River Fishing in Norfolk
Experienced fishermen or beginning enthusiasts will discover that river fishing in Norfolk is off the scales when it comes to variety, difficulty and the number of species lurking beneath the surface just waiting to grab the bait. So bring your patience and skills and enjoy the experience of river fishing in Norfolk
Fishing is one of the most popular and widespread leisure activities in the UK and especially in Norfolk the opportunities for enjoying spectacular fishing are many and varied. There are a large number of Fishing Clubs, some of which operate private fishing areas, but all are eager to give help and advice.
I am a very keen fisherman for many reasons but the two that come most readily to mind are, one, it relaxes my mind at the end of a hard day at work and two, the thrill of the wait, because there is always the one enormous fish that got away last time and by George, I will get that blighter one of these days!
As visitors to Norfolk, experienced fishermen or keen beginners, will not be too aware of what fishing is available throughout this lovely county, lake fishing, sea fishing and fly fishing are all good here too, but I will deal with those another time.
Norfolk has some of the best places to river fish because for the most part, there are gentle flowing rivers with not a lot of current which are regularly cleaned and looked after by the authorities with some stretches of crystal clear water so you see exactly what your fishing for and most great spots are easily within walking distance along the banks. For those who like to be on the water fishing, then there are plenty of dayboats and canoes for hire and for the even more gung-ho, there are guided fishing tours available too.
So for now here are a few tips and pointers from me to you on the pleasures of River Fishing in Norfolk.
1. Decide which river you want to experience, ensure all equipment, breakfast, lunch, tackle and bait have been put into the car the night before as after an early start (before sunrise), you don’t want to arrive at your destination to discover that you have not bought anything except the maggots/paste/bread! If you do find you are are missing the vital ingredients, then there are plenty of bait shops and village stores to gather emergency supplies from - you can also gather intel on the best spots to fish from too. Licenses are required (no license, large fines) and these can be bought on-line through the Environment Agency website.
2. Find the ideal spot on the river, whether it’s on a bend, near a weeping willow tree that gently droops over the water or a fast flowing part of the river where some of the larger fish will congregate looking for a easy meal. Again local advice of where to go is worth seeking.
3. Set up using different techniques depending on what your after. Try running a float downstream, you will never know what pulls it under until you’ve landed it, or set up with a ledger or swim feeder. Once cast, sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and bacon buttie, watching for the moment the tip of your rod suddenly quivers or bows with a something on the end.
4. While waiting for a bite, keep one eye on the rod and with the other, look around and get lost in the beautiful Norfolk countryside. You might be lucky enough to spot a flash of blue as a Kingfisher, one of the most beautiful and creative little birds that frequent the rivers, flits about busily looking for lunch. Indeed Herons have proliferated in Norfolk so you may find yourself with feathered company hunched quietly nearby patiently waiting to nab the fish you want to catch.
5. Hurrah, the float goes under, your rod tip bows, you’ve got a bite, you strike not knowing what you have caught because depending on the bait, it could be a Bream, Roach, Rudd, Ruffe, Chub, Perch, Dace, Pike, Tench, Carp, Salmon, Trout or maybe even an elusive Zander. You start to pull around the right, then left, then right, straight up or go down low, the excitement is intense as for the first time you catch a glimpse of the species on the hook, you dip the landing net into the river and collect your catch - hopefully not a old shoe or a water lily root! Anyway, pop the catch into the keep net, celebrate perhaps with a small sip of a cold beer and start all over again!
6. Having come to the end of a great day of fishing whether you have caught a huge haul or just a couple of minnows, all of your catch has to go back into the river to be caught again the next day - it’s a good job fish have poor memories, otherwise fishing would be a one day wonder!
Try fishing on our rivers, I am sure you will have a great relaxing day absorbing the sights and sounds of the Norfolk Countryside and go home ready for another day!
PS Please take all your discarded tackle and litter home with you. Too many swans, kingfishers, herons and otters die or are maimed by rubbish each year.
Where to get Licenses and Permits
