With longer days and warm evenings, there’s no better time to wet a line after work. Manchester may be a bustling city, but it’s surrounded by hidden gems for evening fishing — whether you’re into carp, coarse species, or just relaxing by the water.
Here are the top evening fishing spots near Manchester, perfect for after-work escapes or short weekend sessions.
🏞️ 1. Heaton Park Lake (North Manchester)
- 📍 Location: Middleton Road, M25
- 🎯 Best for: Carp, roach, tench, bream
- 💷 Access: Free public fishing (rod licence required)
- 🕒 Evening Tip: Carp patrol the margins near the island after 6 PM
- 🔥 Why go: Peaceful city location, walking distance from central areas
A local favourite for float and light feeder fishing, especially productive on warm, still evenings.
🌳 2. Sale Water Park (South Manchester)
- 📍 Location: Rifle Road, Sale M33
- 🎯 Best for: Pike, carp, perch
- 💷 Access: Free fishing with licence (park regulations apply)
- 🕒 Evening Tip: Try surface baits near the southern shallows during sunset
- 🔥 Why go: Big open lake with decent depth and structure
Best fished in low-light conditions — pike often come alive just before dark.
🐟 3. Boggart Hole Clough (Blackley)
- 📍 Location: Charlestown Road, M9
- 🎯 Best for: Roach, perch, small carp
- 💷 Access: Free to fish (public park)
- 🕒 Evening Tip: Use maggots or corn with a simple waggler rig
- 🔥 Why go: Easy access, urban nature, and surprisingly good bites in warm weather
Great for short float sessions — ideal for beginners or those seeking a chilled hour after work.
4. Wellington Lake – Radcliffe Angling Society (Bury)
- 📍 Location: Radcliffe, ~25 min drive from city centre
- 🎯 Best for: Carp (to 25lb), bream, tench
- 💷 Access: Day tickets available
- 🕒 Evening Tip: Method feeder with pellet in the margins near the pads
- 🔥 Why go: Well-maintained, consistent bites, perfect after a hot day
For those willing to travel a bit outside the city, this venue is a reliable evening producer.
🎯 5. Clifton Marina (Swinton)
- 📍 Location: Clifton Country Park, M27
- 🎯 Best for: Carp, bream, hybrids
- 💷 Access: Free to fish but some club rules may apply
- 🕒 Evening Tip: Focus on shallow bays for surface carp action
- 🔥 Why go: Large lake with plenty of pegs and wildlife
Great for carp fishing with floating baits or light ledger tactics in calm summer evenings.
🧠 Tips for Evening Fishing Near Manchester
- 🌄 Start around 6–7 PM – fish begin feeding more actively
- 🌿 Focus on the margins – especially in warm conditions
- 🧃 Pack light – travel light and be mobile for quick success
- 🎣 Use natural baits – maggots, worms, corn and bread outperform in pressured waters
- ✅ Check sunset times – most venues close around dusk (10 PM in summer)
📌 Final Thoughts
Evening fishing around Manchester is ideal for anglers with busy schedules. Whether you’re looking for quick bites, surface action, or peaceful solitude, these spots offer fantastic opportunities with minimal travel.
🎣 So grab your tackle, check the weather, and make the most of the golden hour — you might just land your best fish of the season.
