What to Expect from Coarse Fishing in the Coming Months

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(Starting April 1st)

As we move into spring, coarse fishing begins to wake up from its winter slumber. Warmer temperatures, increased fish activity, and changing feeding patterns make the next few months an exciting time for anglers. Whether you’re targeting carp, bream, tench, or roach, here’s what to expect and how to make the most of your time on the bank.

Fishing Rules & Facilities

Before we dive into the fishing conditions for the coming months, here are a few important rules and services we offer:

  • Fishing Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
  • Hooks: Strictly barbless hooks only
  • Catch & Release: All fish must be returned safely to the water
  • Bait Restrictions: No whole tiger nuts
  • Bait Available: We sell a range of bait on-site
  • Rod Hire: Rods are available for hire

Please respect these rules to ensure a great experience for everyone and to protect the fish and the environment.

April: A Slow but Promising Start

April can be unpredictable. Some days feel like summer, while others remind you winter isn’t quite finished. Water temperatures are still on the low side, which means fish remain cautious and less active. However, as the days get longer, they’ll start feeding more consistently.

Best Rods & Rigs for April

  • Float Rod & Waggler Rig – Ideal for targeting roach, skimmers, and small bream.
  • Feeder Rod & Cage Feeder – Great for deeper water using maggots or worms.
  • Light Ledger Rig – A simple running ledger with corn or soft pellets for cautious carp and tench.

May: Increased Activity and Better Bites

By May, fish become more confident. Carp start cruising near the surface, and tench make their presence known in the margins early in the morning and late in the evening. Bream and roach feed in larger shoals, making for some fantastic session fishing.

Best Rods & Rigs for May

  • Method Feeder Rod & Method Feeder Rig – Perfect for bream and carp using groundbait and pellets.
  • Float Rod & Margin Pole – A great choice for tench and crucians with casters or worms.
  • Surface Rod & Free-Lining Rig – Use floating bread or dog biscuits for surface-feeding carp.

 June: Full-On Summer Fishing

By June, fish are in full feeding mode. Many species will have finished spawning, and their appetite returns in force. This is prime time for action-packed sessions with plenty of bites.

Best Rods & Rigs for June

  • Pellet Waggler Rod & Pellet Waggler Rig – Great for catching fast-moving F1s and carp just below the surface.
  • Barbel Rod & Hair Rig – Perfect for bigger fish using hair-rigged pellets or meat.
  • Long Pole & Paste Rig – Deadly for big carp in commercial fisheries.

Essential Equipment for Spring & Early Summer Fishing

  • Landing Net & Unhooking Mat – Essential for safely handling fish.
  • Polarized Sunglasses – Helps you spot fish near the surface.
  • Bait Selection – Maggots, worms, sweetcorn, pellets, and bread should cover most species.
  • Light Clothing & Waterproofs – Spring weather can be unpredictable.
  • Bite Alarms & Rod Rests – Useful for longer sessions, especially when ledgering.

Key Tips for Success

  • Keep an eye on the weather – Sudden cold spells can slow fish activity, even in late spring.
  • Adapt your bait choices – Start with natural baits in April and transition to pellets and boilies as the water warms up.
  • Fish where the fish are – In early spring, they may be in deeper water, but by June, they’ll move into shallower areas and the margins.

 Spring into summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for coarse anglers. The fish are feeding, the days are long, and the opportunities are endless. Get your gear ready and enjoy the season ahead!