Seasons set the backdrop for everything. Water temperature, daylight and spawning all change what fish are doing, and therefore where and how you should fish.
How fish react
Spring
Carp and tench move into warming shallows. Fish may spawn in late spring and early summer, when they often stop feeding.
Summer
Prime time for tench, bream and carp at dawn and dusk; surface fishing for carp.
Autumn
Carp often feed hard before winter. Pike start to come into their own.
Winter
Pike, perch and roach are the best targets; carp are catchable in mild spells.
Spawning
When fish are spawning, leave them alone. Many venues close lakes or swims at spawning time — always respect it.
FAQs
- When is the best time to catch carp?
- Late spring and autumn are often rated highly, with summer dawns and evenings also strong.
Put it into practice
Check the 7-day forecast and see which venues have the weather edge for your fish.
Related guides
General advice from widely shared angling experience. Every water is different — it’s a steer, not a promise of fish.