The guide to angling in the Cotswolds, where the best fishing locations are in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where to go angling in the Thames Valley and Severn Valley fishing opportunities. This angling guide is for old and new fishermen and will help you find the fishing opportunities for your own requirements.
Fishing or angling is one of the most popular pastimes in the Cotswolds and with
the number of lakes, rivers and canals in the area it is not difficult to see
why.
The River Thames begins its 180-mile journey from Kemble in Gloucestershire and several tributaries flow into the river during its meandering flow through the Cotswolds. The Thames and its streams offer the best coarse and trout fishing anywhere in the country. The lime-stoned riverbeds provide the environment for traditional fly-fishing for brown trout or the silver-purple graylings and the lakes well stocked with chubb, roach, pike and carp
One of the best Cotswolds Rivers supplying the Thames is the Coln; rising near
Sevenhampton it provides angling for Brown and Rainbow Trout as well as
Grayling. The river flows through some of the most pleasant scenery and perfect
villages of the Cotswolds before joining the Thames near Lechlade.
There are many still water, commercial fisheries throughout the Cotswolds and many of them are being developed from former gravel pits, such as those at the Cotswolds Water Park or Linch Hill Country Park near Stanton Harcourt in Oxfordshire.
Whether you take part in competitive angling or recreational fishing the huge variety of venues present the sportsman with many opportunities to enjoy their pastime.
The law for anglers is stringent. Any fishermen aged 12 or over must have at least one licence which will
allow none migratory trout or coarse fishing with two rods. The licence covers a period or part period of one
year and expires on 31st March each year. A licence to fish on most English rivers is available from the
Environment Agency website or from any Post Office.
The Environment Agency website has all the latest rules and regulations regarding fishing in the Cotswolds and the Thames and Severn valleys and it is worth taking time to read the freely available information before you plan a fishing trip.
Whelford Pools
Wildmoor Waters, South Cerney
Ivy House Lakes, Grittenham
Lechlade and Busheyleaze Trout Fisheries, Lechlade
Horseshoe Lake, Lechlade
The Mill Pool, Painswick
Claydon Park Fishery, Lechlade
Watermark Fisheries, South Cerney
Chad Lakes, Bledington
Donnington Trout Fishery, Stow on the Wold
Bill Fields- Cotswold Country Pursuits