Updated: May 9, 2025
Spring is in full swing across the UK, and that means freshwater species are becoming more active by the day. Whether you’re fishing in a local canal, a rural lake, or a coastal estuary, May is one of the best months to catch a variety of fish.
Below is your weekly bite report with the latest updates on what’s biting, where, and how to improve your chances this weekend.
🎯 Top Active Species This Week
1. Pike (Esox lucius)
✅ Best regions: Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Lake District
✅ Best lures: Soft jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, large swimbaits
➡️ Pike are recovering post-spawning and are aggressively feeding in shallow weed beds. Mornings and late evenings are prime time.
2. Carp
✅ Best regions: Kent, Essex, West Midlands
✅ Best bait: Boilies, corn, pellets
➡️ Warmer temperatures have activated surface feeding. Try zig rigs or floating baits during sunny midday hours.
3. Perch
✅ Best regions: Yorkshire canals, Oxfordshire rivers
✅ Best lures: Micro jigs, dropshot rigs
➡️ Perch are schooling near drop-offs and boat moorings. Slow retrieves work best.
4. Bream
✅ Best regions: The Fens, River Nene
✅ Best bait: Groundbait + worms
➡️ Consistent feeder action reported in deeper stretches with slow flow.
5. Trout (Stocked & Wild)
✅ Best regions: Wales, Scottish Highlands, Hampshire chalk streams
✅ Best methods: Fly fishing, Mepps spinners
➡️ Excellent surface action reported early morning. Dry flies like Adams or Mayfly patterns are producing well.
📍 Hot Local Reports
- River Lea (Hertfordshire): Carp anglers reporting multiple 15–20lb catches on sweetcorn and scopex boilies.
- Grand Union Canal (Northampton): Perch and zander activity picking up around lock gates in early morning.
- Chew Valley Lake (Somerset): Pike over 20lb caught on paddle tail lures around submerged trees.
- River Trent (Nottinghamshire): Bream shoals responding well to method feeders in deeper pools.
🌦️ Weather Impact on Fishing
This week’s mild temperatures (11–18°C) and overcast skies with occasional showers are perfect for pike and carp, especially in low-pressure periods. Look for increased feeding windows before and after the rain.
Tip: Check barometric pressure – drop = more bite activity, especially for predatory fish like pike and perch.
🧠 Weekly Tip
Use scent-enhanced baits during changing weather – especially boilies soaked in oils for carp, or garlic-scented soft lures for perch.
And don’t forget: local bite activity can shift fast – be flexible and match your tactics to conditions.
📥 Want Weekly Bite Reports?
👉 Subscribe for free updates and stay ahead of the bite every week!
📌 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a weekend angler or serious specimen hunter, May is prime time to hit the water. Use this bite report to guide your next session, and keep checking back every Friday for the latest UK fishing action.
🎣 Tight lines!
