The Trent is a substantial lowland river offering barbel, carp, chub, bream and pike among other species, though water quality remains poor in places. Most fishing rights are controlled by clubs or private owners, requiring both club membership and a valid rod licence.
Anglers should note the close season on River Trent: 15 March – 15 June (rivers). Free fishing is available on sections of River Trent — a valid EA rod licence is still required. River Trent has limited documented free stretches. The Nottingham Trent Bridge area is confirmed as free fishing with EA rod licence only. Forum sources mention 'lots of Trent around Nottingham is free' and reference Bob Robertson's guide to the River Trent as a resource. The tidal sections may offer more free fishing opportunities due to riparian rights and bank access limitations. Most non-tidal stretches require either club membership or day tickets. Consult local fishing guides and verify with the Environment Agency before visiting, as fishing rights and access change. The Angling Trust's fishing map may provide additional current information on free and paid stretches.
River Trent is a navigable waterway managed by Canal & River Trust covering Derwent Mouth to Trent Falls (joins Ouse to form Humber). Rod licence required. Famous for big bream, barbel and chub. Most stretches club controlled — Notts AA, Sheffield & District AA, and others hold many miles. EA monitors water quality though most Trent stretches are rated Poor or Bad.
Water level data from the Environment Agency Real Time Flood Monitoring API. Nearest gauging station. Always verify conditions on arrival.
Filter by water type, species and access. View River Trent and thousands of other UK fishing venues on the interactive map.
River Trent holds common carp, carp, barbel, bream, chub, roach, rudd, tench, dace, perch, pike, gudgeon, grayling, trout, eel, bleak, ruffe.
Carp are a popular target on River Trent — handle carefully with a landing net and unhooking mat, and return promptly.
Trout fishing on River Trent 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 Trent, even on free fishing stretches.
Known free fishing stretches:
A valid EA rod licence is still required on all free fishing stretches. You can buy your licence online before your visit.
River Trent is a navigable waterway managed by Canal & River Trust (Derwent Mouth to Trent Falls (joins Ouse to form Humber)).
Rod licence required. Famous for big bream, barbel and chub. Most stretches club controlled — Notts AA, Sheffield & District AA, and others hold many miles. EA monitors water quality though most Trent stretches are rated Poor or Bad.
Registration required: CRT licence required.
Speed limit: 7mph.
Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence
To fish River Trent, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. Some stretches of River Trent 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 Trent.
Other UK fishing waters near River Trent on PiscaMaps:
