With the cold temperatures and many lakes freezing over, it might be time to turn your attention to flowing water. Rivers only freeze in extreme conditions, and since fish must keep swimming in the current, they expend energy and need to keep feeding. This means your chances of some winter action are greatly increased—if you know where to go. This article highlights some great stretches to try if you want to keep catching this winter.
River Hull, Beverley, East Yorkshire
The shipyard stretch is good for roach. There are perch present, too. Pole, whip and stick float tactics all work.
Contact: Hull Angling Centre, 01482 374201
Old Nene, March, Cambridgeshire
An abundance of silverfish can be found on the free stretch of the old nene at march. There are perch, zander and pike too.
Contact: Mill View Fishing Tackle, 01354 660566

River Calder, Altofts, West Yorkshire
This Mirfield AC stretch of the lower Calder offers good roach fishing. There are pike, perch and the odd chub too.
Contact: Castleford Angling Supplies, 01977 550465
River Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire
No other river can compete with the wye when it comes to winter fishing. The stretch through Hereford is simply full of fish!
Contact: Woody’s Angling Centre, 01432 344644
River Ribble, Preston, Lancashire
The free stretch near London Road is a great winter spot. Roach and dace shoal up here in numbers, with stick float and waggler tactics often scoring.
Contact: Wayne’s Tackle, 01772 729229
Warwickshire Avon, Stratford, Warwickshire
The Leamington AA stretch in the town centre, starting opposite the theatre, has been in good winter form. Waggler tactics can produce. Day tickets are available online.
Contact: www.leamingtonangling.co.uk

River Trent, Stoke Bardolph, Nottinghamshire
Accessible fishing for chub, bream, dace, roach, perch and barbel is available along the road at Stoke Bardolph. Day tickets on the bank.
Contact: Ashfield AC, 07856 7568725
River Wey, Farnham, Surrey
This little river responds well to trotted maggots. Dace and chub can be found here and can be caught to a good size.
Contact: Hampshire Tackle, 01252 318937
River Parrett, Langport, Somerset
Feed a bit of groundbait and try a range of hookbaits over the top for roach and skimmers. Pole and whip tactics are suitable.
Contact: TackleUK, 01935 476777
River Welland, Spalding, Lincolnshire
Anglers are enjoying nets of quality roach. Bread is hard to beat. Day tickets online.
Contact: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk/town-welland-spalding
