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 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
This intimate river offers great chub sport to roving tactics. Winsford and District AA control the fishing.
Contact: Daves of Middlewich, 01606 833853
River Calder, Mirfield, W.Yorkshire
Mirfield AC controls some sections of this early-season gem. Look for pacey water.
Contact: Aire Tackle, 01977 277065
Warwickshire Avon, Stratford, Warks
Stratford AA’s stretch holds quality chub, silverfish and the odd good barbel as well.
Contact: Stratford on Avon Fishing and Outdoors, 07715 590199
River Trent, Stoke Bardolph, Notts
Head to the day-ticket ‘road stretch’ for silverfish and bream, and maybe chub and barbel too.
Contact: www.ashfieldangling.com
MAKE SURE YOU'RE USING THE BEST BARBEL RODS BY CHECKING OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE.
River Yare, Langley, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth & Norfolk AA’s stretches are a good bet for bream and roach. Day tickets available on the bank.
Contact: www.riveryarefishing.co.uk
River Nene, Castor, Cambridgeshire
Castor Backwater offers excellent early season barbel and chub sport. Day tickets are just £5 and available online.
Hampshire Avon, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
On this day-ticket stretch of the iconic Hampshire Avon great chub sport can be enjoyed. Take plenty of bait and fish the float.
Contact: 07539 797510
River Cam, Waterbeach, Cambs
Waterbeach AC controls some great and affordable fishing. Some excellent big rudd fishing on offer here too.
Contact: 07591 630990
THIS GUIDE WILL SHOW YOU THE ONLY BARBEL RIGS YOU WILL EVER NEED.
River Wey, 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, Oxon
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.
