High river levels can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the surging waters can make fishing tough, but on the flip side, it can also open up opportunities for some fantastic barbel and chub catches.
One of the main hurdles during high water is the increased debris making its way down stream. It can be a real pain, constantly disrupting your rig and demanding frequent re-casting. To tackle this, many seasoned anglers, myself included, favour the simple straight lead rig, which is much less prone to snagging.
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Flavoured meat
To make the most of a flooded river, you've got to go with baits that have a strong appeal, ones that can lure fish from afar. Flavoured meats like luncheon meat, garlic sausage, or Peperami have proven to be popular with barbel and chub. Amp up the allure by adding flavours like garlic, whisky, black pepper, or krill - they're real winners in cold water conditions. Consider tearing the meat rather than cubing it to create a ragged bait, it releases more flavour.
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Natural baits
Natural baits like lobworms and dendrobaena worms are reliable choices, especially when the water levels are receding. Boilies can be a great pick too, but remember to choose the right type for the conditions. In colder waters, reducing the fish and meat content in your boilies can be helpful. To make them irresistible, try wrapping boilies or encasing the hook in paste.
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Soaked baits
Giving your bait a soak in liquid attractants can do wonders in upping their appeal. Sweet flavours like Scopex or JB Baits Frost & Flood which has a sweet maple and caramel aroma are particularly effective in the chill of winter waters. Spicy attractors also work particularly well for barbel, you can buy chilli oils from any supermarket and they can be particularly effective.
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