Fishing in Essex: Best Spots, Tips, and Local Advice
Essex is one of the UK’s best counties for fishing, offering a mix of sea, river, and lake fishing opportunities. Whether you’re a beginner with your first rod or an experienced angler chasing specimen carp, Essex has plenty to offer. From tranquil lakes and rivers to the open sea along the Essex coast, there’s a spot for every type of angler.
Popular Lake Fishing in Essex
If carp and coarse fishing are your passion, Essex is packed with lakes that attract anglers from across the UK:
- Crow Green Fishery (Brentwood) – Known for carp, catfish, and sturgeon. Great for both beginners and experts. Book here
- Chigboro Fisheries (Maldon) – A peaceful set of lakes offering coarse and fly fishing. Book here
- Tylers Common Fishery (Upminster) – A top choice for carp fishing with well-stocked waters. Information here (website is not working as it should but you can call or email them)
Sea Fishing in Essex
The Essex coast is a haven for sea anglers, with a mix of piers, estuaries, and beaches to try your luck:
- Southend Pier – One of the longest piers in the world, a favourite spot for mackerel, bass, and whiting.
- Clacton & Walton Piers – Great access for year-round fishing, especially cod in the colder months.
- Mersea Island – A popular destination for sea bass and flatfish.
River Fishing in Essex
For those who prefer rivers, Essex offers a variety of flowing waters:
- River Chelmer – Excellent for roach, bream, and perch.
- River Colne – Known for chub, roach, and the occasional pike.
- River Stour – Bordering Essex and Suffolk, this is a stunning location with plenty of coarse fishing opportunities.
Don’t forger
- Check permits and licences – You’ll need an Environment Agency fishing licence for rivers and lakes. Some fisheries also require day tickets.
- Tides matter for sea fishing – Always check tide times before heading out to the Essex coast.
- Local bait works best – Sweetcorn, bread, and boilies are popular for carp lakes, while ragworm and squid work well along the coast.
Fishing in Essex offers something for everyone — from family-friendly lakes and rivers to serious sea fishing spots. With a little planning, the right bait, and a valid licence, you can enjoy some of the UK’s best angling right here in Essex.
