As the river season is about to open, here are our top picks of flowing water venues that will ensure you get plenty of early season action, regardless of the species you want to target!
River Wharf, Tadcaster, W.Yorks
This stretch was in blistering barbel form early last season. You’ll catch on meat, with hemp and caster also worth a try.
Contact: Tadcaster Angling, 07988 200979
River Ribble, Preston, Lancashire
On the free stretch off London Road you’ll catch barbel, especially if the river’s carrying extra water. There are loads of chub and other silverfish, too.
Contact: Wayne’s Tackle, 01772 729229
WANT TO CATCH A BARBEL? READ OUR EXPERT ARTICLE FOR ALL THE TIPS AND TACKLE YOU NEED!
River Dane, Middlewich, Cheshire
Winsford & District AA controls some excellent fishing on the Dane and the Weaver. Excellent value season tickets are £50.
Contact: www.winsford-anglers.com
River Severn, Highly, Shropshire
This stretch near the Ship Inn pub is fantastic for barbel to double figures. Meat is hard to beat on the hook, early doors.
Contact: Middle Severn Angling, 01746 769070
River Yard, Langley, Norfolk
You’ll find comfortable pegs on the River Yare near Langley, with roach and bream the target species. Day tickets on the bank.
Contact: www.riveryarefishing.co.uk
Warwickshire Avon, Stratford, Warks
Below the weir at Seven Meadows fish the stick or waggler for chub, dace, roach and the odd barbel.
Contact: Stratford on Avon Fishing and Outdoors, 07715 590199
MAKE SURE YOU'RE USING THE BEST BARBEL RODS BY CHECKING OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE.
River Nene, Castor, Cambridgeshire
Castor Backwater offers excellent early season barbel and chub sport. Day tickets are just £5 and available online.
Dorset Stour, Longham, Dorset
This free stretch holds quality chub, bream, and the odd barbel. Use strong kit and target areas clear of weed in summer.
Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 275155
River Way, Farnham, Surrey
Bring a mixture of baits, wear polaroids, and search for chub, dace and barbel. Free fishing.
Contact: Hampshire Tackle, 01252 318937
River Thames, Sanford, Oxford
The Meadows is good for early season roach to waggler or pole. Littlemore AC controls the fishing at just £17 a year!
Contact: Ace Tackle and Bait, 01865 372066
TREAT YOURSELF TO ONE OF THE BEST FISHING REELS FOR THE UPCOMING RIVER SEASON.
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