7-Day Fishing Forecast for Leeds (26.01.2026 - 01.02.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your detailed 7-day fishing forecast for Leeds. This forecast provides an expert overview of prevailing weather conditions, practical fishing tips tailored to local species, and essential winter fishing techniques to enhance your coarse fishing, match fishing, and specimen hunting sessions in and around Leeds.
Weather Conditions
Currently in Leeds, temperatures hover around a chilly 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, with broken to overcast cloud cover expected throughout the week. Winds remain generally light to moderate, fluctuating between 2 and 8 mph with easterly to south-easterly bearings. Rainfall is forecast predominantly on the 27th and 28th of January, ranging from light to moderate showers, which may affect water clarity and fish activity.
These cool and moist conditions are typical for late January and will require anglers to adjust their tactics accordingly. Ice formation on gear is a potential concern during colder early mornings. Visibility remains good except during heavier rain periods when mist and drizzle could reduce sightlines.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
The fishing forecast for Leeds over the next week sees a mix of opportunities for different coarse species. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the most favourable times to fish when temperatures are slightly warmer and wind speeds lower.
Carp: Favour slow, sheltered waters during mild periods. Use sweet pellet or paste baits, and groundbait containing mandarin peel to entice bites.
Pike: Best targeted near reed beds or drop-offs during low light conditions. Use deadbaits or large lures.
Perch: Likely to be active around submerged cover. Small jigs and red worms can improve catch rates.
Roach & Bream: Look for silty margins or deeper stretches on riverbanks. Maggots and casters work well.
Tench: Can be stimulated by groundbait containing natural citrus elements like mandarin peel, targeting muddy lake bottoms.
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Expert Opinion
Winter fishing in Leeds demands preparation and considered tactics. The YouTube channel "V Igorya" offers excellent advice on rod preparation, making lures, and bait storage to counter cold conditions and improve your results.
Rod Preparation
- Attach your line to the reel securely.
- Treat the line with petroleum jelly to prevent ice formation.
- Wind the line evenly onto the reel.
- Fit the bobbin carefully and thread the line through all the rod guides.
Making a Jig (Mormyshka)
- Bend a small hook with pliers and clamp a weight near the eye.
- Paint the weight with nail varnish for durability and visibility.
- Tie the jig firmly to your line for fine presentation.
DIY Maggot Box
- Use polystyrene pieces taped on one side with moisture-retaining newspaper inside.
- Keep maggots fresh and lively for more enticing bait.
Mandarin Peel Groundbait
- Dry and crumble mandarin peel to scatter into your swim, stimulating fish with natural oils.
Setting Up a Deadbait Trap (Zherlitsa)
- Drill holes in ice and apply oil to prevent refreezing.
- Submerge baited hooks and set the flag to indicate a catch.
Heated Gloves
- Craft DIY heated gloves using nichrome wire and a power bank to keep hands warm during long winter sessions.
Rod Storage
- Use a wine cork with super glue on the handle to hold jigs securely while fishing.
Assembling Your Auger
- Submerge the auger in water to thaw frozen parts for easier assembly and drilling through ice.
Conclusions
Leeds anglers face a week of chilly but manageable conditions, with some rain periods to navigate. Adjusting your tactics for cold weather species habits and utilising winter-specific techniques will maximise your success. Always prepare your tackle to handle ice and moisture, and consider natural attractants such as mandarin peel in groundbait to trigger feeding activity. With patience and preparation, winter specimen hunting for carp, pike, perch, roach, bream, and tench can be rewarding in Leeds waters this week.