River Fishing in the North West / Midlands

Luke Sharpe · Post by **Luke Sharpe** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:59 am

I'm new (ish) to the NW and Wirral having moved across here last year from Yorkshire (to do missionary work)

I have taken up feeding the crabs with Suey,Rag and Mack on the Mersey and Dee, I have done the ponds and they are all great on their day but I'm a fresh water river man at heart, cutting my teeth as a lad back in the 'Old Country' on the Swale, Ure, Ouse, Nidd and Wharfe.

If any one can advise me on any suitable venues for Chub and Barbel and big Roach (2LB Plus) within a couple of hours drive, for the coming summer/Autumn campaign, or even somewhere to go to do a bit of winter river Roach fishing (30lb of Roach and Dace in a session was usually possible on the Ouse in York in winter) a bit closer to home, before the end of the season, I would be very much obliged. Or if anyone fancies a days fishing I have transport waiting to go.

martinmoreton · Post by **martinmoreton** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 11:06 am

welcome to the site luke. there are loads of top freshwater guys on here and they seem to know their stuff. not big on it myself, but if you dont mind a bit of banter, this is deffo the "plaice"

( i kill meself)

Post by **John Petersen** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 11:39 am

The Ouse in York is about a 2 hours drive away if that helps !

( Well I can do it in 2 hours from Blackpool, anyway ).

Welcome to the Forum -- you will have to get used to the level of sarcasm on here.

I believe the River Dane fishes well for barbel and smaller roach, but I have never fished it, Big Dave and Lol might tell you more.

I have fished The Ribble many times, this used to give good bags, but the Cormorants have done for the smaller fish.

You can still get good bags on stick float from Ribchester, buy a day ticket from the shop opposite the riverbank.

Chub, Grayling, barbel all possible from there.

The Ribble around the M6 junction at The Tickled Trout is similar to fishing Dee Mersey at high tide sometimes, you need a big feeder, heavy line and strong hooks. Fish with worm this side of the Close Season for BIG chub and bigger barbel. You will not get hundreds of bites, but you should get quality instead of quantity. Don't fish worm after the Close Season -- unless you like catching eels on every cast.

Day tickets available from Petrol station next to hotel.

I still fancy giving The Ribble a go before Close Season -- Stanjagman you still fancy it ? Lets get a date organised, everyone welcome to join us.

Luke Sharpe · Post by **Luke Sharpe** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:57 pm

If I did go back over to York I don't think I would get back through customs at the Saddleworth checkpoint on the way home to sunny Wirral!

Seriously though, I would like to sample the river fishing in my newly adopted area.

But I don't like the thought of being a Joderel Blanker!

Post by **John Petersen** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 4:30 pm

Unfortunately you have not moved to the most productive region for River Fishing .

I stand to be corrected.

Post by **Big Kev** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 4:55 pm

There`s some nice stretches on the Dane around Middlewich and Holmes Chapel,with good heads of chub.Fish right under Byley Bridge in winter for huge hauls of chub mainly around 2lb mark,but it`s not very scenic looking at a brick wall

Luke Sharpe · Post by **Luke Sharpe** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 9:51 am

Thanks for the info lads. I'll take a look over the weekend and maybe give it a whirl one day next week

Ken the Chef · Post by **Ken the Chef** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:53 pm

try the Ribble loads of barbel and chub