Is it possible to fish for free in the UK?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought all the necessary fishing gear and a one-year license. I haven't fished in over 30 years, and to be honest, I've forgotten a lot and am now refreshing my memory by watching videos on YouTube. I wanted to ask if there are any free places within a 2-hour drive from Wakefield where I can fish (rivers, lakes)? I am from Poland and am not very familiar with British laws. I would greatly appreciate any information.

Thank you and best regards!
Harry

 

[Hary]

No special regulations.its free to the public (stretch is free from the bridge where the world's end pub is and up through the picnic area to the bridge at Scotton).just stop at the machine and buy your parking ticket and display it in your car window.then drive through and park in the picnic area.

Hi Steve. Thank you so much for the directions and tips! I plan to head out there in the next few days to check out the spot and maybe cast a few lines. Thanks again, and take care!
Harry

 

[Hary]

Whenever you fish Harry always have your licence and club membership card with you in case you are asked to produce it. That is rare by the way and most club bailiffs will do it once if they have’nt seen you before but remember you . Similarly if the club have a badge for your car stick it on the windscreen. Good luck and enjoy.

Hi Mikench. I'll definitely follow your advice and keep my licence and club membership card with me while fishing.
Thanks a lot for the support!
Harry

 

[Hary]

Hi Steve,

Apologies for the late response, but I've been quite busy throughout the week. Thank you for the information about the free fishing on the River Nidd. I'm glad to hear about the trout and grayling there!

Could you also clarify the legal aspects for me? Do I need to ask the landowners for permission before I start fishing?
I'm not too familiar with the specifics of local fishing regulations.

Best regards,
Harry

Steve, one more question: how do you find these free fishing spots? Is there a way to search for them online, or do you generally learn about them from other anglers?
Thanks, Harry

 

[riverman]

Steve, one more question: how do you find these free fishing spots? Is there a way to search for them online, or do you generally learn about them from other anglers?
Thanks, Harry

Just heard about it on the grapevine.

 

[Hary]

Just heard about it on the grapevine.

I visited the river today, and the place was very beautiful. However, there were a lot of people, so I wasn't able to catch anything. Perhaps I'll have better luck next time. Harry

 

[flightliner]

Hary, if you do decide to traval some distance to fish the embankment along the river Trent in Nottingham is free fishing and is a good place to fish with free parking on the road behind you.