River Close season appliesWQ: Poor Free fishing available
About River Tame
The River Tame offers coarse fishing for carp, barbel, bream, chub, pike, and perch across its 133km length, though poor water quality can affect conditions. Most fishing rights are controlled by clubs or private landowners, with an Environment Agency rod licence required.
Anglers should note the close season on River Tame: 15 March – 15 June (rivers, England & Wales). Free fishing is available on sections of River Tame — a valid EA rod licence is still required. Free fishing on River Tame stretches requires an EA rod licence. Some stretches have recorded club fishing rights (e.g., Mercia Angling Club, Kingsbury AC, Lambs AC). Day ticket options exist at some locations (e.g., Kingsbury Water Park). Information on free vs paid stretches is inconsistent and unclear - contact local councils and tackle shops for current status of specific stretches.
River Tame holds common carp, carp, crucian carp, barbel, bream, chub, roach, rudd, tench, dace, perch, pike, zander, gudgeon, grayling, trout, eel, bleak.
Carp are a popular target on River Tame — handle carefully with a landing net and unhooking mat, and return promptly.
Trout fishing on River Tame 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 Tame, even on free fishing stretches.
Free Fishing on River Tame
Free fishing on River Tame stretches requires an EA rod licence. Some stretches have recorded club fishing rights (e.g., Mercia Angling Club, Kingsbury AC, Lambs AC). Day ticket options exist at some locations (e.g., Kingsbury Water Park). Information on free vs paid stretches is inconsistent and unclear - contact local councils and tackle shops for current status of specific stretches.
Known free fishing stretches:
Stockport area: Free fishing stretch with good heads of barbel and other fish species. Banks are steep and high off water, which may be challenging for some anglers. Litter noted as an issue
Dunkirk Woods area, Hyde: Stretch where no fishing rights are recorded. Tameside Council confirmed no restrictions in this area. Requires rod licence only
A valid EA rod licence is still required on all free fishing stretches. You can buy your licence online before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can I catch in River Tame?+
The river holds Common Carp, Carp, Crucian Carp, Barbel, Bream, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Dace, Perch, Pike, Zander, Gudgeon, Grayling, Trout, Eel, Bleak. Carp are a popular target — handle carefully and return promptly. Trout fishing on River Tame may be subject to season restrictions — check local byelaws.
What is the close season on River Tame?+
15 March – 15 June (rivers, England & Wales) Always confirm with the landowner or club before fishing out of normal season.
Do I need a licence to fish River Tame?+
Yes — a valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required by law to fish River Tame. Licences are available online from gov.uk. Some stretches of River Tame offer free fishing (beyond the rod licence).
What is the water quality like in River Tame?+
The Environment Agency classifies River Tame as having Poor water quality. Fish status is rated as Poor. 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 Tame?+
Free fishing stretches on River Tame include: Stockport area: Free fishing stretch with good heads of barbel and other fish species. Banks are steep and high off water, which may be challenging for some anglers. Litter noted as an issue; Dunkirk Woods area, Hyde: Stretch where no fishing rights are recorded. Tameside Council confirmed no restrictions in this area. Requires rod licence only. A valid EA rod licence is still required on all stretches.
Planning a Trip to River Tame
To fish River Tame, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. Some stretches of River Tame 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 Tame.
Nearby Rivers & Canals
Other UK fishing waters near River Tame on PiscaMaps:
