YOUR HOTSPOTS
Reader recommended
My local water is…
The River Dee at Eccleston Ferry is 15 minutes from my home and offers some fantastic fishing for quality roach, perch and chub. I’ve fished it all my life and it’s where I served my angling apprenticeship, learning how to fish the stick float and the waggler. Lots of people are put off fishing rivers because of the extra effort you need to put into it, but when you get it right it’s so rewarding.
Favourite swim
It doesn’t have a peg number, but around the third swim along from Church Lane is a spot I like. You can wade into the river and you have lots of options depending on how the river’s looking, including the waggler, stick float and feeder. It’s a peg I’ve never blanked from!
Best moment
It would have to be when I caught a 25lb bag of small chub a few seasons ago on a cold February day. I’ve had bigger bags from elsewhere on the river, but this one was special because you don’t get many chub at Eccleston.
Go to method
You have to tailor your approach to the day, but the stick float and waggler rods are always first out of the bag. I’ll start using pretty light gear, with a 0.10mm-0.12mm hooklength and size 18 Drennan
Carbon Match or Wide Gape hook. If you’re catching really well, don’t be afraid to step up to something bigger.
Inside tip
Occasionally you’ll be catching roach steadily when suddenly your peg will go quiet. If adjusting your feed or shotting pattern doesn’t make a difference, try feeding a bait dropper of chopped worm and run a big lobby over the top – often you’ll connect with a good perch or even a pike!
In the area
This stretch is only around three miles from Chester city centre where there are loads of places for accommodation or lunch.
LOCATION: Eccleston Ferry, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 6PU CONTACT: Chester Tackle Locker, 01244 345069 PRICE: Free fishing