Hi All,
Think the article from Trentbarbeller is excellent. I have always found that a rising river can be outstanding, but then the rivers I fished most were the Severn, Teme, and to a lesser extent the W Avon, two of these rivers get a flush of warmish water from the West the majority of time. The W Avon, will get less water from the West (if that makes sense!)-the point being the cathment area of the river you are fishing will have a lot to do with this. The biggest difference I found was confidence, after I started catching a few fish, and understanding the importance of location, whilst rising river would be my optimum time to fish, I would be confident of catching on a rising/falling river.
However, after moving Southwards, I am still getting my head around the Loddon, and seem to be able to blank even when the river is rising! My first Loddon Barbel came on the first flood this year (Sept timish?) with the river rising. Missed the last significant rise, and now waiting for the next flood to learn some more. Having caught more fish from the river, I will fish around those areas looking for the slack areas close to where I know fish habit.
Baitwise-luncheon meat only-not sure anything else is needed-for me its location and confidence.
Cheers DT