended your first time out. This is also a great way to take advantage of a local’s knowledge of where to find the best fishing. May is the best month for the red-fleshed Corrib trout. In fact fishing is so popular in the area that the local schools finally declared an official holiday at this time of year, as the schools were empty anyway. If you’re looking for a more urban accommodation experience, Galway accommodations are not far away. http://www.eurobookings.com/ireland-ie/reservations-galway-hotels.html?q=rmcnf:1[2,0];dsti:1409;dstt:1;dsts:Galway;cur:USD;frm:1;sort:0_desc;

River Moyola, Northern Ireland

Heading to Northern Ireland, we find the River Moyola, whose meandering path brings it just 40 miles from Belfast. Though the secluded world of moors and meadows surrounded the Moyola would have you believe that you’re a thousand miles away from any city. And isn’t that what fishing is all about? The river starts in the rolling Sperrin Mountains and boasts a large collection of wee brown trout and local dollaghan as it makes its way past the villages of Tobermore, and Castledawson before entering Lough Neagh. It starts in the mountains with fast flowing streams and deep pools then slows in speed and swells in size, aided by 130 miles if tributaries making it a mighty river indeed. Migrating salmon can be found along its 27 mile path, as well as many miles of spawning beds. When it’s time for you to find your own bed, you can find one in a nearby Belfast hotel.  Or stay closer to the action at the two-star Walsh’s Hotel in the charming village of Maghera.

River Wye, Monsal Head, Derbyshire

Whether you’re there to fish or just to commune with nature, the Peak District is one of the most beautiful areas in the United Kingdom. It’s also where you’ll find the River Wye and Monsal Head; one of the most scenic fishing spots in the country. Fly fishing is the thing to do here in this river that threads its way through a deep and narrow gorge. In fact, the Wye is world famous as the historic home of fly fishing, and has been fished by countless thousands since the days when Izzac Walton and Charles Cotton roamed these parts – and before. Other local rivers, like the Dove, the Lathkill the Derwent and the Trent are also worth checking out, but the deceptively short (15 miles) Wye passes through some of the finest scenery in the Peak District. It also boasts both rainbow and brown trout, and in its lower reaches, grayling. There’s no end to the opportunities to stay in traditional old hotels in the nearby towns of Bakewell, Matlock, Baslow and Buxton.

River Teifi, Wales

Time was that the rivers of Wales were known mostly for their pollution. Well, the rivers are back and so are the fish, and nowhere is that more evident than in the River Teifi. Though today’s Teifi even boasts fish within sight of Millennium Stadium, you’ll be wanting to head away from the city towards the more remote Welsh villages of Lampeter and Llandysul to discover what the region is famous for; sea trout. And lots of it. The river positively boils with them. Though the challenge of catching them is that they only come out in the dead of night, which makes casting a whole new experience. This 75 mile-long river starts 2,000 feet above sea level in the Cambrian Mountains and if you happen to be fishing in the daytime, you’re going to see some of the most scenic bits of Welsh countryside. Whether you come home from fishing at sunset or sunrise, you’ll feel most welcome at the historic estate housing the Falcondale Mansion Hotel in Lampeter, which provides a hot breakfast whether you’re coming in or going out.