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Leicestershire has a number of lakes and rivers suitable for fly fishing. Here is my guide to all the ones I’ve found when researching for a trip. 

Fly Fishing Lakes in Leicestershire

Rutland Water – Oakham

Rutland Water is one of the most popular stillwater fly fishing venues in the Midlands, known for its excellent trout fishing and boat access.

  • Holds good numbers of rainbow and brown trout
  • Pike, perch and rudd also present
  • Excellent boat fishing

Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8BT https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/fishing/rutland-water/ Tel: 01572 653024

Eyebrook Reservoir – Corby

Large reservoir near Corby offering good fly fishing for trout, perch, pike, roach and bream. Day tickets available.

  • Rainbow and brown trout
  • Perch, pike, roach and bream also present
  • Day tickets available

Eyebrook Reservoir, Great Easton, Corby NN18 8JW https://eyebrookreservoir.com/ Tel: 01536 772515

Sence Valley Lakes – Ibstock

Three well-stocked lakes containing trout, tench, bream and carp.

  • Rainbow and brown trout
  • Also tench, bream and carp
  • Day tickets available

Sence Valley Lakes, Ibstock Road, Ibstock LE67 6LP https://sencevalleylakes.com/ Tel: 01530 224545

Shepshed Lakes – Loughborough

Four spring-fed gravel pits providing fly fishing for rainbow trout and carp.

  • Rainbow trout and carp
  • Day tickets available
  • Catch and release

Shepshed Lakes, Tickow Lane, Shepshed LE12 9LU No website Tel: 01509 505060

Fly Fishing Rivers In Leicestershire

River Welland – Market Harborough

The Welland holds trout and grayling in some stretches flowing along the county’s eastern border.

  • Trout and grayling present
  • Public access at Market Harborough

River Welland, Market Harborough

Public access point: Three Swans Walk, Market Harborough LE16 7NJ

River Soar – Loughborough

The Soar offers fly fishing opportunities for chub, dace, perch and pike near Loughborough.

  • Chub, dace, perch, pike
  • Public access at Loughborough town center

River Soar, Loughborough

Public access point: Bedford Square, Loughborough LE11 3DZ

River Wreake – Melton Mowbray

Small river containing brown trout and chub around Melton Mowbray and the surrounding villages.

  • Brown trout and chub
  • Public access at Melton Country Park

River Wreake, Melton Mowbray

Public access point: Melton Country Park, Scalford Rd, Melton Mowbray LE13 1HN

River Sence – Enderby

Fly fishing for wild brown trout in the Sence around Enderby and Narborough.

  • Wild brown trout
  • Public access at Croft Hill

River Sence, Enderby

Public access point: Croft Hill, Enderby LE19 4AR

River Swift – Lutterworth

The Swift offers fishing for chub, dace, perch and pike near Lutterworth and Rugby.

  • Chub, dace, perch, pike
  • Public access at Stanford Hall

River Swift, Lutterworth

Public access point: Stanford Hall, Lutterworth LE17 6DH

Leicester Fly Fishing Association

The Leicester Fly Fishing Association (LFFA) was established in 1933 by a group of passionate local anglers eager to promote the sport of fly fishing across Leicestershire. For over 85 years, the club provided education, events and access to productive local waters for generations of fly fishing aficionados. Sadly, in March 2020 the LFFA closed its doors due to dwindling membership numbers.

In its prime, the LFFA boasted a robust membership of around 80 likeminded fly fishing devotees who bonded over their shared love of the art. The club maintained exclusive fishing rights on various rivers, streams and stillwaters in the region, giving members opportunities to target trout, grayling, chub, pike and other species. Experienced fly casters passed down knowledge to novices through organized lessons and fly tying workshops.

The LFFA organized a full slate of matches, day trips and social gatherings for members to connect over their passion. While the club itself ended operations, its legacy remains through the many anglers introduced to the finesse of fly fishing via the LFFA over its long, rich history. The friendships formed and memories made wading local rivers with fly rod in hand will never be forgotten.

Another association was founded in 1970 and has also recently closed, Here is what they offered when they were running

FOUNDED JULY 1970
 
Membership currently consists of a healthy mix of adult, junior and senior members.
 
Club activities include:

  • Boat Pairs and Boat IndividualChampionships
  • several Fun Days at a range of local venues
  • over 60’s senior outing
  • bank match for the President’s Trophy
  • Float tube outings and Championship


Winter activities:

  • river outings fishing for grayling
  • fly tying competition for juniors
  • casting classes and accuracy casting competition for seniors and juniors
  • lectures, films, talks, demonstrations etc.
     
    Over 20 trophies, Junior, Senior and Ladies, are presented at the Presentation Dinner/Dance, the highlight of the social calendar.