10 VENUES FOR A NET OF ROACH
RIVER HULL, BEVERLEY, EAST YORKSHIRE
The stretch of the River Hull known as the ‘shipyard’ has been in great form, with quality roach showing to a range of tactics. One of the most enjoyable ways to catch is with a stick float, fishing maggot or caster over groundbait and loosefeed. Keep tackle light. Contact: Hull Angling Centre, 01482 374201
Postcode: HU17 0HQ
ROSEMARY WOOD FISHERY, ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE
Best known for its carp, there is also some fantastic roach fishing on offer at Rosemary Wood. Large nets and sizeable fish are on offer. The waggler and pole will both produce, simply fishing maggots over a bit of groundbait. Try and bring the fish as close to you as possible.
Contact: 07957 434325
Postcode: L39 7JD
STAINFORTH AND KEADBY CANAL, THORNE, S YORKS
Large shoals of silverfish move into this deep canal during the cooler months and they can be caught in numbers. Keep it simple with bread, casters and hemp, fishing lines short and across the far side towards any features. Day tickets on the bank. Contact: Stainforth Angling Centre, 01302 846623
Postcode: DN9 5QP
OLD RIVER NENE, MARCH, CAMBS
This prolific stretch of river offers sensational roach fishing. Feed liquidised bread with a few pinkies mixed in and fish punch and pinkie over the top. Hemp is also worth a go if you have a far-bank feature such as a boat.
Contact: Mill View Fishing Tackle, 01354 660566
Postcode: PE15 9LT
PURPLE BADGER FISHING LAKES, BEEBY, LEICS
The Coarse Lake is home to great shoals of roach. On this deep water, pole tactics are the most practical, but if you can get the fish feeding off bottom the waggler can score. Fish maggot with regular loosefeed. Contact: 0116 259 5648 Postcode: LE7 3BH
RIVER TRENT, STOKE BARDOLPH, NOTTS
Hosting this year’s RiverFest final, the Trent at Stoke Bardolph is a fantastic river. Alongside bream, barbel, big perch and dace, there is also some outstanding roach fishing, with 20lb bags possible on the right day. Day tickets on the bank. Contact: Matchman Supplies, NG2 5GW
Postcode: NG14 5HX
COVENTRY CANAL, COVENTRY, WARWICKSHIRE
The Tusses Lure Divison has been throwing up some quality roach in good numbers. Bread, hemp, caster, maggot and groundbait are all worth trying. The pole is a popular approach, but a light waggler is well worth trying. Day tickets online. Contact: 07450 974366
Website: www.tussesangling.co.uk
RIVER STOUR, FIDDLEFORD, DORSET
Best known for its specimen fish, the Dorset Stour has been in great form for roach anglers, throwing up large nets of quality fish. Sturminster and Hinton AC’s waters are well worth a go. Day tickets are £5 from local outlets, see website for details. Contact: Simon McCreary, 07493 260462
Website: www.s-haa.co.uk
ROYAL BERKSHIRE FISHERY, WINDSOR, BERKSHIRE
There are quality roach across the three lakes, but Lake 1, the specimen lake, is well worth trying. Fish the pole or waggler around 11m out, feeding groundbait and fishing hemp and maggot over the top.
Contact: 07976 967976 Postcode: SL4 4TE
WEY NAVIGATION, ADDLESTONE, SURREY
A challenging yet rewarding day is on offer here, where a good net of stamp roach can be had. Everything from bloodworm and joker to casters are worth trying. Weybridge Angling Club controls the fishing and offers affordable membership. Website: www.weybridgeac. webs.com
Prices: £22 adult membership, £5 joining fee