Cheshire offers 63 mapped fishing waters on PiscaMaps, including 60 rivers, 1 stillwater and 2 canals. Species found across Cheshire's waters include Roach, Dace, Chub, Perch, Eel, Trout, Gudgeon, Pike.
The North West EA region spans rivers draining the Lake District, Pennines and Cheshire Plain. Lake District rivers and lakes carry wild brown trout and salmon; the Ribble, Lune and Eden are outstanding mixed fisheries. Lowland rivers and canals hold roach, bream, perch, pike and chub.
A valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required to fish all rivers, canals and most stillwaters in Cheshire. 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.
37 species recorded across Cheshire's rivers, lakes and canals:
| Roach | 39 waters |
| Dace | 34 waters |
| Chub | 34 waters |
| Perch | 27 waters |
| Eel | 26 waters |
| Trout | 22 waters |
| Gudgeon | 19 waters |
| Pike | 18 waters |
| Brown trout | 15 waters |
| Rudd | 10 waters |
| Grayling | 9 waters |
| Bream | 9 waters |
Carp are a popular target across Cheshire's waters — always use a landing net and unhooking mat and return fish promptly.
Barbel fishing is well regarded in Cheshire's rivers, particularly through summer and autumn when water temperatures are higher.
Brown trout are present in Cheshire'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 Cheshire's rivers. A migratory salmonid licence is required in addition to the standard rod licence.
View all rivers, stillwaters and canals across Cheshire on the interactive map. Filter by species, water type and access.