7-Day Fishing Forecast for London (12.01.2026 - 18.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your detailed fishing forecast for London covering the next seven days. Whether you're coarse fishing, specimen hunting or match fishing on the Thames, this forecast will guide you through the best conditions to make the most of your angling sessions this week.
Weather Conditions
Currently, London is experiencing mild winter conditions with temperatures hovering around 10°C during the day and dropping to around 6°C at night. Cloud cover varies from broken to overcast skies with moderate humidity levels around 80-90%. Winds are predominantly south-westerly at 4-6 mph gusting up to 12 mph, which is steady but not particularly strong.
Light rain showers are expected midweek, which may influence water clarity and activity, but overall the week remains conducive to fishing with plenty of cloud cover and moderate temperatures that encourage active fish feeding.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
The coming week will see varied opportunities for targeting key species such as carp, pike, perch, roach, bream and tench in and around London waters.
- Carp and Tench: Best targeted on calmer days early in the week using method feeders or boilies, when water temperatures are steady around 8-10°C.
- Pike: Prefer cooler conditions with windy days and overcast skies proving excellent for active hunting. Midweek light rain may increase success in recruitment areas.
- Perch: Use vibration and balance lures especially around submerged structures during overcast periods.
- Roach and Bream: Present through the week with increased feeding later in the day; steady rigs like paternoster will be effective near deep margins.
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Expert Opinion
The following are the top 5 winter ice fishing techniques recommended for anglers aiming to capitalise on species behaviour during colder months:
5th Place: Provocation Lures with Bottom Disturbance
This method involves using baits such as fish eggs, small crustaceans and light jigs to actively provoke fish by deliberately stirring up sediment from the lakebed. The resulting cloud attracts curious predators from a distance.
4th Place: Paternoster Rigs
Highly effective for targeting larger coarse fish, particularly bream. Small pirks (or "devils") serve as the working lures on this multi-hook rig. An echo sounder is essential for monitoring depth and lure positioning throughout the session.
3rd Place: Vibration Lures, Hoppers and Balance Lures
- Vibration lures (40 mm) - versatile performers equally effective in winter and summer conditions
- Balance lures (15-20 mm) - particularly productive for perch
- Rod specification - soft-action carbon tip recommended for optimal sensitivity
- Treble hook concern - smaller balance lures may have trebles vulnerable to bite-offs
2nd Place: Bloodworm-Free Jigs
A clean alternative requiring only a weighted jig and rod - no live bait needed. Exceptionally effective for predatory species, especially aggressive perch. Popular styles include:
- Fine-wire patterns (tungsten construction)
- Banana profiles (compressed tungsten)
- Ant and nail-style designs
- Heavy-duty bananas - excellent for deeper water and windy conditions
1st Place: Traditional Jigs with Bloodworm
The most versatile and beginner-friendly approach. Produces results across the board - predators (perch) and coarse fish (roach, crucian carp) alike. Ideal for those new to winter fishing.
Source: IBIS Angling & Tourism
Conclusions
This week offers solid opportunities for winter angling in London with mild temperatures and manageable winds. Adjust your tactics to species and weather changes, with particular emphasis on cloud cover and light rain periods to capitalise on fish activity. Employ ice fishing techniques such as the traditional jigs with bloodworm and vibration lures for best results during colder days.