Yes, you can fish in rivers in the UK at night, but it is heavily dependent on specific venue rules, club memberships, and byelaws. Many managed fisheries and angling club waters allow it for species like barbel, carp, or sea trout, but others prohibit it completely. Always check the specific rules of the waterway.
Many managed fisheries in the UK do permit night fishing, but it's vital to check with the relevant authorities or landowners beforehand. Some fishing locations may have restrictions regarding the type of gear used, the species you're allowed to target, and the methods of catch and release.
What's the date of the closed season? The traditional close season for coarse fishing runs from 15 March through to 15 June. This applies to all rivers, including the ones we own fishing rights to. But most of our canals are still open.
Fish just after sunset on nights with mild or cloudy weather, during a full moon or high tide, or before a front. Prime time is typically considered to be between 8 PM and 3 AM. Best Baits & Lures for Night Fishing — Reference this table to find the baits and lures that are most effective for night fishing.
If you're located in Europe, especially the UK, night fishing means targeting species that thrive in cold, dark waters. The ever-popular European Bass, Cod, Whiting, Pollock, Dogfish, and even Conger Eels inhabit the waters of the Atlantic. Further afield, the deep, brackish waters of the Baltic are home to Sea Trout.
Starting Night Fishing - Tips For Overnight Carp Fishing
Can I go night fishing?
Don't pack up if the action slows after sunset. Most fish species take a short break during the switch from day to night. The best action typically starts an hour or two after dark. And full moon nights often produce the best results, as fish use this natural light to feed more actively.
Night time fishing is most common among catfish anglers, but bass anglers can have just as much success at night. Lure selection is always important in bass fishing, but it is crucial for fishing under the cover of darkness.
During the night there was a much greater prospect of a good catch. If one did not catch anything during the night, the chances of a good catch during the day even smaller. Moreover, Peter was dead tired after a night of fruitless work.
In the strict legal sense, the public only has a right to fish for free in the officially recognised fully tidal parts of rivers and in the sea, except where an individual owns a private right of fishery.
What is the best bait for river fishing in the UK?
Bait must look natural, otherwise the fish won't eat it. Anglers use lots of different types of bait on canals: large maggots (fly larvae), casters (pupae), squatts and pinkies (small maggots), bread and worms. The best baits for beginners are squatts, pinkies, maggots and bread.
The best times to fish a river are typically early morning and late evening (dusk) when low light makes fish feel safer and more active, but midday can work if it's cloudy or you're targeting fish in shade or deeper holes, with warmer seasons often favoring morning/evening and cooler seasons sometimes benefiting from warmer afternoons. Favorable conditions include overcast days, rain, or changes in weather, while insect hatches (especially spring) and water flow also dictate peak activity for species like trout, bass, and pike.
The annual close season for coarse fish on rivers in England and Wales starts at the beginning of the 15th of March and runs right up until the end of the 15th of June.
Summary. The 80-20 principle tells us that - as a generalization - 80% of our results are achieved from just 20% of our practice. If we can identify those 20% activities - and do more of them - then our practice will become much more effective. That is the starting point of 80-20 bass.
Spinnerbaits are ideal nighttime bass lures because of the thump, flash, and movement they create in the water. When using a spinnerbait at night like the RS Spin, target the same general cover areas that you would during the day, including vegetation lines, docks, and laydowns.
The number 153 is the numerical total for the Hebrew words "Ani Elohim"--I AM G-D. When Jesus caused the disciples to catch exactly 153 fish, He was declaring to them that not only was He the Son of G-d, but that He was God Himself.
In the Bible, "70 times 7" (or sometimes "seventy-seven times") in Matthew 18:22 signifies limitless, perpetual forgiveness, not a specific number (490), responding to Peter's question about forgiving someone up to seven times; Jesus used this hyperbole to emphasize that Christians should forgive continuously, reflecting God's own boundless mercy, making forgiveness an ongoing lifestyle, not a finite act.
Since fish use their sonar senses at night when there's little light, the best way to attract them is by moving the bait consistently. Baits and lures that make lots of vibrations, such as spinnerbaits, work amazingly when night fishing, attracting fish for a bite.
The general consensus within the fishing community is that white and green lights are best for attracting fish, followed by blue. The wavelengths of green and white lights allow the light to spread through water further and deeper, attracting more fish.
The best-tasting fish in the UK is subjective, but popular choices for flavour and versatility include Haddock (sweeter, flakier) and Cod (meatier) for fish and chips, Salmon (rich, Omega-3s), Sea Bass (mild, delicate), and luxury options like Dover Sole, Brill, and Monkfish for their distinct textures and tastes, with local specialties like Cornish Sardines or Shetland Mussels also highly rated.
