Stuck in a rut?

[Paul Bullinger]

Due to geography my barbel fishing is limited. I have always done quite well on the R. Wye so have, for the past 20 years or so, taken the 5 hour drive to get there. I usually stay for a week.
However, I feel I need a change of scenery. Distance is not an issue, so can anyone suggest a river/location that would satisfy my quest to fish for these wonderful creatures.
Although not a major consideration, I do like the countryside element as I'm also a bit of a "birder". Always have my binoculars with me!
Hoping you're able to suggest likely areas.

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Due to geography my barbel fishing is limited. I have always done quite well on the R. Wye so have, for the past 20 years or so, taken the 5 hour drive to get there. I usually stay for a week.
However, I feel I need a change of scenery. Distance is not an issue, so can anyone suggest a river/location that would satisfy my quest to fish for these wonderful creatures.
Although not a major consideration, I do like the countryside element as I'm also a bit of a "birder". Always have my binoculars with me!
Hoping you're able to suggest likely areas.

Personally Paul I don't think you can beat the middle Severn. I love it there. Yes it can be busy but there's plenty of water besides the popular BAA stretches. The scenery and wildlife are fantastic. Not the best for big fish but doubles are there.

 

[Paul Bullinger]

Personally Paul I don't think you can beat the middle Severn. I love it there. Yes it can be busy but there's plenty of water besides the popular BAA stretches. The scenery and wildlife are fantastic. Not the best for big fish but doubles are there.

Thanks Andrew. Please forgive my ignorance, but when you say "middle Severn" what large towns are nearby? Just so I can get my bearings! Thanks

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Paul. Generally people describe the middle Severn as between Bridgnorth and Bewdley but technically it describes the entire river from Shrewsbury to Worcester though where the lower Severn begins depends who you talk to! From Stourport down the river is generally slower and deeper. Most of my fishing gas been between Bridgnorth and Bewdley but I have started fishing above Bridgnorth now. It is beautiful up there.

 

[Paul Bullinger]

Paul. Generally people describe the middle Severn as between Bridgnorth and Bewdley but technically it describes the entire river from Shrewsbury to Worcester though where the lower Severn begins depends who you talk to! From Stourport down the river is generally slower and deeper. Most of my fishing gas been between Bridgnorth and Bewdley but I have started fishing above Bridgnorth now. It is beautiful up there.

Thanks Andrew. Very helpful. Now to do some research!

 

[Andrew Jackson]

Act

Paul. Generally people describe the middle Severn as between Bridgnorth and Bewdley but technically it describes the entire river from Shrewsbury to Worcester though where the lower Severn begins depends who you talk to! From Stourport down the river is generally slower and deeper. Most of my fishing gas been between Bridgnorth and Bewdley but I have started fishing above Bridgnorth now.

Thanks Andrew. Very helpful. Now to do some research!

Good luck! Enjoy yourself!

 

[Simon Archer]

Probably a bit obvious, Paul. What about the Trent around Newark. A Scunthorpe book gives you Ladypit and lots of the tidal Trent, and the Newark Piscatorials have a lot of sections around Newark. Limited night fishing though, if that's your thing. Fiskerton is day ticket from the post office.

 

[Terry Simner]

Thanks Andrew. Very helpful. Now to do some research!

For mini-maps of Middle Severn, the BAA "Where to fish" page is a good place to start your research.

Severn

The River Severn rises in the mountains of Wales and flows through the English Midlands. BAA has several fisheries along this river both in Wales and in England.

www.baa.uk.com

The usually busy stretches are always less busy in late autumn/winter/early spring ...and that's when the barbel are at their biggest.

 

[Andrew Jackson]

For mini-maps of Middle Severn, the BAA "Where to fish" page is a good place to start your research.

Severn

The River Severn rises in the mountains of Wales and flows through the English Midlands. BAA has several fisheries along this river both in Wales and in England.

www.baa.uk.com

The usually busy stretches are always less busy in late autumn/winter/early spring ...and that's when the barbel are at their biggest.

Oh to live nearer. It's a gamble driving nearly 200 miles after October but I take your point Terry!

 

[Cliff Turner]

Probably a bit obvious, Paul. What about the Trent around Newark. A Scunthorpe book gives you Ladypit and lots of the tidal Trent, and the Newark Piscatorials have a lot of sections around Newark. Limited night fishing though, if that's your thing. Fiskerton is day ticket from the post office.

The Trent is more productive but the Severn is in much prettier countryside... both good options.