What is game fishing?

Game fishing, in the U.K., is the pursuit of game fish (sometimes also called quarry fish).  

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Game fish can be eaten after having been caught and here in the U.K. tend to be limited to salmonids (salmon, trout, grayling and char)

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What species of fish are classed as game fish in the U.K.?

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In the U.K. the predominant species of game fish are -

• Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

• Sea Trout (Salmo trutta or Salmo trutta morpha trutta)

• Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

• Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus aguabonita)

• Tiger Trout (Salmo trutta X Salvelinus fontinalis)

• Brook Trout / Char (Salvelinus fontinalis)

• Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus)

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When can I fish for game fish in the U.K.?

Different species have different seasons in the U.K., with some having no close season at all if they are in totally enclosed lakes or ponds.  

 

The seasons for each species can vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so it is VERY important to check the local byelaws in the area you intend to fish.  Failure to abide by them can lead to a fine of up to £50,000.

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Visit the Gov.UK website to check on fishing byelaws for the U.K.

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Also remember that owners of waters may have their own rules but the byelaws will still apply in addition to any local rule. 

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Where can I fish for game fish in the U.K?

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There are a wealth of places to fish for game fish in the U.K.  There are hundreds of lakes and reservoirs around the country as well as smaller fisheries.  There are also an abundance of rivers in the U.K. that hold game fish.  Many rivers, and some lakes and reservoirs, are controlled by angling clubs and membership of one of these is a great place to start.  Not only do you have access to fish some great waters but the advice and help off more experienced members can help you on your game fishing path and avoid some of the easy mistakes to make.  Being a member of an angling club can also give you discount on tackle at some tackle shops and online retailers.

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An internet search will reveal many places to fish in your local area and social media is also a great tool for finding fisheries and angling clubs.

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Is game fishing expensive?

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Not necessarily.  It all depends how much you want to spend on tackle.  You will catch as many fish on a cheap rod as an expensive rod.  If you coarse fish already some of your existing equipment can be utilised for game fishing, such as reels, hooks, floats and even some rods.

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If you are new to fishing get yourselves a reasonably priced set up so you can try it before you invest in more expensive tackle.  Better still, if you have a friend who already game fishes see if they will take you out on a few trips using their tackle (most anglers have more than one set!!) to see if you like it before investing in your own equipment.

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Do I need a license or permit to fish for game fish?

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In a word, YES!   To fish in England and Wales you must be in possession of an Environment Agency rod license before you even cast a line.  You can be fined up to £2500 for fishing without a rod license.  There are two licenses to choose from - non migratory trout, coarse fish and eels, or salmon and sea trout.  Visit the Gov.UK website for full details, pricing and online purchasing of a rod license.

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You must also have a permit to fish.  This may be an angling club membership or a day or season ticket on the water of your choice.  All fishing clubs/venues set their own ticket prices, rules and conditions so make sure you check these out when you buy your permit

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What methods can I use to fish for game fish?

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There are numerous methods you can use for game fishing, but which are allowed will depend on the fishing permit or local byelaw rules so always check before fishing.

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If you already coarse fish then some of your tackle can be used for game fishing where bait and spinning is allowed.

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Popular methods for fishing for game fish include -

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• Fly fishing

• Spinning

• Float fishing (worm, maggot, artificial bait, etc.)

• Ledger fishing (worm, maggot, artificial bait, etc.)

• Trotting (worm or maggot)

• Shrimp and worm fishing for salmon (where allowed)

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