Updated: May 2025
Looking for the best places to fish near York this May? Whether you’re after carp, perch, bream, or even a predator or two, spring offers excellent fishing opportunities across the York area. From historic rivers to peaceful day-ticket lakes and under-the-radar canals, there’s something for every angler.
In this 2025 guide, we cover the top fishing spots near York, what species to expect, and tips to improve your catch rate this month.
🌊 1. River Ouse (Central York & Upstream)
The River Ouse is one of the most accessible and productive waters in York. In May, water temperatures begin to rise, and coarse species become more active.
- ✅ Species: Bream, chub, roach, perch, occasional pike
- 📍 Top spots: Clifton Bridge, Rawcliffe area, Millennium Bridge stretch
- 🎣 Tactics:
- Feeder fishing with groundbait + worm for bream
- Light lure setups for perch near boat moorings
- Float fishing for roach along slack water edges
- 🆓 Some stretches are free to fish with a valid rod licence
May tip: Focus on slower-moving areas with cover – fish feed more confidently on cloudy days or after light rain.
🐟 2. Raker Lakes (Wheldrake)
Only a 20-minute drive from York, Raker Lakes offers a calm, well-stocked stillwater experience.
- ✅ Species: Carp, tench, bream, perch, roach
- 🎫 Access: Day ticket required (£8–£10 per rod)
- 🧠 Best methods:
- Method feeder for bream and carp
- Margin float fishing early morning for tench
- Pellet waggler or corn on warm afternoons
Great for casual anglers or families – well maintained with pegs and facilities.
🚤 3. Selby Canal
A true gem for light tackle anglers, Selby Canal offers urban-style canal fishing with surprisingly good species diversity.
- ✅ Species: Perch, roach, pike, gudgeon
- 📍 Where: Between Selby town and Burn Bridge – towpath access
- 🎣 Tactics:
- Drop-shotting or jigging soft lures for perch
- Float fishing with maggots or pinkies for roach and gudgeon
- Early mornings are best before boat traffic picks up
Good for quick morning or evening sessions with minimal gear.
🌿 4. Oaklands Fishery (Near Bubwith)
Another great day-ticket fishery just outside York, Oaklands offers a mix of match-style fishing and big carp hunting.
- ✅ Species: Carp (to 20lb+), F1s, tench, ide
- 🎯 Best pegs: Near lily beds and islands
- 💡 Baits: Corn, meat, micro pellets, expanders
- 🧾 Cost: Around £10/day
- Tidy facilities, on-site parking, and multiple ponds to choose from.
5. Pocklington Canal
This peaceful canal east of York offers great options for float and lure anglers in a scenic setting.
- ✅ Species: Roach, perch, rudd, pike
- 🌅 When to fish: Early morning or late afternoon
- 🎣 Tips:
- Use natural baits (maggots, worms) under a light float
- Small soft plastic lures work well near weed beds
- Quiet spots away from footbridges tend to produce more bites
🧠 Bonus: Local Fishing Tips for May in York
- ✅ Weather matters – Overcast or drizzly days boost bite activity
- ✅ Bring a valid Environment Agency rod licence
- ✅ Stay mobile – try several pegs or features if fish aren’t responding
- ✅ Target warm shallow areas – fish feed more there in spring
- ✅ Check club rules or signage – not all free-looking spots are truly open access
📌 Final Thoughts
May is one of the best months to fish around York. Rivers like the Ouse come alive with chub and bream, local canals fire up with perch and roach, and day-ticket stillwaters offer great all-day action for carp and tench.
Whether you want a short morning session or a full day by the water, these venues are tried-and-true favourites for local anglers.
Tight lines – and enjoy spring fishing around York!
