Fishing Near Me | 6 of the best river spots in the north for big barbel!
The search for big barbel and where to catch them can be very difficult, which is why we have compiled a list of some of the best rivers within the north of England to catch them
NORTH
River Aire, Bingley, W Yorks
The Myrtle Park section holds fish to over 10lb and it has been re-stocked with more barbel by the Environment Agency. Fairly shallow runs and deep pools provide fish-holding features to look out for.
Prices: £4 a day Bingley AC, Contact: 01274 59557400
Website: www.bingleyanglingclub.co.uk
River Don, Denaby Main, S Yorks
The big pool where the Dearne meets the Don is full of barbel. Luncheon meat fished over hemp always produces here.
Prices: £25 a year, Rotherham DUAA
Contact: 01709 862558
Website: www.facebook.com/rotherhamanddistrictunitedanglingfederation
River Goyt, Stockport, Cheshire
Virtually the whole river is fishable for barbel with double-figure specimens landed every season. Try the weir in Vernon Woods.
Prices: £19 a year, Stockport Federation of Anglers
Contact: 0161 366 7253
Website: www.facebook.com/Stockport-Federation-Of-Anglers-270431096491636/
River Ribble, Ribchester, Lancs
Two kilometres of single bank fishing extending from the Village to Red Bank containing plenty of barbel to around 13lb. Hair-rigged pellet on a running lead rig is a good tactic to employ on this stretch.
Contact: Something Fishy, 01524 792696
Prices: £5 from the Spar shop, Ribchester DAA
Website: www.radac.org.uk
River Rother, Beighton, S Yorks
This free to fish stretch holds plenty of fish in the 8-10lb bracket. Both trotting and leger tactics account for plenty of specimens here using baits like meat or big pellets.
Contact: Pauls Tackle, 01709 862558
Prices: Free fishing
Website: www.paulstacklecentre.com
River Wharfe, Tadcaster, N Yorks
The club holds the rights above and below the town containing some big barbel well into double-figures. The pegs below the bridge where there is cover are a good place to try.
Contact: Tadcaster APA, 01937 833262
Prices: £2.50 a day from Chocolate Box newsagents, Tadcaster Angling & Preservation Association
Website: www.brighousewood.weebly.com/tadcaster-apa.html
Fishing Near Me | 6 of the best river spots in the south for big barbel!
SOUTH
Bristol Avon, Bath, Somerset
Not a renownded barbel river but for those anglers in the South West the stretch at Claverton Weir will give you the chance of landing a double-figure specimen.
Contact: Bacon's Tackle, 01225 448850
Prices: £3 a day from Bacons Tackle, Bathampton AA
Website: www.bathampton.org
River Arun and Rother, Pulborough, W Sussex
The tidal stretch at Stopham is deep and fast flowing but holds plenty of double-figure barbel as well as enough smaller specimens to keep you interested. The club also runs a prolific stretch of the Rother the scene of Ian Duffy’s recent 18lb 9oz specimen.
Prices: £75 a season, Pulborough AS
Contact: 01798 831525
Website: www.pulboroughas.com
River Avon, Ringwood Fishery, Ringwood, Dorset
A fishery famous for its specimen barbel stocks. Where the main river splits and where side streams enter the river are always worth concentrating on so a roving approach will pay dividends.
Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 475155
Prices: £10 a day from local tackle shops, Christchurch AC
River Great Ouse, Haversham, Bucks
The famous Adam’s Mill section still holds the record for the biggest UK barbel and although its glory days are past, there are still plenty of fish here to put a bend in your rod, thanks to numerous re-stockings. Try the spots between the bridge and the M1.
Prices: £43 a year, Milton Keynes AA
Contact: 01908 270000
Website: www.mkaa.co.uk
River Ivel, Biggleswade, Beds
Arguably the best barbel river in the country the sections at Biggleswade Back Meadows and Common are the most heavily fished for barbel with fish being regularly caught in double figures. However there are other spots and the best advice is to go and walk the river, check it out, in truth there are barbel all along the river.
Contact: Ivel Protection Association, 01234 823959
Prices: The association has numerous member clubs offering different prices
Website: www.ipafishing.co.uk
River Lea, Kings Weir, Broxbourne, Herts
A fishery which showed good form for barbel to well over 15lb last winter. The pegs next to the weir are available to fish on a day-ticket and respond well to legered boilie or meat tactics in winter.
Contact: Kings Weir Fishery, 01992 468394
Prices: £12 a day in advance, Kings Weir Fishery
Website: www.kingsweirfishery.co.uk
River Thames, Hampton, Middlesex
The swims at the far end of the stretch opposite Hampton Palace gardens contain plenty of barbel, which often fall to halibut pellets or meat fished on the feeder.
Prices: Free fishing,
Contact: 01784 461831
Website: Surbiton Angling Centre, www.prestoninnovations.com/en/dealers/389_surbiton-angling-centre
Fishing Near Me | 6 of the best river spots in the midlands for big barbel!
MIDLANDS
River Avon, Barford, Warks
Barbel to 14lb are taken regularly from the spots below the weir all-year-round on feeder and pellet tactics. The Dead Arm is a good place to try as is the bottom end of the stretch below Sherbourne Brook.
Contact: Barford AA, 01564 777411
Prices: £45 a season, Barford AA
Website: www.barford-angling.co.uk
River Derwent, Borrowash, Derbys
Recent years have seen numerous big barbel to 17lb landed on this Earl of Harrington AC stretch on the outskirts of Derby. Big baits fished on a running line or static leger methods are all you need to catch one.
Prices: £5 from Nathan’s of Derby
Contact: 01332 515353
Website: www.theearlofharringtonsac.co.uk
River Nene, Castor, Cambridgeshire
This area of river is becoming more popular amongst barbel anglers with fish to 15lb being reported. When the river is fining down during a warmer spell is the best time to go, using a roving approach with meat as bait.
Prices: £5 on the bank, Peterborough DAA (no night fishing)
Contact: 07702440892
Website: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
River Severn, Hampton Loade, Shrops
Hampton Loade has 50 pegs of prime Barbel water situated 6 miles downstream of Bridgnorth on the left bank. The deeper pegs at the bottom end of the stretch are winter hotspots, fishing under your feet when the river is up and coloured.
Contact: Middle Severn Angling 01746 769070
Prices: £5 a day on the bank, Kinver Freeliners AC
Wesbite: www.kinverfreelinersac.com
River Trent, Holme, Notts
The spots by the outfall opposite the willows are hotspots for big barbel to over 10lb as is the weir further down. Try fishing a feeder crammed with groundbait and casters or maggots.
Contact: Worksop DAA, 01909 486350
Prices: £5 a day on the bank, Worksop DAA
River Wensum, Costessey Mill, Norfolk
Numerous re-stockings have taken place over the years on the Wensum and although the fishing isn’t as prolific as it once was, there are still barbel to be had in the weir pools around Costessey.
Prices: Free fishing
Contact: 08432 891368
Website: PW Angling, www.pwangling.co.uk
River Wye, Canons Bridge, Herefordshire
This Wye & Usk Foundation stretch either side of the bridge boasts deep glides, sweeping bends and fast, gravel lined rapids. If you don’t hook a big barbel here you’ll probably connect with one of the resident giant chub.
Contact: 01874 712 074, Wye & Usk Foundation
Prices: £15-£22 a day, four anglers on this stretch max per day
River Wye, Hereford, Herefordshire
The spots by the tennis courts below the bridge are good for specimen barbel as are by the flats at Bartonham, fishing from downstream of the oak tree. The first peg upstream of the old railway bridge is also a hotspot. A block-end feeder with bunches of maggots works well here.
Contact: Woody’s Tackle, 01432 344644
Prices: £7 from Woody’s Tackle, Hereford DAA
Website: www.hdaa.blogspot.co.uk
Fishing Near Me | The best rivers in the midlands to catch a big chub!
Want to catch big chub in the midlands? Then check out this list of the best rivers near you to go and catch a big chub this weekend!
Midlands
River Gt. Ouse, Radwell, Bedfordshire
This picturesque tree lined section is ideal for the roving approach, perhaps best described as a stalkers paradise. The fishing here is by no means easy, being a long stretch with so many features location can prove tricky, but once found they are catchable, pre baiting is often a paying tactic. This extra effort is certainly worth the reward though, with the chub of a lifetime on the cards! The club also run a section at Kempton which is producing lots of chub over 6lb!
Prices: Until end of season, Adult £25, senior £15
Contact: Vauxhall Angling Club, 07506 378748
River Ivel, Biggleswade Common, Bedfordshire
A small streamy section once famed for its barbel, but since their decline in recent years the chub have taken the limelight with fish to over 7lb now being caught. The bigger fish along this stretch tend to be caught from the deeper sections. The Ivel Protection Association own the fishing rights, and access is gained by affiliating with a member club.
Prices: Varies depending on club, see website for details
Contact: Manor Farm Fishing, 01767 317835
Website: www.ipafishing.co.uk
River Wensum, Norfolk
Many anglers will have grown up watching John Wilson fishing this very river for its resident chub, which still inhabit the waterway. There are some free stretches here, notably Hellesdon Mill which holds good numbers of chub, areas upstream at Ringland and further afield at Lyng can hold fewer fish, but specimens well into the 6lb bracket. Best advice is to speak to the local tackle shops.
Prices: Free fishing
Contact: Wensum Valley Tackle, 01603 929090
River Nene, Castor, Cambs
This meandering back channel is a stalkers dream! A single rod rule makes it perfectly suited to a roving approach, seeking out every possible likely looking spot on the 1km stretch. It’s advised to use a small amount of bait fishing for a bite at a time, there is a couple of swims however where a swim could be built with trotting tactics. The chub are here in good numbers, with specimens to 6lb-plus.
Prices: £5 per day, £30 per year, available on the bank
Peterborough DAA, 07702440892
Website: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk
River Severn, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
The Middle Severn at Hampton Loade is a renowned spot for chub over the winter months, when the resident barbel aren’t so active! The stretch is perfect for both float or feeder fishing, try trotting flake under overhanging trees and into deeper holes for best results. It fishes best with an extra foot or two of water, and don’t ignore the inside margin as plenty of fish hold here.
Prices: £5 on the bank
Contact: 01746 769038 or 07861239335
Website: www.kinverfreelinersac.com
River Wye, Kings Caple, Hereford
Aramstone Fishery boasts a two mile section of this beautiful river, which like all of the Wye is full of chub! Location at this time of year is paramount, once found they are catchable in good numbers. Feeder fishing is the most popular tactic, although some anglers do present baits on trotting methods. Fishing must be booked in advance with owner Stan.
Prices: £15 per day for two rods
Contact: Stan on 01432840426 or 07899903744
Fishing Near Me | Top 5 rivers in the north to catch a big chub!
Struggling to find good chub fishing spots near you? Well, worry no more as we have put together a list of the best rivers within the north where you can go and bag up on big chub! Let us know if we are missing some of your favourite venues and we can add them to the list.
North
River Trent, Cromwell, Newark
Every year there is an abundance of accidental captures of big chub to barbel anglers on this river. With the amount of high protein pellet and boilie entering the system it’s no surprise the chub have exceeded weights of 8lb, with regular 6lb and 7lb fish making an appearance. Specimen tactics may be the way to go for a monster, as most sections holding good numbers of smaller chub, which will produce great sport on lighter tackle. Areas at Fiskerton and Rolleston are fishable on a day ticket.
Prices: £6 per day
Contact: 01636 830230, Fiskerton Post Office
River Dane, Middlewich, Cheshire
Middlewich Joint Anglers own the fishing rights to the river upstream and downstream of the Byley Bridge, a stretch boasts a massive head of chub which can be caught on an array of tactics. There is a good depth here making it ideal for running a stickfloat, building the swim by feeding maggots little and often for bags of fish to around 4lb. A roving approach fishing with traditional baits will also score.
Prices: £5 per day in advance, membership £40 per year.
Contact: 01606 833853, Daves of Middlewich
Website: www.davesofmiddlewich.co.uk
River Swale, Morton-on-Swale, N Yorks
A great river for bags of chub, simple trotting tactics produce plenty of bites, classic baits such as hemp and caster or maggots fed little and often for best results. Areas around Morton-on-Swale are noted spots, the fishing here is controlled by Northallerton AC who own four miles of the river, the section below Morton bridge is available on a day ticket.
Prices: Day ticket £5 available from Royal George Pub
Contact: 01609 771117, Northallerton AC
River Ure, Ripon, N Yorks
The ‘stream water stretch’ of the Ure at Ripon boasts an impressive head of chub, big bags can be expected with weights exceeding 100lb not unheard of. Maggots, casters and bread are the favoured baits, best delivered on trotted float tactics. The fishing is run by Ripon Piscatorial Association.
Contact: 01765692424, Northern Angling
Price: £6 in advance from tackle shop
River Wharfe, Boston Spa, W Yorks
The river at Boston Spa is renowned for its quality stamp of resident chub, which in the past has produced fish to over 7lb, with 5lb and 6lb fish a real possibility. The fish are here in numbers, with big hits of chub not uncommon. Day tickets are available in advance from ‘super shop’ (179B high street, Boston Spa, LS23 6AA)
Price: £4 per day
Contact: Boston Spa Angling, 01937 849848
Fishing Near Me | Where to catch specimen roach
On the search for a specimen roach this year? Well, we've compiled a list of some of the best lakes that you can go to and bag your first 2lb plus roach. If you think we've missed out a venue then let us know in the comments!
SPECIMEN ROACH
BLUEBELL LAKES
Tansor, Northants
It’s not just big carp that inhabit Bluebell Lake, with roach up to 2lb stocked in big numbers and they have been coming out this winter. Cast a maggot feeder to the middle to find the shoals
Contact: 01733 226042 or go to www.bluebell-lakes.co.uk
BURY HILL FISHERY
Dorking, Surrey
Milton Lake is the place to head for a potential new personal best, with delicate pole and waggler rigs with maggot or caster scoring for redins to over 2lb.
Contact: 01306 883621
LINCH HILL FISHERY
Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire
Some of the sport’s biggest names have visited Willow Lake after the roach and it is no surprise when you consider that redfins over 3lb are a regular visitor to the bank.
Contact: 01865 882215 or go to www.linchhillfishery.co.uk
LOCHNAW CASTLE FISHERY
Stranraer, Scotland
Some of the biggest roach in the land inhabit this picturesque fishery. Introduce plenty of particles via a spod and use a maggot feeder over the top with a big bait such as an 8mm or 10mm boilie.
NEWBRIDGE LAKES
Burstwick, East Yorkshire
The seven acre Newbridge Lake is a popular carp runs water but the pool is known to hold roach to 3lb.
Contact: 07817 058054
Postcode: HU129HS
SION FARM FISHERY
Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Use slightly bigger baits to try and get through the smaller roach. Corn, triple maggot or caster all worth trying for a potential personal best.
Contact: 01562 730386
SPRINGWATER FISHERY
Dalrymple, Ayrshire
The coarse fishing loch sprung to fame this year after matchmen caught a series of roach over the 2lb barrier. Use maggots and casters both shallow and on the bottom.
Contact: 01292 560343 or go to www.springwaterfishery.co.uk
Fishing Near Me | The best rivers for roach fishing
Want to know where you can catch roach? Well here are some of the best rivers and canals that hold massive bags of roach as well as some specimen redfins. Take a look at our list and leave a comment if you think we have missed off your favourite venue.
RIVERS & CANALS
Aire & Calder Canal, Altofts, W Yorks
This section is fished regularly by match anglers because of its quality of roach sport. Bags to over 20lb are often caught on the pole, waggler or small feeder tactics.
Contact: Chris Roberts Tackle 01484 545032
Prices: £2.50 from Chris Roberts Fishing Tackle, Mirfield AC
River Avon, Britford, Wilts
Traditional waggler and maggot or stickfloat tactics are hard to beat for the roach, with an elusive 2lb plus specimen certainly not out of the question.
Contact: Reids Tackle, 01722 711616, London AA
River Brue, West Lydford, Somerset
30lb nets have been caught from this tiny river this winter with individual fish to over 3lb.
Contact: Somerset Angling 01278 431777
Prices: £7 from Somerset Angling Centre, Glaston Manor AC
River Dee, Farndon, Cheshire
This stretch has always been a winter hotspot where bags of roach to over 30lb are not uncommon.
Contact: Tackle Locker 01244 345069
Prices: Free fishing
River Frome, Wareham, Dorset
Matt Jackson proved the quality of this venue last week with his haul of huge roach to 3lb 1oz roach using single maggot over a bed of hemp.
Contact: Purbeck Angling, 01929 550770
Prices: Free fishing
River Old Nene, March, Cambs
A top roach venue where simple whip and pole tactics can account for huge bags of roach to over 30lb.
Contact: Millview Tackle 01354 660566
Prices: Free fishing in the town centre
River Welland, Spalding Town Centre, Lincs
At this time of year the roach fishing is at its best with 30lb bags commonplace.
Contact: Granz Angling, 01775 712206
Prices: Free fishing
Fishing Near Me | Top 15 commercials where you can catch a specimen perch
Specimen perch can be caught all over the country but finding a true monster near you can be quite difficult... However, commercial fisheries are a great place to start. These stillwaters are the perfect habitat for big perch to thrive with lots of room to hunt and silverfish to eat. Struggling to think of a venue where you can go fishing for a new personal best perch? Don’t worry, here are 15 venues to get you started.
Alderwood Ponds, Steyning, Sussex
A small tub of prawns will be enough bait to tempt a raft of fish to over 3lb from the Island Pond. Fish no more than a couple of rod lengths out and feed plenty of red maggots to get the prey fish and perch into your swim.
Contact: 01903 816377
Website: www.alderwoodponds.wordpress.com
Postcode: BN44 3AA
Athersley Memorial Lake, Barnsley, South Yorks
Tiny sections of worm alongside a few casters will produce perch over 3lb. The pegs in the mid-teens close to the reed beds are the hotspots.
Contact: 07402 682899
Postcode: S71 3JU
Buttonhole Lake, Wisbech, Cambs
Virtually everything that gets stocked in here grows enormous and the same goes for the perch which have been banked to almost 4lb. Worms fished close to any reed beds should get you bites.
Contact: 01945 430629
Postcode: PE14 8EY
Decoy Lakes, Whittlesey, Cambs
This fishery is highly regarded for its carp action but it is also growing a reputation for perch to over 3lb. Fish close to the dead lily beds on Horseshoe Lake for the best results.
Contact: 01733 202230
Website: www.decoylakes.co.uk
Postcode: PE7 2AD
Eye Kettleby Lakes, Melton Mowbray, Leics
Perch to 4lb are a possibility on Lake 5 with legered worm hookbaits favoured. Cast tight to the overhanging trees on the island where the water drops to 7ft to be in with a chance of catching a belter.
Contact: 01664 565900
Website: www.eyekettlebylakes.com
Postcode: LE14 2TN
Golden Pond Fishery, Andover, Hants
Locate the overhanging trees and underwater roots and the perch will be lingering nearby. Fish to 4lb can be taken on the pole or waggler on maggot and caster hookbaits.
Contact: 07734 669738
Website: www.goldenpondfishery.co.uk
Postcode: SP11 7LA
Hampton Springs, Hampton Malpas, Cheshire
Fishing close to the islands on Alice Springs will put you in with a chance of finding a perch nudging 4lb. Try the straight lead or waggler with maggots and worms for a nice bag of perch.
Contact: 01948 820789
Website: www.hamptonsprings.co.uk
Postcode: SY14 8AD
Makins Fishery, Wolvey, Warks
Fishing in the deep water on Anchor Lake will put you in with a chance of a 3lb plus specimen. The predators target the silverfish shoals in here and you can target theme by feeding plenty of maggots and pinkies.
Contact: 01455 220877
Website: www.makinsfishery.co.uk
Postcode: CV11 6QJ
Moorlands Farm Fishery, Kidderminster, Worcs
Most of the lakes are home to quality predators although Meadow Pool has been the most prolific of late. The fish can usually be found in the deep margins.
Contact: 01299 250427
Website: www.moorlands-farm.co.uk
Postcode: DY11 7XN
Tricklebrook Fishery, Five Oak Green, Kent
The Main Lake is the place to head for perch over 4lb and any areas providing cover are worth trying. Worms, casters and maggots should all be in your bait bag.
Contact: 07743 955812
Postcode: TN12 6SH
Viaduct Fisheries, Somerton, Somerset
Campbell Lake is usually reserved for matches but during the winter perch anglers are allowed to target its shoals that run to over 4lb. Fish just off the end of the platform or towards reed beds. The other lakes also hold a good number of perch if you can’t get down to fish Campbell Lake this winter.
Contact: 01458 274022
Website: www.viaductfishery.com
Postcode: TA11 6LJ
Wansford Fishery, Driffield, East Yorks
The Coarse Lake is home to plenty of dense reed beds and this is where huge perch to 5lb will lie. Worms coated in Van Den Eynde Predator Plus will give you an edge.
Contact: 07887 662796
Website: www.wansfordfishery.co.uk
Postcodes: YO25 8JJ
White Springs Fishery, Swansea, South Wales
A 5lb perch is a dream specimen but visit the Old Canal and it could become a reality. Snags down the margins and against the island provide the perfect swim.
Contact: 01792 885699
Website: www.whitespringsfishery.co.uk
Postcode: SA4 8QG
Whitmore Fisheries, Preston, Lancs
Island Pond, The Basin and Club Canal have all produced perch over 4lb in the past. Use a straight lead or long pole over minimal feed to catch.
Contact: 01253 836224
Website: www.whitmorefisheries.co.uk
Postcode: PR4 3HQ
Woodhouse Grange Fisheries, Doncaster, South Yorks
The carp have backed off the feed as a result of the frosts but big perch to 3lb are still willing to feed on maggots or worms on Lilly Lake.
Contact: 07936 647588
Website: www.woodhousegrangefisheries.co.uk
Postcode: DN7 6DU
Fishing Near Me | Dave Harrell's Top 10 river venues for 2018
With the new year upon us i thought it would be a good idea to talk you through some of the rivers that I think you might like to try in 2018. Timing is the key with some of the venues, as some are better in the warmer months while others come into their own as its gets colder.
1) RIVER THAMES
I continue to be impressed with the Thames, especially during the summer months. My friends Paul Glenfield and John Beesley have worked tirelessly on the stretch between Abingdon and Appleford Reach and created a great match length. There are loads of roach, skimmers and bream here, and I’ll definitely be back for more next year!
2) RIVER CALDER
This popular Yorkshire river was once polluted to the point where nothing could survive in its murky waters, but it’s now full of fish! There are regular matches on this venue, and they’re always well attended.
3) RIVER SWALE
I fell in love with this little river on the first visit a few years ago and I always look forward to fishing it every summer. The chub here aren’t easy to catch, but when you get one it’s like being plugged into the mains!
4) RIVER SOAR
I was very impressed with this river last summer and I can’t wait to get back on there again. I understand match organiser Tony Beech is going to run a summer series, culminating in a big-money final, and I’ll definitely be trying to qualify for that!
5) RIVER DON
I’ve never fished this river but I’m hoping to get on there before the season ends if it’s fishing okay. I love floatfishing in deep water and this is generally a very deep river. It’s a perfect place for anglers to learn about Bolo fishing.
6) RIVER SEVERN
The Severn continues to improve, and I’ve had good catches from Shrewsbury (a favourite of mine) down to Upton. I’d love to see Stourport return to its former glory.
This venue is one of the best in the country at times from October to March, and it’s a crying shame that someone in the area won’t take control and make it happen.
The fishing here can be absolutely brilliant and I’m really pleased that the river at Shrewsbury has been chosen as the venue for this year’s RiverFest Final in November.
7) RIVER TRENT
Quite where the roach go in this river during the winter months is anyone’s guess. During the summer there were loads to be caught all the way from Burton down to the tidal stretches, and I’m sure they’ll be back again next summer.
The Trent has developed into the best big-barbel river in the country and over the year there have been some huge fish landed. I’ve had catches of 20-plus barbel in a day, with several double-figure fish, all on float gear!
8) RIVER WYE
This river continues to produce the goods year after year, despite the heavy angling pressure that it receives.
There are plenty of barbel and chub to go at in the summer months, while the winter months see a shift in species, with dace and roach as well as chub coming more into play.
9) RIVER YARE
I wish this Norfolk river was closer to me so I could go every week in the summer. It’s teeming with roach and bream, and the weights are always pretty consistent.
Hopefully, I’ll get over there for a few of the double-header weekends in the summer.
10) WARWICKSHIRE AVON
The Avon above and below Evesham fished well over the course of the year, but it has to be said that Evesham itself was difficult, with low weights being the order of the day most weekends.
I think the reason for this is angling pressure, as there are matches on there three or four days a week.
There aren’t enough fish in the stretch for anglers to be able to do this and put together consistently good weights.
Fishing Near Me | 13 waters to try for big pike
Want to catch a monster pike and not have to travel to Chew Valley to land it? Then you best check out our top 13 waters to try this winter and land yourself a new pb. All of the venues below contain pike over 25lb and are dotted all around the country.
1) Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead, Cumbria
This huge Lake District venue holds fish to over 45lb and regularly produces fish well into the thirties.
Contact: 015394 36541
Postcode: LA22 0QF
2) Wykeham Lakes, Scarborough, N Yorks
Predator angler Wyndon Coole netted a colossal 46lb 11oz pike from the nine-acre predator lake at this Yorkshire venue. The same fish was caught this week at 41lb (see Netbusters pages 10&11).
Contact: 07515 992981
Postcode: YO13 9QU
3) Rutland Water, Oakham, Leics
This huge water may be famous for its zander sport but it also holds some monster pike rumoured to be in excess of 40lb. You can fish from a boat for them on a day ticket, too.
Contact: 01780 686441
Postcode: LE15 8HD
4) Ten Mile Bank, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
This long, featureless water holds a good head of pike with the odd fish to over 30lb. Fishing the reedy margins with lures and wobbled baits is a good way to explore a stretch of this wide Fenland drain. Try the section at Modney Bridge.
Contact: Shipshape Tackle, 01553 764058
5) Loch Lomond, Balloch, Scotland
Arguably the best pike fishing water in Britain, Lomond has repeatedly produced monster fish of 40lb or more. Back in August Andrew Carson bagged a 40lb 5oz specimen from this historic 24-mile-long venue. Run by Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association, you can fish Lomond on a day ticket.
Contact: Ticklers Tackle,
01436 675044
Postcode: G83 8EG
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6) Grafham Water, Huntingdon, Cambs
Boat fishing on this large Anglian Water-run reservoir regularly produces pike to 25lb-plus. They catch them on the fly, lures and bait here.
Contact: 01480 810531
Postcode: PE28 0BX
7) Rudyard Lake, Leek, Staffs
Run by Stoke on Trent Angling Society but available on a day ticket, this
180-acre lake in the Peak DIstrict holds pike to 32lb-plus. Locating fish is key, but you can hire boats for fishing.
Contact: 01538 306280
Postcode: ST13 8XB
8) River Wye, Goodrich, Herefordshire
The lower River Wye is one of the best areas for a river thirty, but location is key. The Angling Dreams-run Thomas Wood stretch is a hotspot. Look for the deep pools and be prepared to fish into dusk.
Contact: Angling Dreams,
07976 908985
9) Llangorse Lake, Brecon, Powys
The premier pike water in Wales, Llangorse offers a chance of boating specimen fish in excess of 30lb.
Contact: 01874 658226
Postcode: LD3 7TR
10) Watermark Fishery, South Cerney, Glos
This day-ticket venue, part of the prolific Cotswold Water Park, has its own pike lake which regularly produces 20lb-plus fish and offers the chance of a dream 30-pounder.
Contact: 07769 173108
Postcode: GL7 5UZ
11) Hampshire Avon, Royalty Fishery, Christchurch, Dorset
This famous fishery comes alive with pike in winter, when some monsters inhabit its gravel-laden runs. The Little Weir, House Pool and Railway swims are hotspots.
Contact: Davis Tackle, 01202 485169
12) Farmoor Reservoir, Farmoor, Oxon
Lake 1 of this huge Thames Water-run reservoir holds pike to over 30lb. Last February fishery manager Ben Farley landed a 36lb 4oz fish on a lure here.
Contact: 07747 640707
Postcode: OX2 9NS
13) Bury Hill Fishery, Dorking, Surrey
You can fish from the bank or a punt on the Old Lake and this delightful water, complete with an island, holds pike to over 30lb.
Contact: 01306 877540
Postcode: RH4 3JU
Fishing near me | Top 8 haunted fishing spots in Britain
From strange shadows spotted across the lake to voices heard on the riverbank anglers have lots of stories to tell when it comes to ghostly goings on while fishing. Ever thought your local venue might be haunted? Here are eight spooky venues to fish….
Gosfield Place, Halstead, Essex
This day-ticket specimen carp pool was once an old estate from the 18th century and although little remains of the once great house, anglers have often reported a presence while fishing the lake including a sudden chilly pocket of air rising from the ground.
Contact: 01787 475043
Grand Union Canal, Blisworth, Northants
Popular with lure anglers, the small day-ticket section at the entrance to the 3000 yard Blisworth tunnel is believed to be haunted by 14 navvies who died when a part of the tunnel they were constructing collapsed in the 18th century. Boaters are said to have witnessed strange lights appearing in the tunnel and anglers have heard noises while standing outside it.
Contact: Northampton Nene AC, 07833 967186
Redmire Pool, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
The altar at which most carp anglers would love to worship this tiny farm pool shaped the history of carp fishing for decades most notably in the 1950’s when it produced British best carp for angling heroes Dick Walker and Chris Yates. Passion For Angling star Chris claims that he has experienced many strange occurrences at the historic three-acre venue, especially when fishing in the ‘Evening Pitch’ swim. “I’ve felt a very strong sense of presence with rapid changes of temperature. Apparently two people committed suicide at the pool. I’ve heard a shout next to me which echoed across the lake, even though I was the only person there, and I’ve seen figures.
www.redmirepool.biz or 01989 770703
River Trent, Branston Golf Course, Burton on Trent, Staffs
Earlier this year a matchman decided to take a photograph of his swim on this prolific stretch of the river. When he studied the image later he noticed a ghostly figure had appeared on the far bank.
Contact: Burton Mutual Angling Association
River Trent, Pelham Island, Newark-on-Trent, Notts
The ‘point’ peg on Pelham Island or Bob’s Island as its better known amongst barbel anglers is one of the best swims on this day-ticket fishery. As well as having the chance of landing some of the Trent’s biggest barbel, anglers also get a stunning view of Newark Castle which is illuminated during the night. Its high stone walls once played host to a number of sieges during the English Civil War and anglers fishing the point have often spotted strange shadows appearing on its defences during the night. Could they be the spirits of fallen soldiers?
Contact: Bob’s Island Fishery, 01636 612654
Shropshire Union Canal, Chester, Cheshire
The ghost of a Roman centurion is said to guard the entrance to Chester city at Northgate, where part of the canal was dug into the moat 2,000 years ago. Its free to fish and is popular with carp and lure anglers.
Contact: Chester Tackle Locker, 01244 345069
Shropshire Union Canal, Norbury, Shrops
This section of canal is heavily match fished throughout the year but everyone dreads getting pegged at Bridge 39 as it is said to be haunted by what locals call ‘The Man Monkey’ – A shaggy looking creature said to be the ghost of a boatman drowned in the 19th Century who has been spotted standing on the bridge.
Contact: Stoke City DAA 01782 818380
Yateley North Lake, Yateley, Berks
Its not known whether this carp fishing members only lake is haunted but a few years back a regular visitor to the pool laid claim to a chilling experience when he was woken in the middle of the night and then shoved in the back despite being alone and laying more than 2ft from the edge of the bivvy!
Contact: Yateley Angling, 01252 861955