Tactic of the Week
How to take big roach catches on flooded rivers
FLOATFISHING for river roach has to be one of the most enjoyable ways to fish. But when the river is up and coloured, many anglers prefer to cast a feeder in hope of a barbel or chub.
Rory Jones, however, believes that there is still some fantastic silver fish sport to be had, and by fishing just a few feet from the bank you can have a day to remember.
We joined Rory – recently ranked World Number One match angler in the Under-25s category – on his favourite River Wye at Hereford for a lesson in roach fishing...
THE INSIDE LINE
When floatfishing on rivers you’re generally casting a few rodlengths out, and only if you’re lucky can you catch just off the rod-tip.
But with the Wye running through a good way above its normal level, Rory was fishing just feet from the bank.
“In these conditions it’s amazing how close in you have to fish to catch the roach,” Rory said. “They like to tuck right into the bank. “Sometimes you have to run your float so close to the margins that your line gets caught up in the grass!
“Strangely, you often won’t get a bite running the float further out, so it’s crucial that you’re fishing the right parts of your swim.
“You’ll find these areas after trotting through a few times and building a mental map of the swim, and once you’ve located the fish you need to maximise the time you spend fishing these areas.”
STAYING IN TOUCH
Starting on the stick, Rory was running the float expertly through
the swim and catching chunky roach up to 10oz on tares, which he said were ‘small’ for the Wye. “These are some of the smallest roach I’ve had from here! Usually
you get plenty over the pound mark, and I couldn’t tell you how many two-pounders I’ve had!”
After a good initial run of fish the water in the peg began to twist and boil as the river level fluctuated, which pulled Rory’s 8 x No4 stick float off line.
A quick change to an Avon float allowed him to present his bait in the right area of his swim, and bites continued.
“Occasionally the boils ease off and you get a smooth run through on the stick. In these instances I can run the stick through properly and pick up a few fish,” Rory explained.
“I’ve also caught the odd better fish on the flat float held just over my feed, but using tares hasn’t been right on this method, and tares are the only bait I can avoid the bleak with.”
By alternating the three rigs throughout the day Rory put together a tidy 20lb net of quality roach, as well as the odd dace and small chub.
Next time your local river is carrying extra water don’t just chuck a feeder into the middle – bring your float kit and bag some quality redfins under your feet.