Fishing

Fishing is famous for being one of the best ways to get outside, relax and enjoy a healthier, happier life.

Our canals and rivers teem with a rich diversity of fish, and our dedicated team of fisheries and angling experts work hard so you can enjoy a good day's fishing every day.

Black and white photo, showing war time army truck with words written on the side 'presented by the National Federation of Anglers'

Angling during the World Wars

Read our angling wartime blog, brought to you by John Essex, our volunteer angling history and heritage advisor

Find a fishing event

Want to try fishing? We'll get you catching in no time. Try our award-winning Let's Fish! events

A young boy holds a fishing rod in the canal with the help of a coach, teaching him how to fish.

Empower youth through Let's Fish!

Donate now to provide access to nature and angling skills for thousands of children, mums, dads, and grandparents

Before you go

To fish on any canal or river, you'll need to buy your rod licence from the Environment Agency, plus a permit to fish from either the local angling club or our Waterways Wanderers Scheme.

Remember, our waterways can be lively places. Please read our guide on Sharing the Space.

Read about how we're supported and guided by a group of skilled angling professionals in our National Angling Advisory Group.