While fishing on a secluded stretch of river is the dream for most anglers, very often, especially where fish suffer excessive predation, stretches in more urban settings can be far more productive, as the fish seek shelter in the busier environment. This is often magnified as the weather gets colder, and town centres frequently see fish move in en masse to overwinter. The fishing that it provides can be often nothing short of fantastic.
River Ancholme, Brigg, North Lincolnshire
Once famed for its roach shoals, the Ancholme at Brigg is a haven for predators these days, with good perch and pike on offer. Lure tactics are hard to beat, with soft plastics a popular choice. There are still a few roach about, too, and pole and bread tactics will produce the goods. Day tickets on the bank.
Contact: 01724 855730
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River Ouse, York, North Yorkshire
The stretch through the centre of York can offer good bream and skimmer fishing. Feeder tactics are all that you will need to get a few bites, introducing groundbait alongside a few free hookbait samples. There are also pike present in decent numbers, and it’s free fishing to boot!
Contact: York Tackle, 01904 411210
River Aire, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Through central Leeds there’s good fishing to be had on the Aire, with big barbel on the cards under the right conditions. There are plenty of bream here, too – the stretch fishes particularly well when there’s a bit of extra water on. Free fishing.
Contact: 0113 2641195
River Welland, Spalding, South Lincolnshire
Roach catches have been excellent through Spalding over recent weeks, with nets weighing over 30lb having been taken. You’ll catch on both the pole and whip, with bread among the best choices as hookbait and feed. There are pike, perch and the odd zander present as well. Day tickets available online, in advance.
River Trent, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Head to the stretch outside the Nottingham Forest stadium to enjoy memorable roach sport. Stick float and waggler tactics tend to produce the goods. You’ll find predators, too, and covering the water with lures will see you connect with perch and pike. It’s free fishing.
Contact: Matchman Supplies, 0115 9140210
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Warwickshire Avon, Stratford, Warwickshire
The Warwickshire Avon at Stratford has been in superb form lately, with good catches of roach and dace reported. Stick float tactics prove successful for many, feeding hemp and maggots. Day tickets available locally, and Leamington AA is also currently offering reduced membership books.
Contact: Stratford Fishing and Outdoors, 07715 590199
River Bure, Wroxham, Norfolk
A mixture of roach, skimmers, rudd and perch can be caught on the Bure at Wroxham, with simple pole, waggler or whip tactics tending to bring the best results. There are good pike about too that can be caught on deadbaits, as well as some huge perch. Free fishing.
Contact: Angling Direct Wroxham, 01603 782679
Great Ouse, Bedford, Bedfordshire
Skimmers, roach, good perch and pike can all be found on the stretch of the Ouse running through Bedford. It’s generally slow flowing, so pole and feeder tactics work well. Feed groundbait with pinkies and casters. Free fishing.
Contact: Bleak Hall Sports, 01234 852530
River Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire
As seems to be the case every year, the fishing through Hereford has been fantastic this winter, with huge bags of chub, dace and roach regularly reported. Generally, the closer to the bridges in the town centre you can get, the better. Day tickets in advance.
Contact: Woody’s Angling Centre, 01432 344644
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Well Creek, Outwell, Norfolk
Just on the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk Border lies Well Creek – a small waterway running through the village of Outwell. There are accessible platforms to fish from, with skimmers, roach and rudd, plus perch pike and zander on offer. Free fishing.
Contact: JRN & Son, 01945 429234
River Wandle, Croydon, South london
This revitalised chalk stream running through the bustling landscape of the capital offers surprisingly good mixed winter fishing. You’ll find all sorts in here, with chub, barbel and carp on the cards. Travel light and stay on the move. Free fishing.
Contact: Cheam Angling, 0208 3304787
River Itchen, Southampton, Hampshire
Although not an easy stretch, the Itchen at Riverside Park holds some cracking fish, including big roach, dace and chub. Spend time walking the length, trying to locate the fish, or good holding features, before you start. Free fishing.
Contact: Poingdestres Angling Centre, 023 8051077
Lee Navigation, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
This canalised river can produce some really large perch, not to mention big chub and even the odd carp. Stay mobile, with worms and bread just about the best bets, bait-wise. Day tickets are available for the stretch running between Hertford and Broxbourne.
Contact: Ware Angling Club, 07768 746059
River Frome, Wareham, Dorset
Right in the centre of Wareham is a great bit of the Frome, where good dace and roach are a regular feature. The stretch can get crowded, and is tidal, so short sessions around prime feeding times are a good bet. Free fishing.
Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 475155
River Kennet, Newbury, Berkshire
Chub can be caught on the Kennet through Newbury. Fish a light float with maggots, feeding generously. Stay on the move until you locate the fish. You’ll likely catch a few trout, too, so don’t go too light with your tackle! Free fishing.
Contact: Thatcham Angling Centre, 01635 871450
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