The capital might not be the first place that springs to mind when you’re dreaming of a peaceful day’s fishing, but London’s waterways offer surprisingly brilliant coarse fishing opportunities right on your doorstep. From historic reservoirs to hidden urban lakes, the city provides both seasoned anglers and curious beginners with accessible spots to cast a line without venturing far from the Tube map.

There’s something rather magical about finding tranquil fishing spots amidst the urban hustle. London’s coarse fishing scene has flourished in recent years, with improved water quality in the Thames and better management of local fisheries creating thriving populations of carp, pike, perch, and roach. What’s more, many venues offer day tickets at reasonable prices, making it an affordable escape from city life.

The beauty of urban angling lies in its accessibility. You don’t need a car or expensive gear to get started – just a basic setup, a day ticket, and perhaps a flask of tea. Many of London’s best fishing spots are mere minutes from public transport, meaning you can squeeze in a few hours of fishing before work or spend a lazy Sunday afternoon by the water without the faff of a countryside expedition. 

With that in mind, here are some of London’s best places for coarse fishing.

Walthamstow Wetlands

This vast nature reserve in North London has become something of a mecca for urban anglers. The ten reservoirs here offer varied fishing experiences, from intimate corners perfect for float fishing to expansive waters where you can properly stretch your casting arm. The East Warwick reservoir is particularly renowned for its specimen carp with the largest capture weighing in at 51lb 2oz, whilst the quieter corners of High Maynard offer excellent sport with tench and bream.

Day tickets are available from the visitor centre, and with the Tottenham Hale station just a 10-minute walk away, it’s remarkably easy to reach. The wetlands also boast a rather good café, perfect for a post-fishing fry-up.

Hampstead Heath Ponds

The Heath’s ponds offer some of the most picturesque fishing in London, with the skyline providing a dramatic backdrop to your angling. The Hampstead No.1 Pond is the designated angling pond, well-stocked with carp (some pushing 20lb), tench, roach, and perch.

Fishing is permitted only during the closed season, from March 15 to June 15, and you must have both a valid rod licence and the free permit to fish legally. With those formalities dispensed with, the setting feels wonderfully removed from city life, despite being just minutes from Hampstead station.

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The Grand Union Canal

Stretching through West London, the Grand Union offers miles of free fishing along its towpaths. The stretch through Little Venice and Paddington Basin might seem unlikely, but these waters hold surprising numbers of perch, roach, and the occasional decent-sized pike.

For better sport, head further west to the stretches around Alperton or Greenford, where the canal widens and the fish grow larger. Just remember to get your Environment Agency rod licence and check for any specific restrictions on certain stretches.

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Hollow Ponds

Over in East London, Hollow Ponds fishing offers a delightful escape on the edge of Epping Forest. This historic boating lake has developed into a thriving fishery, with good stocks of carp, tench, and pike. The surrounding woodland creates a surprisingly rural atmosphere, making it hard to believe you’re still within the M25.

The venue operates on a day ticket basis, and whilst it can get busy on weekends, early morning sessions during the week offer peaceful fishing in lovely surroundings. The nearby Leytonstone High Road station makes it easily accessible for those travelling by public transport.

Thames Through Central London

Yes, you can fish the Thames through Central London, and it’s completely free with an Environment Agency licence. The tidal Thames has seen remarkable improvement in fish stocks, with bass, flounder, and even the occasional sea trout making appearances.

Popular spots include the South Bank near Waterloo Bridge, the stretch by Battersea Power Station, and the calmer waters around Richmond. Night fishing for eels can be particularly productive, though do check local bylaws about fishing hours in specific boroughs.

Essential Kit For Urban Fishing

You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy London’s fishing. A simple float rod setup (around 12-13 feet) will handle most situations, paired with a fixed spool reel loaded with 6-8lb line. Add a selection of floats, hooks (sizes 10-18 should cover most scenarios), and split shot, and you’re ready for action.

For bait, sweetcorn, bread, and maggots remain the classics – all readily available from tackle shops or, in the case of sweetcorn and bread, your local supermarket. Many London tackle shops offer starter kits for under £50, perfect for testing the waters before investing in pricier gear.

Urban Angling Etiquette

Fishing in London requires particular consideration for other users of these shared spaces. Always take your litter home (including any discarded line, which can be lethal to wildlife), respect other anglers’ swims, and be mindful of joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists who might share the towpaths and lakesides.

Most importantly, handle fish with care. Use unhooking mats, keep fish in the water as much as possible, and always return them gently. London’s fish populations thrive because anglers treat them with respect.

Legal Requirements & Licensing

And now the boring bit…

Before casting a line anywhere in London, you must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence if you’re aged 13 or over and fishing for freshwater species including carp, tench, roach, perch, pike, and eels. Junior licences for ages 13-16 are free but still require registration, whilst children under 13 need no licence at all. 

Current prices for 2025 are £7.30 for a one-day licence, £14.70 for eight days, and £36.80 for a full year. Licences can be purchased online via the government website, at any Post Office, or by calling the Environment Agency. 

The penalties for fishing without a licence are severe – you can face fines of up to £2,500, and Environment Agency officers regularly patrol waters to check compliance. Remember that a rod licence only gives you permission to fish – you’ll still need to pay any required day tickets at private venues or obtain permission from landowners for specific stretches of water.

The Bottom Line

The key to successful urban angling is timing. Early mornings and late evenings typically offer the best fishing, with fewer disturbances and more active fish. Weekdays, if you can manage them, provide quieter banks and better sport than busy weekends.

Don’t be put off by the urban setting – fish in city waters can be just as challenging and rewarding to catch as their rural cousins. In fact, the heavily-fished urban specimens often prove wilier than their countryside counterparts, making landing a decent carp from Hampstead Heath or a pike from the Grand Union all the more satisfying.

London’s coarse fishing scene proves you don’t need to escape to the countryside for a proper angling adventure. These urban oases offer genuine tranquillity, decent fishing, and the convenience of being home in time for dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking for a quick fishing fix or a complete beginner curious about the sport, London’s waters await.