7-Day Fishing Forecast for Manchester (10.01.2026 - 16.01.2026)
Introduction
Welcome to your fishing forecast for Manchester. This article provides a detailed outlook on weather and fishing conditions over the coming week, with a focus on coarse and specimen fishing opportunities during winter. Whether you are targeting pike, carp, perch or other species, this guide aims to help you maximise your angling success.
Weather Conditions
Currently, Manchester experiences cold temperatures hovering just below freezing early in the day, rising to around 5-10°C by afternoon. Skies will be mostly cloudy with broken to overcast clouds prevailing. Light rainfall is expected intermittently throughout the week, especially midweek, which may affect water clarity and fish activity. Winds are generally light to moderate from the east and south-east early on, increasing in strength to brisk southerly gusts during rain periods. Anglers are advised to monitor conditions for sudden weather changes which can stimulate fish feeding activity.
7-Day Fishing Forecast
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Good
Expert Opinion
The coming week presents good opportunity for winter pike fishing in Manchester’s waters. The following guide offers strategic advice for targeting these prime predators:
Winter Pike Fishing Guide
- Selecting Live Bait: Use larger live baits around 200-300 grammes when after specimen pike, as they seek sizeable prey of proportional bulk. Staunch stillwater anglers should consider crucian carp as their primary forage. On flowing rivers near Manchester, such as the River Mersey or smaller tributaries, roach typically produce better results.
- Positioning Your Deadbaits and Live Baits: Locate depth changes or shelves where pike like to lie in wait, and place rigs along these contours. In shallow stillwaters, focus on the deepest holes to encounter active predators. Deploy seven rigs, spacing them across productive areas showing signs of pike movement and feeding.
- Bait Depth Settings: Suspend baits about 50cm off the lakebed in stillwater environments. For rivers with a current, like the Mersey, set your baits approximately 30cm above the bottom, allowing the flow to keep your bait naturally suspended.
- Tactical Approach: If no responses occur within 40-60 minutes, move your rigs to a new position. Adopt a proactive searching style rather than leaving baits static in unproductive areas. Concentrate on spots with previous takes or observable fish activity.
- Peak Feeding Periods: Pike tend to feed more aggressively following notable weather shifts, including snowfall or periods of reduced ice coverage causing darkened waters.
For further tips, engage with fellow anglers through our angling chat to exchange local knowledge and recent catches.
Conclusions
This week’s forecast suggests a mixed bag of conditions but overall good fishing potential, especially for winter-focused pike anglers targeting Manchester’s waters. With temperatures rising slightly through the week and intermittent light rain, pike will continue to hunt actively in sheltered deeper zones and around sharp depth contours. Regularly adjusting tactics and positions remains key to success. Enjoy your fishing and stay safe in the colder weather!