If there’s one thing we’re probably all looking forward to in 2022, it’s a holiday. The past couple of years have been like nothing we’ve ever experienced before – full of unexpected turmoil, and so many changes we could barely keep up. There’s been a huge impact on our ability to travel freely and experience the world, too. The idea of cruising down a remote river or wandering along a white sandy beach has never seemed more desirable.
While some aspects of travelling still remain uncertain, exploring local areas has become even more popular. Vacationing anglers are looking to cast a line closer to home than ever before. And if you’re one of them? We’ve come up with some of the best spots for fishing in Europe! Presented in no particular order, let’s get started…
Norfolk, England
You might be surprised to find out that some of England’s most beautiful natural scenery lies a mere 120 miles north of London, in the county of Norfolk. Collectively known as the Norfolk Broads, this wetland area is made up of several inland lakes and rivers. These legendary coarse fishing grounds hold a variety of world-class fish species. They’re most well-known for their huge Pike, but you may also encounter Bream, Perch, Carp, and more.
As well as the fish species on offer, part of the magic of casting a line in Norfolk is how you fish. It’s common to step aboard a small fishing boat and navigate it around the Broads. You’ll feel just like a local. You can hit up a variety of spots such as Catch 22, a 21-acre fishing lake that holds Tench, Bream, Pike, Roach, and Perch. Then there’s Billingford Fishing Lakes, a 150-acre site with 11 fishing lakes and ponds. You can encounter Roach, Perch, Eels, Tench, Bream, and Carp varieties here.
When you’ve had your fill of fishing, there’s plenty to take in on land, too. This area is packed full of hundreds of quintessentially British pubs where you can warm yourself up with some classic table fare. There are also brewery tours where you can learn more about local beers. For the more adventurous, you can also find activities including paddle boarding, surfing, and canoeing. The seaside resort town of Great Yarmouth is located a short distance away, and boasts rollercoasters and a bustling beachfront!
Valencia, Spain
Valencia’s mouthwatering gastronomy (it’s home to paella, after all), beautiful weather, and miles of gorgeous coastline have already established it as a firm holiday favourite for travellers from across the globe. However, that’s not all it has to offer. It’s also a hidden gem when it comes to Tuna fishing! During the months of June and July, the port of Valencia becomes a hub for anglers looking to battle Bluefin Tuna reaching up to 500 pounds. In addition, you can also target Mahi Mahi, Bluefin Tuna, Grouper, and Swordfish in these saltwaters.
Valencia boasts some excellent freshwater fishing options, too. The mighty Ebro River forms a large delta between Valencia and Barcelona before emptying out into the Mediterranean. It’s an incredible Carp fishing spot, and Catfish are also on the menu here. Nearby, there’s the Cofrentes Reservoir, a manmade body of water that holds Carp, Catfish, Salmon, Madrilla, Zander, and more.
Can’t get enough of Valencia’s angling-related offerings? You’ll be pleased to know that the city of Valencia will host the annual European Float Angling Championship in September 2022 in the port of Gandia. The championship includes an opening ceremony, hosted dinners, training, and plenty of healthy competition. Looking to explore the city itself? There are beaches and historical landmarks to explore – as well as plenty of delicious food to try!
Larnaca, Cyprus
It comes as no surprise that one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean boasts some excellent fishing opportunities. It’s surrounded by fish-rich waters, after all! Larnaca, in southern Cyprus, is a fantastic place to experience the angling action here, even during winter. Simply hop on a local charter boat and experience plenty of ocean fishing in a peaceful and historical setting.
Similarly to Valencia, one of the biggest draws of fishing from Larnaca is the big Tuna varieties you may encounter. If battling this big fish is top of your bucket list, plan your trip during the summer months. Otherwise, you’ll have the chance to come up against common Mediterranean favourites such as Common Pandora, Dusky Grouper, and Shark varieties. And if you fancy something a little different? Head out during the night to get your hands on some Squid!
When you return to land, there’s plenty to enjoy onshore too. Larnaca is home to Finikoudes Beach, a sandy stretch of land in the city centre with a palm tree-lined seaside promenade. Nearby Mackenzie Beach offers up buzzing bars for those of you looking to experience some Cypriot nightlife. Just offshore, the MS Zenobia wreck is a popular diving site for adventurers. You can even pay a visit to the Church of Saint Lazarus, which contains the tomb of the saint said to have risen from the dead.
Brittany, France
France’s northwestern-most region boasts a long, rugged coastline that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking for some awe-inspiring scenery, this is the place to visit! As well as blindingly white sandy beaches, you’ll also find jagged cliffs, spectacular seascapes, and secluded islands. Then there’s the angling action on offer. Cod, Mackerel, and Salmon all inhabit these wild waters.
Fishing in Brittany is strong throughout the year, but casting a line here isn’t for the faint of heart! The weather can be stormy and unpredictable, which means the waters are often rough and choppy. Don’t let this put you off, though. Simply stock up on seasickness medication, and head to the coast. It’s common for anglers here to fish even when it’s raining. Battling the elements as well as your chosen fish is seriously fun! The beaches here often allow for easy and quick boat launching, too.
When you step back on land, there’s plenty of history to explore in Brittany. This region has a mix of Celtic and Briton cultures. It’s home to stunning architecture and plenty of prehistoric menhirs (a type of megalith rock – think Stonehenge!) Wander around one of the many quaint villages in the region, such as Rochefort-en-Terre, indulge in as many crêpes as you can handle, pay a visit to one of the area’s many coastal castles… The choice is all yours!
Bornholm, Denmark
If you’re looking to experience a slice of authentic fishing village living, head straight to the laid-back island of Bornholm. Although you may not automatically think of Denmark when planning a sunny beach holiday, this island boasts miles of beautiful coastlines and no less than 27 fishing ports. This means that as well as being able to head out on a boat, there’s always a pier to cast a line from. And thanks to the island’s small size, you can move around and follow the fish at your leisure!
Speaking of the fish, Bornholm boasts an impressive variety of target species. Perfectly positioned in the Baltic Sea, you’ll have access to waters filled with Herring, Hornfish, Sea Trout, Cod, and Flatfish. The fishing season generally lasts from mid-November to mid-summer. You can choose to fish the coasts, explore the harbours, and even fly fish along the southwestern side of the island, where you’ll target giant Sea Trout.
Life revolves around nature on the island. When you’re on land, you’ll be able to explore some stunning untouched scenery. Bornholm is packed with beautiful rift valleys and raw, rocky cliffs, so wandering around this locale is both relaxing and refreshing. The island also has also been awarded the “World Craft Region” title. It has a long-standing tradition of ceramics and glasswork. Why not try your hand at creating a special souvenir to take home with you?
Orkney Islands, Scotland
If you’re all about wild, wonderful scenery, plenty of history, and some excellent angling action, head straight to Scotland’s Orkney Islands this year. Known for its remoteness, this archipelago is home to some of the world’s oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites, with some dating back 5,000 years. In addition, the Orkney Islands also boasts an abundance of avian and marine wildlife. This makes it a real fishing haven!
Step foot on the mainland, and you’ll have six lochs at your disposal, all bustling with a favourite freshwater fish – Brown Trout. If you’re looking to island-hop, there are ferries and flights that’ll take you off the mainland, where you can explore more far-flung lochs. And if it’s sea angling you’re after? Then it’s all about Sea Trout on the Orkney Islands. Focus your attention around the Bay of Firth on the mainland, and remember to wrap up warm!
When you’ve had your fill of fishing, the Orkney Islands has plenty to offer on land. Many travellers regularly visit this historical island just to take in its incredible ancient sites. Exploring its prehistoric villages and Neolithic sites is a must – the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, an ancient tomb, and the many standing henges are particularly popular. And if you want to bring things into current times? You can sample some local beer at one of the area’s breweries!
Vicenza, Italy
Situated along the Bacchiglione River between Venice and Milan, Italy’s Vicenza is one of the more hidden gems on our list. This picture-perfect city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the mid-’90s, and boasts 20 free fishing locations. On top of that, it’s also bursting with a scenic city centre, rolling hills, and beautiful architecture. Taking a stroll through Vicenza feels like stepping foot into your favourite childhood fairytale. The fishing here is simply magical, too!
By far and away the most popular targets here are Carp and Trout varieties. Some anglers also go after Bass, but keep in mind that these fish are a lot more limited, as they’re not native to this area. When casting a line in this city, you’ll likely be spincasting in one of the many fishing lakes. These are maintained for the very purpose of angling. No reservation is needed, but you’ll usually need to pay a fee to fish, which can be done on the spot.
Once you’ve cast as many lines as you can handle, you’ll be able to explore Vicenza on foot. A big part of enjoying your time in this city can be found in simply wandering around its beautiful centre. Take in stunning architecture and historical buildings, such as the Basilica Palladiana and Teatro Olimpico, and stop for a coffee in the city square. If you’re craving more hustle and bustle, the larger cities of Verona and Venice are within easy reach, too.
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Russia’s Kola Peninsula is hard to sum up. We think “remote, vast, and otherworldly” just about begins to cover this awe-inspiring setting! Located in the extreme northwest of the country, this region boasts some of the best fisheries in the world. River and lake fishing are woven into the fabric of the Kola Peninsula’s history, and anglers from all over the world head here to test their fishing mettle – and to see how they fare against the extreme scenery and weather, too.
As we mentioned, the Kola Peninsula is home to some incredible fisheries, with the Northern Rivers being especially fish-filled. The Kharlovka, Eastern Litza, Rynda, and Zolotaya rivers are bustling with Atlantic Salmon species, so if you’re wanting to chase these silver bullets, you couldn’t pick a better place to visit. The Kola Peninsula also boasts plenty of Brown Trout fishing spots, with the Eldorado (a unique collection of lakes and rivers in the heart of the peninsula) being especially plentiful.
You might think that such a remote setting might not have much to offer in the way of on-land activities – but you’d be wrong. One of the most famous attractions here has to be the Northern Lights. This spectacular natural light show starts appearing in late August and lasts until around mid-April. You’ll want to make sure you head out of any city in order to catch them – Teriberka, Lovosero Lake, and the Khibiny Mountains are popular locations for all you stargazers.
Sava River, Slovenia
Last but definitely not least on our list is the Sava River – specifically, the stretch that runs through Slovenia. This country is known for its stunning mountains, glacial lakes, and bustling capital city of Ljubljana. It’s a unique blend of east-meets-west, with a culture all of its own. This is reflected in the angling action on offer, too – Slovenia’s Sava River is one of the only places in the country where you can come up against Marble Trout, and you won’t find them anywhere outside of the country’s boundaries.
As well as the unique Marble Trout, this part of the Sava River is also home to Grayling and Brown Trout. Widen your search to include the Sava’s tributaries such as the Sava Bohinjka, Sava Dolinka, and Lake Trboje, and you’ll also widen the pool of potential catches, with Chub, Carp, Barbel Perch, Zander, and Huchen all on offer. If you’re a keen fly fisher, Sava Bohinjka is easily accessible and boasts alternating cascades, pools, and sandbanks, which are perfect for exploring on the fly.
The Sava runs through a number of beautiful Slovenian towns and cities, so no matter where you’re fishing, you’ll be able to take in some stunning nature and local history. The city of Ljubljana is a must-visit, with its unique architecture and kooky cafes and nightlife, whereas nearby Lake Bled is like something from a storybook. In addition, this country is home to plenty of natural parks, hiking trails, and gorges. It’s small, so you’ll be able to pack plenty into your trip!
The Best Fishing Spots in Europe: Choose Your Next Adventure!
Choosing the best fishing spots in Europe for 2022 was no easy feat. The continent is home to a mind-boggling number of excellent angling options. You can always head out with a local guide if you’re going to be sticking to fishing locally. However, if you’re looking to head slightly further afield this year, each list on our spot offers something seriously special. Head to any of them, and you’ll be in for an adventure you won’t soon forget!
These are our picks for Europe’s best fishing spots. What are yours? Have you visited any of the places we covered? Drop us your thoughts and stories in the comments below! For more inspiration, you can check out our top picks for 2020.
