TRY THESE RIVERS FOR A LATE BARBEL
FIVE FISHERIES TO VISIT BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS...
RUNNING-water barbel are at their heaviest right now – try one of these rivers for the chance of a monster…
RIVER AVON, ROYALTY FISHERY, CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET
This, perhaps the best stocked barbel section of the Avon, isn’t easy fishing, but barbel well into double figures are present. They can be wised up to boilies and pellets, so try rolling meat or feederfished maggots for bites on tricky days. Contact: Davis Tackle, 01202 485169 Price: £12.50 per day in advance
RIVER STOUR, THROOP FISHERY, DORSET
Throop was once a mecca for barbel anglers. Today sport isn’t so prolific, but as on many southern rivers the rewards are still to be had. Beat 2 holds fish that are hard to track down, but any capture is likely to be a double. This is true throughout the upper stretches of beat 3 too. The river turns tidal at Iford weir, where there are better numbers of smaller barbel. Fish at the top of the tide for best results. Contact: Ringwood Tackle, 01425 475155 Price: £10 in advance from shop
RIVER THAMES, OXFORD
This river poses a challenge, but he rewards are certainly there as the Thames is home to numerous big barbel, including a rumoured record-breaking 21lb 10oz fish taken last year. Regulars are inclined to believe this, as they know the Thames is full of surprises. Anglers here are secretive, and spots won’t be given away easily. Best advice is to contact local tackle shops. Weir pools are popular areas, and prebaiting is certainly a tactic that pays off for barbel. In coloured water a big smelly bait will score better than others.
RIVER LODDON, READING
As on many southern rivers the fishing here isn’t the easiest, but the rewards are worth the effort with specimen barbel on the cards. A vast majority of the Loddon is club-owned, however there are a few free stretches available, notably a short section at the George pub which does produce