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22 Great trout fisheries to try this year
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: No matter where you live, there is a fishery to suit your needs
UPDATED 16 June 2026
Few pastimes capture the spirit of the British countryside quite like a day’s trout fishing. From spring-fed valley lakes and crystal-clear chalkstreams to the vast open waters of our biggest reservoirs, the UK is blessed with fisheries to suit every angler, whether you’re picking up a fly rod for the first time or chasing a double-figure specimen. We’ve gathered 22 of the very best trout fisheries from across England, Wales and Scotland, covering everything from secluded Highland lochs to renowned competition venues. Each one offers something a little different, so wherever you live, there’s a great day on the water waiting close by.
Bucks/Bedfordshire border
1. Pochard Lake Trout Fishery
Pochard Lake Fishery is a beautiful, secluded spring-fed trout-fishing lake set centrally in its own 23-acre wooded valley, providing a peaceful and quiet location for fishing. It offers memberships, day tickets and tuition and has a well-equipped tackle shop, stocking Orvis, Snowbee and Fulling Mill.
Tel 01525 234112 / 07809 432182
Somerset
2. Clatworthy Reservoir
Clatworthy Reservoir is a haven for those who love to fly fish. The trout in the reservoir can often be found cruising just beneath the surface, and a well-presented dry fly is often enough to produce a take.
One of the best ways to fish at Clatworthy is from a boat, as it lets anglers explore the reservoir’s many bays, coves and arms. With ten fishing boats, anyone can take to the water. The dam is popular with boat anglers, especially in summer when fish gather in numbers, and the surrounding hills give wonderful views while you fish.
Tel 01984 624658
Durham
3. Aldin Grange
Set in 20 acres of picturesque, peaceful farmland, Aldin Grange has five well-stocked lakes brimming with fish: two trout (fly only), two coarse and one competition (match). The trout lakes are Troutmasters waters, fly only and barbless. There are three types of trout here, rainbow, brown and blue, though only rainbows may be killed and taken. They range in size from 2lb to 15lb.
Tel 0191 3846090 / 07957 831711
East Sussex
4. Lakedown Trout Fishery
Lakedown Trout Fishery sits in a secluded Wealden valley with scenic views and no visible signs of habitation. It was originally designed and created in 1981 by actor and rock legend Roger Daltrey. The four spring-fed lakes, totalling roughly 20 acres, have an abundance of aquatic fly life.
Tel 01435 883449 / 07502 257428 (or Ted on 07740 798341)
Yorkshire
5. Marston Wyse Trout Farm
Maran Lakes, also known as Marston Wyse Trout Farm, is a great place to get away from it all. Serenity is guaranteed in this quiet corner of North Yorkshire’s rolling countryside. There are five lakes to explore, each offering a different challenge for rainbow, blue and brown trout.
Tel 01904 738383
Monmouthshire
6. Bigwell Fly Fishery
Bigwell Fly Fishery is a small stillwater fishery in an idyllic spot in the village of Redbrook, in the picturesque Wye Valley on the border between England and Wales. It has two spring-fed lakes that are crystal clear and cold, plus two more fed by the overflow from the spring and a local stream, which bring in wild brown trout.
Tel 01600 772904
Gwynedd
7. Cregennan Lakes
There are many beautiful places to cast a fly in Britain but few to match Cregennan Lakes in the Snowdonia National Park. Sitting in the shadow of Cadair Idris and not far from the lovely market town of Dolgellau, the Cregennan Estate is National Trust owned, with extensive land and many defined walks.
Tel 01341 250426 / 07966 962104 / 07805 797010
Northumberland
8. Sweethope Lough
Sweethope Lough is the headwater of the Wansbeck, which cuts its scenic way to the North Sea through some of Northumberland’s prettiest scenery. Justifiably well regarded for its stock of hard-fighting rainbow trout, this popular venue gives every angler, from novice to expert, a chance to hook the fish of a lifetime on any visit.
Tel 01434 270060 / 07766 590319
Somerset
9. Hawkridge Fishery
If you favour smaller waters, Hawkridge Reservoir is the place for you. In 2018 it became the first UK water to stock sparctic trout, a new species. They joined the rainbow, brown, tiger, golden and blue trout already in the reservoir, along with the odd surprise double-figure specimen. You really don’t know what you’ll catch next.
Tel 01278 671840
Somerset
10. Sutton Bingham Reservoir
Sutton Bingham is an outstanding traditional fly fishery offering excellent trout fishing throughout the season. It’s well stocked with rainbow and brown trout averaging 2lb, with some surprise double-figure specimens too.
Facilities include a spacious lodge with a large veranda overlooking the water. Early-season buzzer hatches are prolific and the fish can usually be found close to the margins.
Tel 01935 872389
Devon
11. Wimbleball Fly Fishery
Wimbleball Reservoir sits within the beautiful surroundings of the Exmoor National Park, with many bays and inlets to explore across 370 acres of water. The fishery prides itself on a superb head of high-quality, fin-perfect rainbow trout, produced at its own Rainbow Valley trout farm just a few miles away and grown on in the cool, clear water of the River Exe.
Tel 01398 351371 / 07889 882865
Huntingdonshire/Cambridgeshire
12. Grafham Water
Just a few miles from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, Grafham Water, England’s third-largest reservoir, sits nestled in 1,500 acres of beautiful countryside. Host to national and international fly-fishing competitions, it’s one of the UK’s premier fisheries, offering fantastic challenges for anglers of every level. With a nine-mile track, it’s also a great place to ride a bike or take a gentle stroll.
Tel 01480 810531
Gwynedd
13. Eisteddfa Fishery
Two well-stocked trout lakes set in stunning surroundings: one fly-only for seasoned anglers, the other ideal for beginners, with bait and fly-fishing both allowed. Enjoy a relaxing day on the water, grab a bite at the onsite cafe, or make a few days of it. The comfortable, modern farm cottage is a short stroll from the lakes, a peaceful place to rest, and your fishing is included. A perfect getaway for anglers and non-anglers alike, you’ll leave with a sense of calm and a spring in your step.
Tel 01766 522148 / 07759 871327
Hampshire
14. Meon Springs
Enjoy fly fishing at one of Hampshire’s most scenic stillwater trout fisheries. Renowned as one of the south’s premier venues and set amid breathtaking scenery, Meon Springs offers both day fishing (catch and take) and catch-and-release. Set in the beautiful countryside of the South Downs, it’s a place to learn to fish, enjoy social gatherings or take a fishing break in comfortable traditional shepherd’s huts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, you can relax, explore and experience life at a different pace.
Tel 01730 823134
Northamptonshire
15. Pitsford Water
Nestled in rolling rural Northamptonshire, Pitsford Water has something for everyone. A lovely blend of woodland, meadow and grassland, with stunning views over the water, it makes a great setting for walking, cycling, fishing, sailing, watersports and birdwatching. With plenty of nooks, crannies, bays and points, the reservoir is full of surprises all year round, from bank or boat.
Tel 01604 781350
Rutland
16. Rutland Water
The jewel in the crown of Rutland, Rutland Water has long been a premier destination for trout fly fishing and is well known for producing fantastic brown trout. Set around the beautiful reservoir and covering 4,200 acres of open countryside, the park offers everything from walking and cycling to fishing and watersports. Internationally recognised, the fly fishing here is an exciting challenge for everyone, from experienced anglers to beginners.
Ross-shire
17. Tarvie Lochs
These three natural lochs are set amid the hills and beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands, midway between the villages of Contin and Garve. Loch an Eich Bhain offers 25 acres of fly-fishing from the boat, while Loch Ruith a’ Phuill offers 12 acres of both fly- and bait-fishing from the bank. Both are stocked with rainbow, blue and brown trout.
Tel 01997 421250
Nairn
18. Geddes Trout Fishery
Nestled between the Highland estates of Geddes and Cawdor, Geddes Trout Fishery sits at the Old Geddes Dams, built in the 1860s as the main water supply for the town of Nairn. It lies in secluded woodland and comprises two separate lochs, one for bait- and one for fly-fishing. The insect list is abundant and creates a real challenge for the match-the-hatch type of angler, and the fishery is stocked frequently to ensure a good continuity of fish. You can cast for blue, tiger, brown and hard-fighting rainbow trout.
Tel 07849 089232
Nr Peebles
19. Kailzie Fisheries
Kailzie Fisheries offers stillwater and river fishing in a setting that feels deeply connected to the surrounding countryside. The estate’s lakes provide calm water for loch fishing, while access to the River Tweed opens up opportunities for trout, grayling, salmon and sea trout. Fish and stay at the Big Lodge, or enjoy a little luxury in the one- and two-bed cottages on the estate.
Tel 07563 203562
Warwickshire
20. Draycote Water
This internationally recognised trout water offers a fantastic experience for everyone, from experienced anglers to beginners. A variety of day-ticket options is available and accompanied children can fish for free within the rules and limits of the permit. The 2026 trout season at Draycote Water runs from 7 March to 31 January 2027, with fly fishing from both bank and boat. If you need tackle you can stock up at the tackle shop, and you’ll find the Waterside Restaurant above the lodge if you’re in need of refreshment.
Tel 07814 293810
Berkshire
21. Hungerford Fishery
The Hungerford Fishery is, almost certainly, the cream of fisheries. It represents tremendous value and is dedicated to the traditional, recognised practices of chalkstream fishing, and to the principle that there’s a great deal more to the enjoyment of fishing than the catching of fish. This secluded five-mile fishery, with two rivers (the Kennet and the Dun), offers variety across 12 differing beats, ranging from marsh to meadow, glades and pools.
Tel 07880 311731
Lancashire
22. Horwich & District Fly Fishing Club
Horwich & District Fly Fishing Club offers fly fishing at its best. The lake at Upper Roddlesworth has a good variation in casting difficulty, and membership is kept at a level that avoids overcrowding, so every member can enjoy all the facilities. Day tickets can be purchased online, and the club works hard to ensure anyone buying one has a day’s fly fishing equal to or better than any trout fishery in the north west.
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