Updated: July 2025
Summer is prime time for lure fishing in the UK. Warm water means predators like perch, pike, and chub are active and hunting, making it the perfect season to try different lure styles. But with so many on the market, which ones actually produce in UK conditions?
Here are the top 5 lures for summer fishing in the UK, proven to catch and easy to use whether you’re on a canal, river, or reservoir.
1. Soft Plastic Shads
Why they work:
Shads imitate small baitfish perfectly. In summer, predators often hunt in the upper layers or along weed beds, and a soft shad on a jig head is deadly.
Best use:
- Canal perch and river chub
- Slow retrieves close to features
- Sizes between 5–10 cm work best in clear water
Tip: Choose natural silver or perch patterns in bright conditions and darker colours in cloudy water.
2. Spinnerbaits
Why they work:
A classic for pike and perch, spinnerbaits create flash and vibration that predators can’t resist, even in slightly coloured water.
Best use:
- Around weed beds where other lures snag
- Steady retrieve with occasional pauses
Tip: Use bright colours like chartreuse or white when the sun is high.
3. Crankbaits
Why they work:
Shallow‑running crankbaits are excellent in summer when fish hold near the surface or mid‑depth. Their wobble and rattle trigger reaction strikes.
Best use:
- Rivers with active chub and perch
- Cast along the margins or under overhanging trees
Tip: Choose floating or suspending models to control depth.
4. Surface Poppers
Why they work:
On calm mornings and evenings, many predators patrol the surface for easy meals. A popper creates commotion that draws explosive takes.
Best use:
- Still lakes or slow canals at dawn or dusk
- Target perch and pike when you see surface movement
Tip: Let the lure rest after each pop to give fish time to strike.
5. Inline Spinners
Why they work:
Simple, inexpensive, and effective — spinners work on almost every predator species. In summer, they excel in clear rivers and canals with active fry.
Best use:
- Small rivers for perch and chub
- Steady retrieve with occasional speed changes
Tip: Size 2–4 spinners cover most UK situations.
Final Thoughts
Lure fishing in summer is about covering water and triggering reaction strikes. These five lures — shads, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, poppers, and spinners — are proven performers in UK waters and ideal for everything from quick evening canal sessions to full‑day reservoir trips.
Pack a selection, vary your retrieve, and enjoy some of the most exciting fishing of the year.
