SOUTH
Bristol Avon, Bath, Somerset
Not a renownded barbel river but for those anglers in the South West the stretch at Claverton Weir will give you the chance of landing a double-figure specimen.
Contact: Bacon's Tackle, 01225 448850
Prices: £3 a day from Bacons Tackle, Bathampton AA
Website: www.bathampton.org
River Arun and Rother, Pulborough, W Sussex
The tidal stretch at Stopham is deep and fast flowing but holds plenty of double-figure barbel as well as enough smaller specimens to keep you interested. The club also runs a prolific stretch of the Rother the scene of Ian Duffy’s recent 18lb 9oz specimen.
Prices: £75 a season, Pulborough AS
Contact: 01798 831525
Website: www.pulboroughas.com
River Avon, Ringwood Fishery, Ringwood, Dorset
A fishery famous for its specimen barbel stocks. Where the main river splits and where side streams enter the river are always worth concentrating on so a roving approach will pay dividends.
Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 475155
Prices: £10 a day from local tackle shops, Christchurch AC
River Great Ouse, Haversham, Bucks
The famous Adam’s Mill section still holds the record for the biggest UK barbel and although its glory days are past, there are still plenty of fish here to put a bend in your rod, thanks to numerous re-stockings. Try the spots between the bridge and the M1.
Prices: £43 a year, Milton Keynes AA
Contact: 01908 270000
Website: www.mkaa.co.uk
River Ivel, Biggleswade, Beds
Arguably the best barbel river in the country the sections at Biggleswade Back Meadows and Common are the most heavily fished for barbel with fish being regularly caught in double figures. However there are other spots and the best advice is to go and walk the river, check it out, in truth there are barbel all along the river.
Contact: Ivel Protection Association, 01234 823959
Prices: The association has numerous member clubs offering different prices
Website: www.ipafishing.co.uk
River Lea, Kings Weir, Broxbourne, Herts
A fishery which showed good form for barbel to well over 15lb last winter. The pegs next to the weir are available to fish on a day-ticket and respond well to legered boilie or meat tactics in winter.
Contact: Kings Weir Fishery, 01992 468394
Prices: £12 a day in advance, Kings Weir Fishery
Website: www.kingsweirfishery.co.uk
River Thames, Hampton, Middlesex
The swims at the far end of the stretch opposite Hampton Palace gardens contain plenty of barbel, which often fall to halibut pellets or meat fished on the feeder.
Prices: Free fishing,
Contact: 01784 461831
Website: Surbiton Angling Centre, www.prestoninnovations.com/en/dealers/389_surbiton-angling-centre