7-Day Fishing Forecast for London (26.01.2026 - 01.02.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your detailed fishing forecast for London covering the next seven days. Whether you're coarse fishing for carp and tench, specimen hunting for pike, or match fishing for roach and bream, this forecast provides practical advice tailored to current and upcoming conditions to maximise your chances of success on the water.
Weather Conditions
Currently, London experiences overcast skies with temperatures hovering around 4.3°C, feeling closer to 2.3°C in the chill. Winds are light, around 2 to 6 mph generally from the east and southeast, creating calm waters ideal for fishing. Rain is expected intermittently over the coming days, starting as light showers and turning to moderate rain on the 27th. Temperatures will gradually rise to a mild 8-9°C by the weekend before dropping again late in the week. Humidity is notably high, which can contribute to fish activity during periods of lighter rain or drizzle.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
Monday (26.01.2026): Steady cold with overcast skies. Ideal for pike with live baits like perch or roach, especially in sheltered reed beds. Coarse species are less active in the cold but carp may respond to slow, steady presentations near deeper margins.
Tuesday (27.01.2026): Persistent rain and stronger winds. Opt for heavier rigs to keep bait in position. Bream and tench are more likely to feed in calmer periods between showers.
Wednesday (28.01.2026): Intermittent rain easing by afternoon. Perch and roach might move in shallower waters for food; light float tactics recommended.
Thursday (29.01.2026): Clear skies with a cold snap in the morning. Pike become more sluggish, favouring slow bait movement. Crucian carp show promise in clearer margins.
Friday (30.01.2026): Overcast with light rain. Match fishing conditions improve for roach and bream. Use bright baits to counteract dull conditions.
Saturday (31.01.2026): Cloud cover with intermittent showers. Tench and carp offer good specimen opportunities near weed cover.
Sunday (01.02.2026): Drier with moderate temperatures. Ideal day for mixed fishing - perch may be more aggressive, and pike may respond well to live bait presentations in the afternoon.
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Expert Opinion
Selecting Live Baits for Winter Pike Fishing: A Strategic Approach
As an experienced winter pike angler, I cannot overstate the importance of selecting your live bait with considerable care and attention. Success in pike fishing hinges directly upon this crucial decision. There is no one-size-fits-all solution - the most effective choice depends upon numerous variables, including the specific characteristics of your chosen water body, prevailing weather conditions, and indeed the pike's disposition on any given day. Crucian carp, perch, roach, and goby each present distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the skilled angler's responsibility lies in adapting their selection strategically to suit the circumstances at hand.
Reading the Conditions
Understanding which bait type will prove most visible and appealing to pike under current conditions is absolutely fundamental. Fishing turbid or discoloured water? Consider opting for crucian carp or roach displaying vibrant colouration - their visibility will work decisively in your favour. Experiencing sluggish pike activity? Introduce a lively, energetic perch capable of provoking an aggressive response from these predators through its vigorous movements.
Refining Your Approach
Do not hesitate to experiment throughout your session, maintaining close observation of pike behaviour and response rates. Adapt your bait selection accordingly - only through this iterative process of trial and refinement will you identify the optimal choice and achieve the consistent results you're seeking.
Conclusions
The coming week in London offers varied conditions for all coarse and predator anglers, with a window of opportunity in less windy and less rainy periods for match fishing and specimen hunting alike. Winter fishing demands patience and adaptability, especially in bait choice and presentation. Keep your tackle ready for quick changes in weather and fish behaviour, and you stand to enjoy rewarding sessions on some of London’s popular waters.