UK Coarse

Venue type

River

Running water. Creases, gravel, streamer weed, and a statutory coarse close season in England and Wales: 15 March to 15 June inclusive.

Plan a session here

Rivers are the original coarse fishing. Stick float, maggot feeder, a bit of bread under a bush, a pellet for barbel. The water moves, so the bait has to belong in that movement.

In England and Wales the statutory coarse close season on rivers, streams and drains runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. 16 June is opening day. Clubs cannot shorten it. Scotland and Northern Ireland are different systems. This app will not tell you to fish a river in May.

Typical species

Roach, dace, chub, barbel, perch, pike, bream, gudgeon, eels. Occasional carp in some weir pools.

Tactics

Stick float down a crease. Maggot feeder in a hole. Running leger for barbel and chub. Bread or cheese under a bush. Lures and deadbaits for pike where it's allowed, outside the close season.

Etiquette

Give other anglers the crease they're fishing. Don't tramp the cattle drink. Landing a barbel in a heatwave is a welfare job — take the time.

Close season & rules

England and Wales: 15 March to 15 June inclusive on rivers, streams and drains. 16 June opening day. Most stillwaters stay open. Always check SSSIs and club extra rules.