Roach have to be one of the best species in the UK to catch. They can be found in lakes, rivers, canals and reservoirs, and they feed pretty much all year. They become a reliable target for anglers in the colder months, when they are at their peak weight and other larger species like barbel are a far tougher target.
Roach are no pushovers, however, especially big ones! Whilst they will have a go in even the very worst and coldest conditions, their feeding periods will become incredibly short on those days, so you have to take your chances.
With this in mind, rivers are a reliable spot to visit for a big roach, as anglers can time their trips around water levels and colour. Perhaps the best time to visit them is when they are fining down after a big flood, you want the water to have a touch of colour but not too much, and the pace needs to be comfortable for them. They will like slack water but anything boiling and swirling all over the place can make fishing difficult.
Here then are some of the best big roach stretches to target this season...
RIVER RIBBLE, PRESTON, LANCASHIRE
The free stretch just off London Road offers some super roach running to 2lb. Sport only gets better as the temperature drops.
Contact: Wayne’s Tackle, 01772 729229
RIVER WELLAND, SPALDING, LINCOLNSHIRE
This stretch produces some spectacular bags of redfins on bread tactics.
Contact: 01775 712206
RIVER AIRE, LEEDS, WEST YORKSHIRE
The area just outside Leeds is a good bet for roach at this time of year. You'll find them all the way downstream too.
Contact: BobCo Tackle, 01132 499943
RIVER YARE, LANGLEY, NORFOLK
Pole tactics can bring good nets of roach to a positive approach here, feeding hemp and casters.
Contact: www.riveryarefishing.co.uk
RIVER WYE, HEREFORD, HEREFORDSHIRE
Big hauls of quality roach are on the cards in the winter months, with 2lb fish a real possibility.
Contact: Woody’s Angling Centre, 01432 344644
RIVER SEVERN, STOURPORT, WORCS
The Severn has been in great roach form this season, with fish well over 2lb showing. Birmingham AA offers superb fishing on the venue, and a club book is great value.
Contact: 01562 882116
RIVER TRENT, STOKE BARDOLPH, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
When there’s a bit of colour in the river you’ll catch the roach, a stick float fished down the inside being a good choice. Day tickets available on the bank and online.
Contact: www.ashfieldangling.com
RIVER OUSE, OLNEY, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Although best known for specimen chub, perch and barbel, the Great Ouse holds some cracking roach too. Olney and Clifton AC controls some productive water, and day tickets are available.
Contact: 07980 439147
RIVER THAMES, SANDFORD, OXFORDSHIRE
Sandford Meadow is well-known for roach, with pole and waggler tactics both successful. The excellent-value Littlemore AS controls the fishing.
Contact: Ace Tackle and Bait, 01865 372066
HAMPSHIRE AVON, FORDINGBRIDGE, HAMPSHIRE
No list of roach rivers would be complete without the iconic Hampshire Avon, and the day-ticket stretch at Fordingbridge is a banker for big redfins.
Contact: 07539 797510
THROOP FISHERY, DORSET STOUR, DORSET
Whilst not in huge numbers, there are some very special roach lurking amongst the specimen chub at this famous fishery. Target the School Bridge area with bread to catch them.
Contact: 01202 485169 (Davis Tackle), 01425 475155 (Ringwood Tackle)
BRISTOL AVON, CHRISTIAN MALFORD, WILTSHIRE
There are some awesome fish along this stretch controlled by Amalgamated Fisheries, but it takes some work to find them. Travel light with bread or maggots and you might bump into a 2lb-plus specimen.
Contact: www.amalgamatedfisheriesltd.co.uk
RIVER ITCHEN, SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE
On the stretch by the busy Mansbridge Road you can enjoy some fantastic FREE fishing. The big roach can be found in the park section and trotting maggots will catch the specimen fish. The crystal-clear water can make these fish particularly challenging.
Contact: Poingdestres Angling Centre, 023 8051 0077
RIVER FROME, WAREHAM, DORSET
Monster roach to over 3lb have been caught here in recent seasons. A lot of big specimens are caught on bread flake or maggots. It can be busy with the public, but the rewards are worth it, plus, it's FREE!
Contact: Purbeck Angling, 01929 550770
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