7-Day Fishing Forecast for London (10.01.2026 - 16.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your detailed 7-day fishing forecast for London. Whether you prefer coarse fishing on local waters or specimen hunting for carp and pike, this forecast combines up-to-date weather conditions with practical angling advice. Stay ahead of the game with tips tailored for winter fishing in the UK.
Weather Conditions
Currently in London, temperatures hover around 1°C to 3°C, feeling closer to -3°C in the colder spells. The sky is predominantly overcast with broken and thick clouds, accompanied by light winds from the north-northwest at around 5 mph gusting up to 10 mph. Rainfall is minimal today but increases from Monday afternoon through Wednesday with light rain and breezy conditions. Winds shift towards the south and south-west later in the week.
The cold temperatures mean anglers should prepare for chillier fishing sessions, especially early mornings and evenings. However, overcast skies often encourage fish like carp and bream to be more active below the surface, making match fishing rewarding if timed correctly.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
Very good
Very good
Very good
Very good
Very good
Good
Good
Species-specific fishing tips:
- Carp: Expect good activity during mild spells mid-week as water temperatures rise slightly above 5°C. Use tangerine peel groundbait described below to entice bites.
- Pike: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for pike hunting using jigs, especially around heavily vegetated margins.
- Perch: Look for perch in channels and around submerged structures. Small jigs and live bait work well.
- Roach and Bream: These respond well to light groundbaiting and maggot presentation. Overcast days offer the best chances.
- Tench: Tench prefer low-light and mild conditions; late morning through early afternoon sessions during cloud cover are recommended.
Expert Opinion
Winter Fishing: Expert Tips for UK Anglers
Rod Preparation
- Attach your line securely to the reel
- Coat the line with petroleum jelly using a cotton disc to prevent ice formation
- Wind the line onto the reel
- Fit the quiver tip to the rod end
- Thread the line through all the rod rings
Fashioning Your Jig
- Gather a small weight and tiny hook
- Bend the hook using pliers
- Clamp a small sinker near the eye of the hook
- Paint the sinker with nail varnish
- Tie the finished jig to your line
DIY Maggot Box
- Cut two rectangles from polystyrene
- Hollow out the interior of one piece
- Join both halves with tape along one edge
- Line the interior with newspaper to retain moisture
- Add your maggots
- Secure with an elastic band
Tangerine Peel Groundbait
- Peel your tangerines
- Allow the peel to dry thoroughly
- Crumble finely by hand or with a coffee grinder
- Sprinkle into your swim hole
Setting Up a Tip-Up
- Bore a hole through the ice
- Add a small quantity of oil to the hole to prevent freezing
- Lower your live bait into the water
- Wind back and set your flag trigger
Heated Fishing Gloves
- Cut two pieces from cardboard
- Make several slots across each piece
- Weave nichrome wire between the slots
- Prepare a charging cable: cut off the connector and strip the insulation
- Attach two wires (approximately one metre long) to the positive and negative contacts
- Insulate all connections
- Wire the heating elements into the circuit
- Connect to a power bank
- Stow the power bank in your jacket's inside pocket
- Route the wires through your sleeves into your gloves
Rod Storage Solution
- Cut a segment from a wine cork
- Apply super glue
- Adhere to the handle to secure your jig
Freeing Your Auger
- Submerge the auger in the hole for several minutes
- Water in the hole will thaw the frozen mechanism
- The auger will fold without resistance
Conclusions
This week's fishing in London offers good opportunity for coarse anglers despite cold and damp winter conditions. Stick to slower tactics with patient presentations for carp, roach, and bream. Pike and perch respond well to jigging around cover. Stay warm with prepared gear and use the expert tips for a successful outing. For local updates and community advice, join our angling chat.