When Does the River Season Open UK?

Every year, like clockwork, UK anglers find themselves glancing longingly at their calendars, counting down the days to one of the most anticipated moments in the fishing calendar: the opening of the UK river season. If you’re wondering “When does the river season open UK?” – the answer is simple: June 16th. That’s the magical date when rivers across England and Wales officially reopen after the three-month close season, which runs from March 15th to June 15th.

Why the wait? The close season is designed to protect fish during their spawning period (which is debatable), giving river species a chance to rest, reproduce, and recover. But for anglers, the break can feel like a lifetime. By the time mid-June rolls around, many of us are twitching, ready to hit the banks with renewed enthusiasm (and probably a few new bits of gear we definitely didn’t need but couldn’t resist).

Predator Fishing in the River Season UK

While traditionalists might immediately think of barbel and bream when the river season reopens, there’s a growing number of lure anglers who see June 16th as a green light to go hunting for river predators. For some, it’s less about zen and more about zander (even if you’re unlikely to catch one in your local brook).

Below are the predatory fish you can expect to catch in UK rivers throughout the year.

Perch: The Pocket Rocket

Perch are one of the UK’s most accessible and exciting river predators. Found in just about every UK river, they offer fantastic sport on light tackle. Early in the season, perch are often tight to structure – undercut banks, overhanging trees, bridge pilings and respond well to small, flashy lures. Think 2-3 inch paddle tails, creature baits, or small spinners.

Chub: The Opportunist

Chub are a fantastic predator species often overlooked by newer lure anglers. They’re aggressive, cunning, and partial to a wide variety of lures. In summer, surface lures like small poppers or walk-the-dog style lures can be deadly, especially in low, clear water. Try casting under overhanging vegetation or into shaded areas where chub like to lurk. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and even small jerkbaits can all do the trick just keep your approach stealthy and your casts accurate.

Zander: The Stealthy Hunter

Zander are still a relatively recent addition to UK river systems and can be found in certain stretches of rivers like the Severn, Trent, and Great Ouse. They’re twilight hunters with Dracula-like tendencies: they love low light, have excellent eyesight, and will smash a lure with surgical precision. That’s not to say you won’t catch them in the middle of the day in the height of summer, this is achievable!

Pike: Proceed with Caution

Now, let’s talk pike. Yes, they’re in the rivers, and yes, you’ll probably catch one even if you’re not targeting them. But here’s the rub – early summer isn’t the most fish-friendly time to be pursuing them, especially on shallow, lowland rivers. Warmer water holds less oxygen, and pike, being large apex predators, can struggle to recover after a fight. That doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t catch them – just be mindful.

If you’re fishing waters where pike are present, always use a trace to prevent bite-offs. Handle them with care, keep them in the water as much as possible during unhooking, and skip the trophy photo if it means getting them back quicker. What’s important is they’re strong and ready to swim off before you let them go!

Ready for the River Season UK?

So, to recap: the UK river season opens on June 16th, and for many of us, it’s a date that brings joy, hope, and an excuse to start rummaging through our tackle boxes like kids at Christmas. Whether you’re stalking perch in the margins, teasing chub with surface lures, or reluctantly tangling with pike, there’s no better time to rediscover your favourite stretches of water.