Dorset offers 46 mapped fishing waters on PiscaMaps, including 44 rivers, 2 stillwaters. Species found across Dorset's waters include Eel, Trout, Roach, Dace, Chub, Perch, Pike, Gudgeon.
The South West EA region has some of England's finest salmon rivers — the Exe, Tamar, Dart and Taw drain moorland uplands and carry strong runs of spring and autumn salmon. Wild brown trout and sea trout fishing is exceptional, with coarse species in the lower reaches.
A valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required to fish all rivers, canals and most stillwaters in Dorset. Licences are available from gov.uk. Club membership or a day ticket is required on most waters in addition to the rod licence.
Click a river for species information, close season dates, access notes and a location map.
45 species recorded across Dorset's rivers, lakes:
| Eel | 27 waters |
| Trout | 26 waters |
| Roach | 25 waters |
| Dace | 22 waters |
| Chub | 18 waters |
| Perch | 17 waters |
| Pike | 12 waters |
| Gudgeon | 11 waters |
| Salmon | 9 waters |
| Brown trout | 9 waters |
| Rudd | 9 waters |
| Tench | 7 waters |
Carp are a popular target across Dorset's waters — always use a landing net and unhooking mat and return fish promptly.
Barbel fishing is well regarded in Dorset's rivers, particularly through summer and autumn when water temperatures are higher.
Brown trout are present in Dorset's rivers — many are catch-and-release only and may be subject to game fishing close seasons (typically 1 October to 14 March).
Salmon are present in some of Dorset's rivers. A migratory salmonid licence is required in addition to the standard rod licence.
View all rivers, stillwaters and canals across Dorset on the interactive map. Filter by species, water type and access.