If you’re an avid angler or just someone looking to cast a line and try your hand at fishing, you’ll be delighted to know that the UK is home to a diverse range of fish species. From the stunning salmon that gracefully swim upstream to the mighty carp that puts up a fight, there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater fishing, this article will introduce you to some of the most popular types of fish you can catch in the UK. Get ready to reel in excitement and discover new fishing adventures!
Salmon
Salmon is an incredibly popular fish to catch in the UK, and for good reason. Known for their stunning silver bodies and incredible strength, salmon are a true prize for any angler. There are two main types of salmon that you are likely to encounter: Atlantic salmon and Pacific salmon.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon, also known as Salmo salar, are found all along the coasts of the UK. They are known for their incredible strength and determination, making them a challenging and exciting catch. Atlantic salmon can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching over 30 pounds in weight. They are also known for their incredible jumping ability, often leaping out of the water during a fight.
Pacific Salmon
Pacific salmon, also known as Oncorhynchus, are not native to the UK, but they are occasionally found in British waters. These fish are born in freshwater rivers and then migrate to the ocean, where they spend most of their lives. When it is time to spawn, they make the incredible journey back to their birthplace. There are several different species of Pacific salmon, including Chinook, Coho, and Pink salmon. Each species has its own unique characteristics and fishing techniques.
Trout
Trout are another incredibly popular fish species to target in the UK. With their striking colors and love for fast-flowing rivers, trout are a favorite among many anglers. There are several different types of trout that you may encounter during your fishing adventures, including rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and grayling.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout, also known as Oncorhynchus mykiss, are a non-native species that were introduced to the UK many years ago. They have since become naturalized and can be found in rivers and lakes across the country. Rainbow trout are known for their vibrant colors, with a bright pink stripe running along their sides. They are also strong fighters, making them a thrilling catch for anglers of all skill levels.
Brown Trout
Brown trout, or Salmo trutta, are native to the UK and can be found in almost every river and lake in the country. These fish are known for their camouflage colors, which allow them to blend in seamlessly with their surroundings. Brown trout can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching over 20 pounds. They are known for being incredibly wary and can be quite challenging to catch, making them a favorite among experienced anglers.
Brook Trout
Brook trout, also known as Salvelinus fontinalis, are not native to the UK but have been introduced to some rivers and lakes. These fish are known for their stunning colors, with vibrant orange and red spots on a dark background. Brook trout prefer cold, clear water and are often found in upland streams and mountain lakes. They are not as large as other trout species, with most individuals reaching around 10-12 inches in length. Despite their smaller size, they are known for their voracious appetite and are a favorite among fly fishermen.
Grayling
Grayling, or Thymallus thymallus, are a unique and highly sought-after fish species in the UK. They are known for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and beautiful silver coloring. Grayling are often found in rivers with fast, well-oxygenated water and are known for their love of feeding on small insect larvae. They can be quite challenging to catch, as they are incredibly sensitive to changes in water temperature and quality. However, their stunning appearance and strength make them an enticing target for any angler.
Carp
Carp are one of the most popular fish species to catch in the UK, and for good reason. These fish are renowned for their large size, stunning scales, and powerful fight. There are several different types of carp that you may encounter, including common carp, mirror carp, leather carp, and crucian carp.
Common Carp
Common carp, or Cyprinus carpio, are the most widespread and abundant carp species in the UK. They are known for their impressive size, with some individuals reaching over 40 pounds in weight. Common carp have a distinct gold or bronze coloration and are covered in large scales. They are prolific feeders and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including lakes, rivers, and canals. Common carp are known for their powerful fight and make for an exhilarating catch.
Mirror Carp
Mirror carp are a type of common carp, but they have a unique scale pattern that sets them apart. Instead of the standard scales found on common carp, mirror carp have irregularly shaped scales that resemble a “mirror” or “leather” pattern. These fish are prized by many anglers for their distinct appearance and can grow to impressive sizes. Mirror carp are often found in the same habitats as common carp and can provide an exciting challenge for any angler.
Leather Carp
Leather carp, also known as fully scaled carp, are another variant of the common carp species. These fish have scales that are deeply embedded in their skin, giving them a smooth, leathery appearance. Leather carp can be found in many of the same habitats as common carp and mirror carp and offer a unique and intriguing target for anglers. They are known for their impressive size and powerful fight, making them a highly sought-after catch.
Crucian Carp
Crucian carp, or Carassius carassius, are a smaller species of carp that are native to the UK. Unlike their larger relatives, crucian carp rarely exceed a few pounds in weight. However, what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and character. These fish have a distinct rounded shape and a stunning golden coloration. Crucian carp can be found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers, and are known for their willingness to feed. They provide a fun and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Pike
Pike are one of the most formidable and predatory fish species found in the UK. Known for their large size, sharp teeth, and voracious appetite, pike are a true challenge for any angler. There are two main types of pike that you are likely to encounter: northern pike and Esox Lucius.
Northern Pike
Northern pike, or Esox lucius, are native to the UK and can be found in rivers, lakes, and canals throughout the country. These fish are known for their incredible size, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 4 feet and weighing over 30 pounds. Northern pike are apex predators and have a reputation for their aggressive nature and powerful strike. Anglers targeting pike often use large lures or live bait to entice these fish into striking, resulting in an exhilarating battle.
Esox Lucius
Esox Lucius, commonly referred to as pike, are found in abundant numbers across the UK. These fish are known for their predatory nature, sharp teeth, and voracious appetite. Pike are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from shallow weedy lakes to fast-flowing rivers. They are known for their explosive strikes and incredible strength, making them a thrilling catch for any angler. Pike often go after smaller fish, such as roach or perch, so using imitation lures or live bait can be highly effective when targeting these formidable predators.
Perch
Perch are a highly popular fish species to catch in the UK, known for their striking appearance and aggressive nature. These fish are found in a wide range of habitats, from rivers and lakes to canals and ponds. There are two main types of perch that you may encounter: European perch and Perca fluviatilis.
European Perch
European perch, also known as Perca fluviatilis, are native to the UK and can be found in many rivers and lakes throughout the country. These fish are known for their distinctive green and yellow coloring, with bold black stripes running along their sides. European perch can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 2 feet and weighing several pounds. They are aggressive predators and will strike at a wide range of baits and lures, providing an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.
Perca Fluviatilis
Perca fluviatilis, commonly referred to as perch, are found in abundant numbers across the UK. These fish are known for their predatory nature, striking appearance, and aggressive behavior. Perch are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from slow-moving rivers to urban canals. They have a preference for cover, often lurking near submerged vegetation or fallen trees in search of their next meal. Perch are known for their incredible speed and agility, making them an exciting and challenging catch for any angler.
Bream
Bream are a popular fish species to target in the UK, known for their large size and hard-fighting nature. These fish can be found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, lakes, and canals. There are several different types of bream that you may encounter during your fishing adventures, including common bream, silver bream, and bronze bream.
Common Bream
Common bream, or Abramis brama, are the most widespread and abundant bream species in the UK. These fish are known for their impressive size, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 20 inches and weighing several pounds. Common bream have a distinctive silvery color and a laterally compressed body shape. They are often found in deep, slow-moving rivers or large stillwaters and can provide a challenging and rewarding catch for anglers of all skill levels.
Silver Bream
Silver bream, also known as blicca bjoerkna, are another type of bream species that can be found in the UK. These fish have a similar body shape to common bream, but they are smaller in size, with most individuals reaching lengths of around 10 inches. Silver bream have a distinct silver coloration and are often found in shoals in large lakes and reservoirs. They are known for their cautious nature and can be quite selective in their feeding habits, making them a challenging catch for anglers.
Bronze Bream
Bronze bream, or abramis brama, are a subspecies of common bream that are found in certain lakes and rivers in the UK. These fish have a striking bronze coloration, which sets them apart from other bream species. Bronze bream are known for their strong fight and can provide an exciting challenge for anglers. They are often found in deep, weedy lakes or slow-moving rivers and will readily take a wide range of baits and lures.
Roach
Roach are a highly popular and abundant fish species to catch in the UK, known for their fast and powerful fight. These fish are found in a wide range of habitats, from rivers and lakes to canals and ponds. There are two main types of roach that you may encounter: common roach and Rutilus rutilus.
Common Roach
Common roach, also known as Rutilus rutilus, are native to the UK and can be found in many rivers and lakes throughout the country. These fish are known for their slim and streamlined body shape, with a distinct silver coloration. Common roach can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 12 inches and weighing several pounds. They are often found in shoals and are prolific feeders, making them a popular and widely targeted species among anglers.
Rutilus Rutilus
Rutilus rutilus, commonly referred to as roach, are found in abundant numbers across the UK. These fish are known for their sleek and streamlined body shape, silver coloration, and powerful swimming abilities. Roach are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from slow-moving rivers to weedy ponds. They are known for their speed and agility, often darting in and out of cover in search of food. Roach are opportunistic feeders and will readily take a variety of baits and lures, making them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels.
Mackerel
Mackerel are a highly sought-after fish species in the UK, known for their strong fight and delicious taste. These fish are found in the waters around the UK, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. There are two main types of mackerel that you may encounter: Atlantic mackerel and Scomber scombrus.
Atlantic Mackerel
Atlantic mackerel, or Scomber scombrus, are the most widespread and abundant mackerel species in the UK. These fish are known for their distinctive blue and green coloring, with iridescent silver stripes running along their sides. Atlantic mackerel can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 18 inches and weighing several pounds. They are often found in large shoals and are prolific feeders, making them a highly targeted species among anglers.
Scomber Scombrus
Scomber scombrus, commonly referred to as mackerel, are found in abundant numbers across the UK. These fish are known for their striking appearance, fast swimming abilities, and oily flesh. Mackerel are highly migratory and can be found in a variety of habitats, including inshore waters, offshore reefs, and in the open ocean. They are known for their aggressive nature and will readily strike at fast-moving lures or bait. Mackerel are not only fun to catch but are also highly prized for their delicious taste, making them a popular target among anglers.
Cod
Cod are one of the most iconic and highly targeted fish species in the UK, known for their delicious white flesh and impressive size. These fish are found in the waters around the UK, particularly in the North Atlantic Ocean. There are two main types of cod that you may encounter: Atlantic cod and Gadus morhua.
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic cod, or Gadus morhua, are the most widespread and abundant cod species in the UK. These fish are known for their large size, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 5 feet and weighing several dozen pounds. Atlantic cod have a distinct greenish-brown coloration and a prominent chin barbel. They are often found in deep, cold-water habitats and are known for their voracious appetite and powerful striking ability. Atlantic cod are a highly prized catch among anglers, known for their delicious taste and thrilling fight.
Gadus Morhua
Gadus morhua, commonly referred to as cod, are found in abundant numbers across the UK. These fish are known for their large size, meaty flesh, and distinctive appearance. Cod are highly migratory and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, offshore wrecks, and sandy bottoms. They are known for their predatory nature and will readily strike at a variety of baits and lures. Cod can provide an exhilarating fight, often using their massive size and strength to their advantage. Anglers targeting cod often employ a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing, jigging, and trolling, to entice these powerful fish.
Whiting
Whiting are a highly popular and abundant fish species to catch in the UK, known for their delicious white flesh and impressive numbers. These fish are found in the waters around the UK, particularly in the North Sea and English Channel. There are two main types of whiting that you may encounter: Merlangius merlangus.
Merlangius Merlangus
Merlangius merlangus, commonly referred to as whiting, are found in abundant numbers across the UK. These fish are known for their elongated body shape, silver coloration, and delicate flavor. Whiting are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including inshore waters, offshore banks, and estuaries. They are known for their voracious appetite and will readily strike at a variety of baits and lures. Whiting can provide a fast and action-packed fishing experience, often forming large shoals and feeding aggressively. They are a favorite among anglers, both for their abundance and mouthwatering taste when cooked.
