Full of oxygen and bristling with life, it’s no surprise that weir pools act like such a magnet to fish and anglers alike in early season and high summer. Here are 10 venues to choose from, that might be ideal candidates to wet a line from June 16th...
Seven Meadows, Warks Avon, Stratford on Avon
Head to the area where the river narrows below the weir for some brilliant chub sport, with fish to well over 6lb on the cards. Lots of silverfish are present, too, plus the chance of connecting with a big barbel – this stretch has produced them to over 14lb in recent seasons. Full of features, all tactics will work, but a stick float or wagglerapproach takes some beating.
More info: www.stratfordangling.co.uk, 01789 267992 (not Mondays).
Flights Weir, River Brue, Somerset
A large weir where you can enjoy action from a mixture of species, including big perch to over 2lb alongside roach, rudd, gudgeon… and plenty of chub!
Chuck into the foamy water with larger baits such as meat, bread and worms for the chub, which go to over 4lb, or trot the run-off. The slacker water is the best place to target the big stripeys. Controlled by Glaston Manor AA, day tickets are available from a range of local outlets.
More info: www.fishinginsomerset.com, 01278 431777 (Somerset Angling).
River Don, Sprotbrough, S Yorks
Doncaster and District AA controls the fishing on the Don from Sprotbrough Weir downstream to the weir below the second railway bridge at Long Sandall Lock. It’s home to barbel, chub, bream, roach, dace and perch. Halibut pellets, meat and boilies are worth trying for the larger fish, but in the steadier water it’s worth trying smaller baits on float or feeder for a mixed bag.
More info: www.ddaa.co.uk, 01302 363629 (Doncaster Fishing Centre).
Chippenham Weir, Bristol Avon
Once renowned for its huge barbel, this free-to-fish weir is still capable of producing big fish, which tend to sit a short way down the stretch from the main weir. What it may lack in numbers of barbel, it more than makes up for with healthy chub stocks in the 2lb-5lb range. All tactics work. Parking can be tricky – there is a grass verge for a few cars but, other than that, it’s best to use a local pay and display and travel light.
More info: 01249 812003 (TK Tackle, Calne).
Bob’s Island, River Trent, Notts
We could have picked any number of weirs on the Trent, but for accessibility you can’t beat Bob’s Island. The main weir pool is a great spot to catch smaller barbel and chub, while the larger specimens tend to be found just downstream. Trundle a large piece of meataround the weir, searching out all likely-looking spots. There’s also a smaller weir in the backwater section where you’ll find quality silvers.
More info: www.bobs-island-fishing-newark.weebly.com
Ashton Weir, River Nene, Northamptonshire
This section of the Nene around Oundle is a recent addition to the excellent Wellingborough and District Nene AC club book and, being relatively lightly-fished, is capable of producing a surprise or two. Plenty of silverfish are present in and around the weir and its run-off, as well as some chunky chub, big perch to 3lb-plus, and even a few barbel. For the perch, snatch a few bleak, then lip-hook them under a loafer float set-up and trot the rig away from the weir.
More info: www.wdnac.org.uk, 01933 461539 (Ringstead Country Store).
Throop Fishery, Christchurch, Dorset
This famous fishery is home to big fish of all species – with chub, roach, pike and barbel being the stars of the show – and several weirs, including New Weir, Glenn’s Weir and Boulder Weir. Although pellets and boilies can single out the bigger fish, they see a lot of these, so it could pay to try something a little different.
More info: 01202 485169 (Davis Tackle).
Taverham Mill, River Wensum, Norfolk
There are two weir pools to target along this three-quarter-mile-long stretch, which also boasts deep pools and shallow gravel runs. Chub are the most plentiful species present and go to 5lb-plus, but there are also dace, roach, perch, pike and an increasing number of small barbel.
The usual tactics will work for the larger species while, for a net of smaller fish, try the slack areas with the pole or waggler, loosefeeding regularly.
More info: www.anglianwaterparks.co.uk, 01603 929090 (Wensum Valley Angling).
Lincomb Weir, Stourport-on -Severn, North Worcs
You can fish off the island just below the weir here, after driving down to the lock and getting a day ticket from the lock keeper. It’s a stretch that holds plenty of chub and bream, as well as good barbel and carp. Places are limited each day, so make sure you get there early.
More info: 01562 745221 (HT Angling).
Carthagena Weir Pool, River Lea, Herefordshire
This weir pool, which has 10 swims and a further 10 below it on the main river, has a long history of producing huge chub, and has been fished by many of the sport’s great names, including Matt Hayes. There are also very big perch to 4lb-plus, which like to frequent the area by the houseboats below the weir.
More info: www.carthagenafishery.co.uk, 07855 333465.
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