Edinburgh 7-Day Fishing Forecast (12.01.2026 - 18.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to the comprehensive 7-day fishing forecast for Edinburgh. This guide covers current and upcoming weather conditions along with practical fishing advice tailored for local coarse fishing enthusiasts. Whether you're after carp, pike, roach, or perch, this forecast will help you plan your next session with confidence.
Weather Conditions
Edinburgh's weather over the coming week is characterised by mild winter temperatures ranging from 1.5°C to 8°C, with scattered to overcast clouds prevailing. Expect gentle to moderate south-westerly winds averaging 2 to 10 mph, occasionally gusting higher up to 16 mph, and some light rain predominantly overnight and early mornings. Visibility will generally remain good, ensuring ease of access to your chosen swim.
The mild temperatures are favourable for winter coarse fishing, encouraging a slow but steady fish activity. However, anglers should prepare for intermittent light rain showers and adjust tactics accordingly. Winds will influence casting and the presentation of baits, so selecting sheltered swims, particularly those offering protection from westerly winds, is advisable.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
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Species-specific highlights:
- Carp: Best targeted during milder afternoons when water temperatures peak around 7-8°C. Use darker, scented groundbaits and opt for smaller rigs to entice cautious bites.
- Pike: Early morning and late evening offer optimal pike activity. Windy days will encourage pike to patrol sheltered margins, providing fine specimen hunting opportunities.
- Perch: Look for deeper holes and near weed beds mid-week when water is calmer. Small lures or maggot baits work well in these conditions.
- Roach & Bream: Favour slow, steady approaches with a light feed of red and vanilla groundbait blends, especially around well-structured swims sheltered from the wind.
- Tench: Patience is key; target quiet bays with moderate depth, using well-prepared groundbaits prepared in advance to avoid cold hands affecting bait consistency.
Expert Opinion
Seasoned angler Vladislav, known across U.K. coarse fishing circles, provides some invaluable winter feeder fishing tips:
Groundbait Selection
- Avoid mixing groundbait outdoors in winter to prevent chill and poor mix quality.
- Choose darker groundbaits for turbid water; red groundbait shows excellent results beyond just black blends.
- Recommended mixture includes cold-water feeder blend combined with a red roach mix containing bloodworm and vanilla.
Live Ingredients
- Use live bait sparingly; fish metabolisms are sluggish and show reduced interest in fast-moding baits.
- Strain live bait through a 0.2 mm sieve and add micro-pellets for attraction without overwhelming the fish.
- Be cautious with maggots and bloodworm during colder days.
Rig Setup
- Opt for size 16 hooks with a fine mainline rated 12-14 lb breaking strain.
- Smaller, refined rigs increase presentation and reduce suspicion among wary winter fish.
Baiting Options
- White and red-orange maggots are preferred alongside maggots and worms as a backup.
Location Selection and Fishing Tactics
- Avoid open, exposed spots subject to wind; seek areas sheltered by trees or structures to improve comfort and fish holding.
- Steer clear of swims with heavy ice or extreme cold snap risks.
- Target depressions and holes on the lakebed where fish seek warmth and comfort.
- Start sessions with careful exploratory casts to discover depth changes and mark baited areas accurately.
- Adapt hooklength and size when aiming at larger specimens.
Conclusions
The week ahead offers moderate winter conditions that favour steady coarse fishing activity in Edinburgh. Anglers should select sheltered venues, focus on slow feeding tactics using carefully prepared groundbaits and smaller rigs, and anticipate species-specific behavioural patterns. By following expert advice, including Vladislav's winter feeder fishing tips, you can maximise your chances of a successful session in these mild winter conditions.
Remember, patience and adaptability are crucial in winter angling. Enjoy your fishing and keep safety in mind during wet and windy spells.
Author: Wild Fishing UA