January Review – 2026 | UK Carp & Coarse Fishing

January 2026 – A Review So Far

January has been a steady, thoughtful start to the year rather than a numbers game, and in many ways that feels entirely fitting. Opportunities to get out haven’t always aligned smoothly, with family illness and winter logistics dictating when sessions were possible, but when time has been found, it’s been used well.

Conditions have largely been typical of mid-winter: cool nights, modest daytime temperatures, fluctuating pressure, and plenty of overcast skies. Rather than chasing dramatic weather swings, the sessions that stood out were those fished under consistent conditions, allowing a more settled approach and clearer decision-making.

That consistency feels increasingly important at this time of year, both for confidence and for reading fish behaviour.

Time spent looking has arguably been as valuable as time spent fishing. There were sessions where extended periods of observation produced very little in the way of visible signs, and instead of forcing the issue, familiar swims were chosen—places that offer comfort, confidence, and a reliable starting point. That mindset has set the tone for the year so far: build from solid foundations rather than gamble unnecessarily.

Results-wise, January has delivered a proper winter reward in the shape of a solid common, proving that persistence and location still trump everything else. There have also been quieter spells, with stock fish making up the bulk of the action or sessions ending carp-less. In winter, that feels acceptable. You can’t choose what picks your bait up, and blank nights are part of the process rather than a failure of it.

What stands out most is the balance. Sessions have been enjoyed for what they are—time outdoors, a bit of comfort, some sunshine when it appears, and the slow but noticeable lengthening of the days. There’s no sense of rushing the year or measuring success against others. Instead, January has been about resetting, observing, and easing into 2026 with a clear head and realistic expectations.

If the rest of the year follows the same pattern—measured decisions, confidence-led swim choices, and patience with the conditions—then January will prove to have been a very solid foundation to build on.

Until next month.

Richard