Barbel are a popular target for anglers starting a new river fishing season, and as long as conditions are suitable for this delicate species, they are a worthwhile, powerful, reliable and challenging fish to catch.
Many rivers across the UK are home to this hard-fighting fish, but always make sure you check the river levels for your chosen spot prior to your trip to make sure they aren't too high (making fishing difficult and dangerous) or too low (putting the barbel at risk in high temperatures).
Here are 10 great rivers worth a try on June the 16th and beyond...
River Swale, Helperby, North Yorkshire
The Swale is a fantastic river, where simple baits like worms, maggots and casters will catch you plenty of barbel. The Helperby areas fished well early last season, so are always worth a look in the summer months.
Contact: Newsagent, Main Street, Hereby, 01423 360644
River Severn, Highley, Shropshire
The stretch by the Shipp Inn at Highley holds some cracking barbel. You'll catch on hemp and caster in low water, but it's worth bringing meat too. Day tickets are available on the bank.
Contact: Middle Severn Angling, 01746 769070
York and District AA Waters, West/North Yorkshire
Stretches of the Nidd and Ouse offer good barbel fishing. Day tickets and season books are available, with discounts for over 65s.
Contact: Bob Hutchinson, 01904 215105
River Ribble, Ribchester, Lancashire
Good catches come from this river on feeder fishing tactics early in the season. The day ticket stretch at Ribchester is a good bet to start, with tickets available from the SPAR shop.
Contact: www.radac.org.uk
River Lea, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
The iconic stretch at King's Weir holds some phenomenal barbel, and the stretch by the weir itself can be fished on a day ticket booked in advance.
Contact: 01992 468394
River Wye, Herefordshire
A great way to book a stretch on the stunning River Wye is through Angling Dreams. Check out the website for the best waters to try. Ross, Hereford and Symonds Yat are all worth a look.
Contact: www.anglingdreams.co.uk
River Trent, Fiskerton, Nottinghamshire
Nottingham Piscatorial Society offers day tickets at it's Fiskerton and Rolleston Fisheries, both of which are home to quality barbel. Tickets can be purchased at the Fiskerton Post Office and online.
Castor Backwater, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
This stretch of river is something to behold, with crystal-clear water, lush weedbeds and some truly big barbel. Day tickets can be purchased online and season tickets are available.
Contact: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
Hampshire Avon, Christchurch, Hampshire
The Royalty Fishery is a legendary barbel venue, and one that every enthusiast of the species should visit. Day tickets are available from the nearby Davis Tackle. This is a venue where the 'rolling meat' tactic made its name.
Contact: 01202 485169
Bristol Avon, Lacock, Wiltshire
Not an easy stretch by any means, but there are barbel to be caught in this stretch of the Avon. It's controlled by Amalgamated Fisheries, with day and season tickets available. This is a perfect stretch for keeping mobile.
Contact: TK Tackle, 01249 812003
