Hannah Jury
13 June 2023
If you’re looking to get away from it all to enjoy some solitude whilst angling in your waders, a fishing holiday in Norfolk might just be the thing for you. Norfolk has many cool fishing spots all around the county such as Cromer, Great Yarmouth and Blakeney, where you can squirrel yourself away to enjoy some unadulterated sea fishing, river fishing, or at private lakes where you can discover the joys of coarse and carp fishing, Norfolk style.
For even more great places to stay on your angling break, take a look at our full collection of fishing holidays in Norfolk. All anglers should note that a fishing licence is needed in Norfolk, which can be obtained from the government website or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.
Whatever kind of fishing experience you’re after, Norfolk has it all. Read on to find out where to discover your perfect fishing holiday in this unspoilt county. If you are looking for somewhere lovely to stay in Norfolk, then why not visit our collection of self-catering holiday accommodation in Norfolk by clicking on the button below?
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Sea fishing in Norfolk
The Norfolk coastline offers a diversity of great places to go sea fishing, from the shallow waters of The Wash to the ever-popular Cromer Pier.
Cromer Pier is not only popular with tourists but also with anglers due to the sheer variety of species that can be caught here throughout the year. During the winter, there are cod, whiting and flatfish in the water, while during the summer you’ll find Dover sole, mackerel and big bass as well as the odd brill or turbot.
For a similar fishing experience in a more open, less crowded space, try the large sandy beach of Mundesley – especially good for cod and whiting in the winter. It’s also possible to catch silver eels, dab and flounder here.
The Wash on the western end of Norfolk’s coast offers a change of scenery, and the beaches at Snettisham and Hunstanton are great places to start. Flounder, silver eels and even bass can be caught here while calmer waters also bring the chance of reeling in a smooth-hound
If it’s bigger game you’re after, you’ll find charter sea fishing boat trips on offer in several of the towns along the Norfolk coastline. Experienced skippers will take you out to some of the best fishing spots in the area; this part of the North Sea is especially good for tope fishing, though there are also plenty of bass, cod and mackerel about. Norfolk Fishing Trips & Charter leaves from Brancaster Staithe, while in Wells-next-the-Sea, BJR Marine Sea Fishing Trips boasts over 40 years of sea fishing experience.
Fishing in the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads is in fact the largest area of free fishing in the UK, offering over 200km of waterways. Bream, perch, pike, roach, rudd and tench can be found in the popular Broad rivers of Ant, Bure, Chet and Thume, as well as the less crowded Stiffkey, Wensum and Yare rivers.
Set in beautiful countryside with Norfolk’s famous big skies and sparkling landscapes of marshland fields and woodlands, it’s been said that the Broads are a mecca for pike angling and people will travel from all over the world to fish here.
One of the most popular fishing spots in the Norfolk Broads is Potter Heigham. This pretty village sits on the banks of the River Thume with bream, roach, hybrids and eel on offer. If you’re looking to fish for pike and ruff, Wroxham and Hickling Broad are both good places to go.
The best private fishing lakes in Norfolk
Despite the plentiful opportunities for fishing in the open waters of Norfolk, you may decide a private fishing lake is right for you, where you can enjoy a lake to yourself and the waters are well-stocked. There are a whole host of great fishing lakes to choose from – some places are also home to multiple lakes or private stretches of rivers.
Carp fishing in Norfolk
Airfield Lakes
Set in the Waveney Valley, the Airfield Lakes are a pair of peaceful lakes stocked with a selection of thoroughbred English carp. The largest carp caught here to date weighed a staggering 50lb 4oz.
Coarse fishing in Norfolk
Billingford Lakes
This complex of fishing lakes near Dereham boasts a staggering nine lakes as well as a mile-long section of the River Wensum, offering species such as roach, perch, pike, tench and bream throughout. Billingford Lakes is one of the best around.
Carp and coarse fishing in Norfolk
Felthorpe Lakes
Felthorpe Lakes is home to three lakes, each with their own different scenery and challenges. Species of carp include common, mirror, koi and crucian, while other fish species caught in the lakes range from rudd to roach.
Taswood Lakes
Nestled in the Tas Valley just 5 miles out of Norwich, Taswood Lakes offers four carp fishing lakes and three coarse fishing lakes.
A few of our favourite holiday cottages in Norfolk
The Kingfisher Hut | sleeps 2 guests + 1 dog
This delightful shepherd’s hut commands an idyllic position on the banks of a fishing lake. It is perfect both for a romantic getaway or to unwind and relax leaving the everyday buzz behind. This cosy and inviting bespoke hut has been tastefully decorated and features a lovely open-plan living area with a comfy double bed, fully equipped kitchen, breakfast bar and space to sit back and unwind. Close to Thetford Forest with its amazingly scenic walking trails.
River Cottage - Norfolk | sleeps 5 guests + 2 dogs
This delightful dog-friendly cottage comes with lots of country charm and has half an acre of gorgeous enclosed gardens which back onto the banks the River Wensum. A private decking area gives direct access to the river so you can enjoy a peaceful spot of fishing and wonderful unspoiled views of the surrounding countryside. The lovely village location means there's a shop and pub within easy walking distance and you're just a short drive from the Norfolk coast.
Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Norfolk
Find inspiration in our collections of Norfolk holiday cottages, many of which are located close to the fishing spots mentioned in this guide. Whether you are planning a fishing break with friends or a solo trip, we have the Norfolk holiday rental for you. Browse our collection today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.