The River Trent is often discussed in legendary terms, especially those who target barbel. It’s flowing waters, deep pools, and abundant food sources make it an ideal habitat for some magnificent fish. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best stretches of the Trent for barbel fishing, as well as some tips and techniques to help you catch these elusive fish.
Best stretches for barbel fishing on the River Trent
It's worth noting that not all stretches can be fished on a day ticket and are under club control, so it is always advisable to confirm before settling on an area to fish, but don’t be disheartened if a club has control of a stretch of river normally, they welcome new members.
Gainsborough and Littleborough
This stretch is known for its challenging fishing conditions. The strong current and tidal influence make it a tough place to fish, access isn't great with steep sloping banks eroded by the tide, but the fish are big and powerful. In the right areas use specialist tactics where big feeders, heavy leads and big baits pay dividends.
THINKING OF GIVING BARBEL FISHING A TRY FOR THE FIRST TIME? OUR BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BARBEL FISHING IS THE PLACE TO START.
Torksey, Laughterton and Dunham
More accessible than the lower reaches, but it's still holds its challanges. The river is wide and deep expect to be using at least 4oz feeders to hold bottom and gear up as the fish fight hard with the strong current and be mindful of the tide. Dunham is very picturesque and very popular with anglers as access is very good, be early to secure a peg.
THE TRENT ISN'T THE ONLY RIVER WITH DOUBLE FIGURE BARBEL, CHECK OUT OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.
South Clifton, Girton, Besthorpe and Fiskerton
Considered as some of the best tidal areas of the Trent, parts of the river are owned by the Barbel Society and have areas of no fishing. Certain areas have good access but other areas offer a little more remote experience where a you can have plenty of room but be prepared to walk. Need better access? You will find Bob's Island a more accessible urban area in Newark where fish to 20lb are possible on a day ticket. Again, large feeder and leads is the way to go, with pellets and boilies remaining highly effective.
OUR EXPERT GUIDE TO FISHING WEIR POOLS WILL HELP YOU GET THE BEST OUT OF THEM.
Carlton, Holme Marsh, Burton Joyce and Holme Pierrepont
These are very popular stretches of the river. The weir at Collingham where pegs 1A to 4 are booked well in advance and have been the site of many red letter days. Pegs along the Holme Marsh stretch accounting for some huge match weights in years gone by. There are plenty of access points. The fishing can be very productive here, lots of gravel stretches with many reports of 20lb fish, especially in the late season. Holme Peirre point once considered a legendary area in match circles, often referred to as the “golden mile’ but matches don't occur here so often now and this area can be very productive for all species particularly barbel. Standard feeder tactics and float tactics are the way to go here.
THE RIVER TRENT IS WORTH TRAVELLING TO, OUR GUIDE TO FISHING HOLIDAYS ON THE RIVER TRENT WILL GET YOUR ACCOMMODATION SORTED.
Thrumpton, Trent Lock and Sawley
Lots of water here, with fisheries adjacent to the stretch at Thrumpton, the river is now beginning to meander a lot more creating classic barbel territory with more gravel runs, eddies and deep holes. This area often prone to flooding can be extremely productive when carrying extra water, standard floodwater tactics of heavy leads and smelly baits is the way to go. Sawley has a weir, islands, and the Trent and Mersey canal offering a real variety of areas to target barbel.
THE BEST BARBEL FISHING REEL IS ESSENTIAL FOR HANDLING THESE HARD FIGHTING FISH.
Shardlow and above
The upper reaches of the Trent offer a narrower, wilder river with lots of fast flowing gravel runs, with ample streamer weed offering abundance of natural food. Rolling baits or trotting are the tactics here. Don’t ignore the slacker areas of flow indicating deep holes there could be a specimen lurking.
OUR EXPERT GUIDE TO THE BEST BARBEL RODS WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE BEST TOOL FOR THE JOB.
Tips for catching barbel on the River Trent
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Choose the right bait: Barbel are opportunistic feeders, so a variety of baits can be effective. Popular baits include maggots, worms, pellets, and boilies.
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Use the right tackle: A strong barbel/carp/specialist rod and reel are essential for barbel fishing. A heavy-duty hook-link is also important, as barbel fight hard in the current
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Target barbel at the right time of year: Barbel are most active in the spring and autumn, when the river is carrying extra water can be particularly productive.
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Fish at the right time of day: Barbel are often more active at dawn and dusk.
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Fish the right features: Barbel can be found at all depths of water, but they often prefer deeper water holes and areas of cover.
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Consider the current: Barbel often prefer areas with a moderate flow, but don’t underestimate features of the river, where slack water and shallower glides may provide sources of food and shelter.
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Be patient: Barbel fishing can be slow and frustrating at times. It's important to be patient and persistent.
