Fishing a river can be one of the most challenging styles of angling you can do, simply because of how many techniques you can use and how quickly conditions can change. Here are my ten essential tips to help you improve your catch rates and enjoy more successful fishing trips.
Target deep water for bream
Bream typically prefer deep water, especially in rivers as the flow is often not as fast. On larger rivers, like the Trent, casting towards the middle of the river is often a great place to start, especially in the warmer months. If bites fade, consider casting further out towards two thirds of the way across to where the foot of the far shelf is, before the river starts to shallow up.
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Explore the banks
Take the time to walk the banks and observe the fish holding river features. Weed beds, undercut banks, and gravel bars are just a few features that will hold fish. Bream, tench, and roach often congregate near cover like reed beds, sunken trees, or moored boats. In the winter, head to a town centre or marina as the fish often head to these areas for sanctuary and some great sport can be had when you find the shoals.
Fish the crease
Slacks, where the main current meets a calmer area, are excellent spots for chub and roach. Look for the "crease" on the edge of the slack, where fish can hold stationary and intercept bait as it flows by. When the river is flooded or is carrying extra water after rain, the crease can be the best place to fish and will hold all species.
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Prioritise oxygenated water
Early in the season rivers can often suffer from low water levels. Try and seek out the shallower swims where the water will be faster-flowing, therefore creating more oxygenated water that will attract chub and barbel.
Fish the tidal stretch
Tidal rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities, but timing is crucial. Consult the tide tables and plan your trip to coincide with the ebbing tide, this will normally produce more fish. If you can, speak to locals or a local tackle shop to see how far to sit back as the tide will push the ever level up and you don't want to be fishing unsafely.
Don't avoid the weed
Weed can be a pain, but it's also a prime habitat for fish, holding lots of natural food. You will find fish like tench, big perch, eels, and barbel. Try feeding chopped worm near weed beds, this can be highly effective to attract these fish.
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Prebait for success
Prebaiting can be a valuable technique for attracting fish to your chosen swim. Feed particles like corn, pellets, and hemp. Incorporate groundbait to create a bed of bait, do this a few evenings before your intended fishing session to encourage feeding in your chosen area.
Fish early or late
Avoid fishing during peak sunlight hours as the fish tend to be a little more difficult to tempt. Choose early morning and late evening to visit the river as these are often the more productive times for fish like bream, barbel, and tench.
Be adaptable
Be prepared to adapt your approach based on changing weather conditions. Factors like temperature, wind, and water levels can influence fish behaviour and can change the conditions of the river. The best time to be out is in the summer after some rain colours the river up slightly or as the river is fining down. Periods of settled weather are good too, but generally a lot of cold water entering the river quickly will slow action down considerably.
Patience is key
River fishing can offer many challenges, but patience is key. Keep experimenting with different techniques, locations and baits until you find what works best for you and get the best out of your sessions.
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