River Close season appliesWQ: Poor Free fishing availableNavigable
About River Avon
The 33km River Avon holds diverse coarse species including carp, barbel, bream, chub, pike and zander, alongside game fish like grayling and trout, though water quality remains poor. Most fishing requires a rod licence and club/private membership, with limited public access.
The statutory close season on River Avon runs 15 March – 15 June (rivers). No coarse fishing is permitted during this period. Free fishing is available on sections of River Avon — a valid EA rod licence is still required. All free stretches require a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Additional landowner etiquette required: respect property rights, no damage to crops/fences, close gates, leave no litter, observe countryside codes. Most other Avon stretches require club membership or day tickets in addition to rod licence.
River Avon is a navigable waterway managed by Avon Navigation Trust covering Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewkesbury (joins River Severn). Rod licence required. Navigation Trust licence for boats. Most fishing bank-controlled by clubs including Stratford and District Angling Club. Good barbel, chub and bream river.
Carp are a popular target on River Avon — handle carefully with a landing net and unhooking mat, and return promptly.
Salmon fishing on River Avon requires a separate migratory salmonid licence from the EA in addition to the standard rod licence. Bag limits and season dates apply.
Trout fishing on River Avon may be subject to season restrictions set by the local club or riparian owner — always confirm before your session.
An EA rod licence is required by law to fish River Avon, even on free fishing stretches.
Free Fishing on River Avon
All free stretches require a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Additional landowner etiquette required: respect property rights, no damage to crops/fences, close gates, leave no litter, observe countryside codes. Most other Avon stretches require club membership or day tickets in addition to rod licence.
Known free fishing stretches:
Bath, Bristol Avon: Over 2.5 miles of free fishing within Bath, with hot water spills below Pulteney Weir attracting carp over 20lb. Upstream of North Parade Bridge and Widcombe area also available
Conham Park to Netham Weir, Bristol Avon: 3.5 miles of free fishing on right hand bank through Conham Park to Netham Weir. Car park and facilities available. Mixed nets of dace, roach, chub, perch and eels
Malmesbury and Saltford, Bristol Avon: Sections considered 'free fishing', owned or controlled by local authorities and not leased to angling clubs
Little River Avon, Berkeley area: Free fishing from the road bridge in Berkeley (next to Berkeley Hunt Kennels) downstream through to the sluice that runs into the River Severn
A valid EA rod licence is still required on all free fishing stretches. You can buy your licence online before your visit.
Navigation & Boating on River Avon
River Avon is a navigable waterway managed by Avon Navigation Trust (Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewkesbury (joins River Severn)).
Rod licence required. Navigation Trust licence for boats. Most fishing bank-controlled by clubs including Stratford and District Angling Club. Good barbel, chub and bream river.
The river holds Common Carp, Carp, Crucian Carp, Barbel, Bream, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Dace, Perch, Pike, Zander, Gudgeon, Grayling, Trout, Salmon, Eel, Bleak, Ruffe. Carp are a popular target — handle carefully and return promptly. Salmon fishing requires a separate migratory fish licence in addition to the standard rod licence. Trout fishing on River Avon may be subject to season restrictions — check local byelaws.
What is the close season on River Avon?+
15 March – 15 June (rivers) Always confirm with the landowner or club before fishing out of normal season.
Do I need a licence to fish River Avon?+
Yes — a valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required by law to fish River Avon. Licences are available online from gov.uk. Some stretches of River Avon offer free fishing (beyond the rod licence).
What is the water quality like in River Avon?+
The Environment Agency classifies River Avon as having Poor water quality. Fish status is rated as Good. Water quality can affect fishing conditions — check the EA's Catchment Data Explorer for up-to-date information.
Where is free fishing available on River Avon?+
Free fishing stretches on River Avon include: Bath, Bristol Avon: Over 2.5 miles of free fishing within Bath, with hot water spills below Pulteney Weir attracting carp over 20lb. Upstream of North Parade Bridge and Widcombe area also available; Conham Park to Netham Weir, Bristol Avon: 3.5 miles of free fishing on right hand bank through Conham Park to Netham Weir. Car park and facilities available. Mixed nets of dace, roach, chub, perch and eels; Malmesbury and Saltford, Bristol Avon: Sections considered 'free fishing', owned or controlled by local authorities and not leased to angling clubs. A valid EA rod licence is still required on all stretches.
Who manages navigation on River Avon?+
River Avon is managed by Avon Navigation Trust from Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewkesbury (joins River Severn). Navigation registration: Avon Navigation Trust licence required. Speed limit: 6mph. Rod licence required. Navigation Trust licence for boats. Most fishing bank-controlled by clubs including Stratford and District Angling Club. Good barbel, chub and bream river.
Planning a Trip to River Avon
To fish River Avon, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. Some stretches of River Avon offer free fishing — a rod licence is still required.
Always check conditions before you visit. Water quality, access and rules can change seasonally. The EA's Catchment Data Explorer provides up-to-date water quality information for River Avon.
Nearby Rivers & Canals
Other UK fishing waters near River Avon on PiscaMaps:
