Great Fly-Fishing Spots in the UK

Do you think fly fishing is tedious, expensive and a sport for rich people? Think again! Have a look at these top fly-fishing spots in the UK, which are all adventurous, wild and almost free.

Dartmoor, Devon

Dartmoor’s unique landscape and eerily beautiful atmosphere, with heather and gorse lined moorlands, granite tors and boulders, wild ponies and the oak-lined River Dart, make for a perfect location for a fly-fishing holiday. The fishery belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall, and many fly-fishers return here year after year. The waters of the Dart are clear, darkened by the peaty soil of the moor and full of hungry fish, including trout and salmon. There are many amazing places to stay near the river in the moorland towns of Postbridge, Two Bridges or Hexworthy. The latter also has a small idyllic campsite directly by the river. A day-ticket for fishing costs £10.

Assynt, Sutherland

Fionn Loch and the waters surrounding it are home to the arctic char as well as brown trout. Set against a backdrop of massive mountains, such as Quinag and Suilven, the location is simply magnificent. Visitors can explore the awe-inspiring wilderness of Assynt with a local guide. Assynt offers accommodation to suit every budget, including 5* hotels, a choice of guest houses, B&B’s, hostels, campsites and mountain bothies. The cost of fishing is £7.50 to £10 for the day or £30 to £40 for a week.

River Tyne, Northumberland

Flowing through the wild landscapes of the Pennines, the River Tyne is a paradise for fishers. Abundant numbers of salmon run the Tyne throughout the year, and the peat-tinged waters offer an ideal habitat for sea trout. The peat-darkened waters give the fish confidence, which means that fishing is as successful in the day as it is at dusk. The Tyne yields the UK’s biggest catches of salmon and seatrout every year. Fishing is, therefore, a bit more expensive and costs from £35 for a day-ticket.