River Trent, Fiskerton, Nottinghamshire
The Trent is Britain’s in-form big barbel river, and on the day-ticket stretch at Fiskerton you can enjoy great sport with plenty of fish to 8lb, as well as the chance of a double. Feeder tactics with pellets or meat will score. If the river is running clearer, big bunches of maggots are worth a try. Day tickets from the village post office.
Contact: 07763 385205
River Wye, Wyastone Leys
A stunning stretch, and although the Wye is not known for huge fish, there’s the chance of fish over 8lb, with plenty of smaller samples. The stretch spans the England/Wales border, with an upper section that’s wooded and a slower-flowing lower section that produces when the river is in flood.
Contact: 01989 218080
THE BEST BARBEL FISHING RODS ARE KEY TO LANDING DOUBLE FIGURE FISH
River Ribble, Preston, Lancashire
Lancashire’s prime big barbel river. Double-figure fish are a realistic target, with those in the 7lb-9lb bracket more common. Try heading for the free stretch downstream of London Road. Tends to fish best when there’s extra water on.
Contact: Wayne’s Tackle, 01772 729229
Yorkshire Ouse, Nun Monkton, North Yorks
The stretch opposite the grounds of Beningbrough Hall, where the river can be sluggish, fishes best when it’s carrying extra colour. It’s a Leeds DASA venue, with gate codes in the book.
Contact: 01132 482373
Royalty Fishery, Hampshire Avon, Dorset
This historic and highly accessible day-ticket stretch should be on every barbel angler’s ‘bucket list’! The deeper runs have been proving productive over the past month or so. Rolling meat can be a great way to cover water and explore this iconic stretch. Day tickets available from nearby Davis Tackle.
Contact: Davis Tackle, 01202 485169
CHECK OUR EXPERT GUIDE FOR TARGETING BARBEL IN COOLER TEMPERATURES
Tidal Trent, Dunham Bridge, Lincolnshire
If you want to get away from the crowds and be in with a chance of a huge, truly wild barbel, then the tidal reaches of the River Trent should be on your radar.
Dunham is a good bet, and it can be fished on a day ticket, available from the nearby Tackle Dynamic Shop at Newark.
Contact: 07722 179555
River Lea, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
The iconic stretch at King’s Weir has been in blistering form this season, with numerous big doubles already reported. The weir itself is open to day-ticket anglers, and although the fishing isn’t easy, the rewards are there to be had. Maggots and meat can both produce, with patience being key.
Contact: 01992 468394
River Severn, Grimley, Worcestershire
A deep, slow stretch in general, but this is often where the biggest Severn barbel are found and Grimley Hallow is no exception. The fishing isn’t easy, but rewards are there to be had. It’s below Holt Fleet on the Birmingham AA ticket.
Contact: 01562 882116
River Arun, Pulborough, West Sussex
You won’t be guaranteed lots of fish here, but the Arun and its fast-flowing waters hold a stock of very big barbel. It’s a tidal and challenging venue – try the water at Stopham, which is run by Pulborough AS.
Contact: 01798 831525
River Thames, Sunbury, Surrey
On this free stretch of the Thames there are some massive barbel, but be warned, they’re no pushover! Famously nomadic, these fish can take a while to track down, but the rewards will be more that worth it. Prebaiting can help swing the odds in your favour.
Contact: Thames Angling, 01784 243185
THE BEST BARBEL FISHING REELS ARE SUITED TO AUTUMNAL FISHING CONDITIONS ON RIVERS
River Anker, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
This tributary of the Tame produced a barbel of 16lb 6oz last autumn – a new record for the river. The fishing can be tough, but the rewards are clearly there!
Sutton Coldfield AS control an attractive stretch of this up-and-coming river.
Contact: www.suttoncoldfieldangling.co.uk
River Don, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Around Sprotbrough Weir you’ll find some clonking barbel, but if you fish the weir itself, be sure to use strong gear and be on your rods instantly when a fish is hooked. An active feederfishing approach can score, regularly casting to keep some loosefeed going into the swim.
Contact: Independent Fishing Tackle and Bait, 01302 376689
River Wandle, Mitcham, Surrey
Not long ago this tributary of the Thames was in a dire state, but recent efforts have brought the Wandle back to life. It’s full of surprises, including large barbel to 14lb. Target the middle reaches, and a good place to start is Ravensbury Park. Free fishing.
Contact: Cheam Angling 02083 304787
River Loddon, Reading, Berkshire
Although it doesn’t contain the head of barbel it once did, the Loddon is still home to some large fish. The Reading and District AA controlled Whistley Mill stretch is worth a go. Day tickets online.
Contact: www.rdaa.co.uk/day-tickets
Warwickshire Avon, Twyford, Warks
This famous stretch has been taken on and maintained by Manor Farm Leisure. There have been some massive barbel to 15lb caught from here, with fish showing to a range of baits.
The margins can produce, especially if you have depth and a gravelly riverbed. Day tickets are available from Manor Farm Leisure.
Contact: 07786 436724
THESE VENUES ALSO HOLD BIG CHUB, CHECK OUR EXPERT GUIDE ON HOW TO FLOAT FISH FOR CHUB
River Aire, Bingley, West Yorkshire
Yorkshire rivers have been in good form for barbel this season, but one that goes under the radar is the Aire. Whilst not prolific, there are fish to double figures present. Bingley AC offer a stretch at Myrtle Park that’s worth a try. Try to time your visit with rising river levels to boost your chances.
Contact: KL Tackle, 01535 667574
Bristol Avon, Lacock, Wiltshire
This picturesque stretch has witnessed a mini rejuvenation of barbel stocks in recent seasons. Roving tactics score well, with worm, meat and pellets all worth trying. There are plenty of chub to keep you busy whilst you wait for that ‘three-foot twitch’!
Contact: www.amalgamatedfisheriesltd.co.uk
Derbyshire Derwent, Derbyshire
There have been some superb barbel reported from the Derwent already this season, and this river doesn’t get as much attention as many others. The Earl of Harrington’s club controls a few good stretches that can be fished on their good-value £40 a year club ticket.
Contact: Nathan’s of Derby, 01332 515353
River Colne, West Drayton, Middlesex
The stretch running alongside the popular Thorney Weir carp complex holds some quality barbel. Pacier swims can be best, with 24-hour tickets on offer too. Make sure to purchase them before fishing though!
Contact: 07903 819270
River Swale, nr. Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire
Bradford No.1 AA have numerous superb stretches of the Swale that hold quality barbel.
Thornton Bridge is a good bet, with fish to double-figures. At £60 a year, club books offer great value, and boast numerous other barbel venues.
Contact: 01274 881851
THIS GUIDE WILL SHOW YOU THE ONLY BARBEL RIGS YOU WILL EVER NEED
