SMALL VENUES WE RECOMMEND

RIVER RYE, BUTTERWICK, EAST YORKS

A small, fast-flowing stream with lots of features such as bends, overhanging bushes, deep pools, glides and streamy water. It holds a divergence of fish species, including chub, dace, roach, perch, grayling, gudgeon, trout, pike and even the odd barbel. Contact: Hull DAA ,07976 779983 Prices: £50 a year, Hull DAA

RIVER BLACKWATER, WICKHAM BISHOPS TO LANGFORD, ESSEX

Over a mile of untamed river with two parking areas along its length. This stretch has produced chub to 5lb along with roach, perch, dace and gudgeon, with the added incentive of the occasional barbel. Perfect for the roving angler. Prices: £30, Maldon AS winter ticket Contact: Angling Direct Chelmsford, 01245 352300

RIVER WREAKE, FRISBY LAKES FISHERY, LEICS

Chub are the main quarry on this short stretch of the Wreake but there are plenty of them, with fish to 6lb a possibility. Look for floating rafts or slacks behind vegetation, as these spots usually hide the fish. Contact: Frisby Lakes, 07414 777571 Prices: £5 a day from the fishery

BARGATE DRAIN, HORNCASTLE ROAD, LINCS

There are big bags of silver fish to be had, and anglers fishing breadpunch and hemp are catching lots of roach on the 8m and 10m lines. Contact: 01205 724162 Tickets: £5 from Westwood Lakes

Small venues don’t always mean the fish are small too!