Fishing Near Leeds

Your complete guide to 50+ fishing spots across West Yorkshire: lakes, rivers, canals and more.

50+ spots6 species

Interactive Map

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Top Venues

Top Fishing Spots Near Leeds

The best-rated fishing venues within reach of Leeds.

  1. 1

    Birkwood Farm Fisheries

    5 lakes, 100+ pegs, carp to 30lb

  2. 2

    Swillington Park

    5 lakes, coarse and specimen, beginners welcome

  3. 3

    Kippax Park Fishery

    3 ponds: carp, trout, roach

  4. 4

    River Wharfe

    Barbel, chub, dace at Thorp Arch, Linton

  5. 5

    River Aire

    Coarse and trout at Stockbridge

  6. 6

    Oxbow Lakes, Methley

    4-acre carp lake, carp to 20lb+

  7. 7

    Sandwath Lake

    Leeds and District ASA water

  8. 8

    Eccup Reservoir

    Trout fishing, Yorkshire Water

  9. 9

    Farnley Lake

    Leeds parks fishing

  10. 10

    Leeds-Liverpool Canal

    Coarse fishing, Canal & River Trust

Species Guide

Species You Can Catch Near Leeds

Learn about the fish you’ll find in and around Leeds.

Carp

May–October · Boilies

Pike

October–March · Deadbaits (smelt

Trout

March–September · Flies (nymphs

Barbel

June–November · Pellets

Roach

October–March (specimen), year-round (general) · Maggots

Chub

October–March (peak), year-round · Bread

Sea Trout

June–September (peak July–August) · Flies (surface lures

Getting Started

Fishing Licence & Tips for Leeds

Licence Information

An EA rod licence is required for freshwater fishing in Leeds. Annual 2-rod licence costs £36.60.

Read the full fishing licence guide

Quick Tips

  • The River Wharfe near Thorp Arch is famous for barbel and chub.
  • Swillington Park is one of Yorkshire's most beginner-friendly fisheries.
  • The Yorkshire Dales are 30 minutes away for wild river fishing.
  • Leeds and District ASA offers affordable access to dozens of waters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Near Leeds

There are 50+ fishing spots near Leeds, including Birkwood Farm Fisheries, Swillington Park, and the River Wharfe.

Yes. An EA rod licence is required. Annual 2-rod licence costs £36.60.

Carp, barbel, chub, roach, trout, and pike are all common near Leeds. The Wharfe is famous for barbel.

The River Wharfe at Thorp Arch and Linton is regionally famous for barbel fishing.

Leeds and District Amalgamated Society of Anglers (LDASA) is the largest, with access to dozens of waters at affordable membership.

Absolutely. Swillington Park is well known for welcoming newcomers with easy-access pegs and good facilities.

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