Yes, you can take certain fish home from some rivers in the UK, but it is strictly regulated by Environment Agency rod fishing byelaws. You must have a valid rod licence, adhere to strict size and species limits, and only take fish outside of the close season (15 March – 15 June for most rivers).
Each day you can only take from rivers: 1 pike (up to 65cm) 2 grayling (30cm to 38cm) 15 small fish (up to 20cm) including barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch, rudd, silver bream, roach, smelt and tench.
On rivers, you may take no more than: one pike of less than 65 cm per day; two grayling of between 30 and 38 cm per day;15 barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch, pike, roach, rudd, silver bream, smelt or tench (including any hybrids of these species) of less than 20cm per day.
If the watercourse forms the boundary of the land, you will usually own it up to its centre. If you are unsure about your ownership, you can check your title deeds on the land registry. Main rivers are usually larger rivers and streams that are designated as a 'main river' on the Environment Agency's Main River Map.
Is it illegal to take stones from a river in the UK?
If the riverbed is in a protected park then the rocks are protected like plants. If the riverbed is on private property it is legal with the property owners permission.
How To Find Fish On Lakes and Rivers - a simple guide to watercraft
Can I own part of a river?
It is important to note that under Public Trust, water resources “belong” by the public; property owners can't “own” water, but they may have the right to use, sell, or divert water resources, depending on the laws in the state. The two main types of rights are riparian and appropriative.
You can find 40lb+ carp in numerous UK fisheries, with top spots including Bluebell Lakes (Northants), Linear Fisheries (Oxon), Oak Lakes (Essex), Nash Lakes (Church Lake, Hants), and Arrow Meadow Fishery (Warks - Willow Lake), offering day tickets or membership for waters boasting big mirrors and commons, often with luxury facilities for a premium angling experience in areas like the West Midlands, South East, and East Anglia.
*The annual close season for coarse fish on rivers in England and Wales runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive – the word inclusive indicates that it starts at 00:00 on the 15th of March and runs right through the 15th of June when you can fish again at 00:01 on 16th June.
According to the Freshwater Habitats Trust, the most common freshwater fish in UK waters is the brown trout. Found in streams and rivers around the UK, the brown trout is native to the British Isles and Europe, and are particularly common in rivers such as the Severn and Trent.
At Boathouse Fisheries, we're proud to offer fresh, high-quality Carp, a fish that holds a special place at the heart of many Eastern European kitchens.
You must not fish: for salmon, trout, sea trout and char on rivers and streams using more than 1 rod and line at the same time. for salmon, trout, sea trout and char on reservoirs, lakes and ponds with more than 2 rods and lines at the same time. for coarse fish or eels with more than 4 rods and lines at the same time.
Where to Go. North-East India shines during autumn, particularly the rivers Brahmaputra and Lohit. These waterways are teeming with diverse fish species, including mahseer and catfish.
Fishing rights are legal property. The owner of the river, canal or reservoir (stillwater) bed is assumed to own the fishing rights above the bed of the fishery. But it's not really that simple. Ownership of fishing rights in the water can be separated from the ownership of the land.
England's rivers like the Thames and Severn are renowned for their carp populations, providing both novice and experienced carp anglers with ample opportunities.
The biggest fish caught in the UK depends on the category, with a massive 851lb Bluefin Tuna (Tunny) in 1933 holding the overall boat record, while a recent, verified 150lb 3oz Wels Catfish by Shaun Ing in 2024 sets a new freshwater record, and a huge 900lb tuna was caught in Welsh waters (not officially BRFC) in 2022. Historic river catches, like the 414lb Sturgeon, also highlight massive catches in UK waters.
Yes, carp can be good to eat, offering mild, white flesh and good nutrition, but it's often considered bony and can taste muddy if not prepared correctly, requiring techniques like scoring, removing the "mud vein," or specific cooking methods (frying, smoking, pressure cooking) to enhance flavor and manage its many small bones. It's a popular food fish globally, but its taste depends heavily on water quality and preparation, with invasive species in the US sometimes being a "good choice" for consumption due to their diet.
During Take a Friend Fishing, existing fishing licence holders can register for a free one-day fishing licence from the Environment Agency to take someone they know fishing for the first time.
What is the oldest you can fish without a license?
All anglers 16 years and older are required to have a valid California Fishing License to fish, including at Fishing in the City Programs (except on Free Fishing Days). CDFW's portion of Fishing in the City is entirely funded from Federal Aid through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.
Live (or natural) baits are anything alive or previously alive that you use to catch fish. Some of the best freshwater fishing bait include worms, leeches, minnows, crayfish, crickets and grasshoppers. Select good saltwater baits including sea worms, eels, crabs, shrimp, strips of squid, and cut-up pieces of fish.
Collect water from areas of moving water in rivers and streams, or the top few inches of a lake. Stagnant (standing or non-moving) water is a breeding ground for insects, bacteria and viruses and should be avoided. Dip your bottle just under the surface and fill from there.
Many people choose living afloat on our canals and rivers as a permanent situation. Some people cruise continuously, some are permanently moored and others mix the two to suit themselves. A suitably equipped narrow boat or cruiser is becoming more and more popular as a permanent home.
The land below navigable waters is the property of state, and subject to all the public land laws and in most states public trust rights. Navigable waters are treated as public highways with any exclusive riparian right ending at the ordinary high water mark.
