Our huge Where to Fish section will put you on the fish this weekend.

Stunning bags from Torksey stretch

THERE are few rivers to match the mighty Trent when it comes to action-packed fishing – and this season is no exception.

One of the most in-form sections of this popular Midlands waterway is the relatively short day-ticket stretch at Torksey, in Lincolnshire.

This little-known fishery, situated between Lincoln and Retford, Notts, has been producing some stunning bags of fish since mid-June.

The beauty of this stretch is that having cast out, you never know what will make your tip fly round next. The venue is alive with pretty much every river species that swims.

However, it is the barbel populations that really thrive here, and this fishery will provide even inexperienced whisker anglers with the opportunity to lock horns with a new personal best. It’s far from a one-bite-a-session kind of venue, as there are plenty of smaller fish to keep you busy during your visit and ensure you have a good day’s sport.

Alongside the barbel there are huge shoals of bream and hybrids. These can offer an action-packed day in themselves, and anglers often go home after netting 50lb bags.

One angler who regularly fishes for them here is Bag ‘em Baitsbacked matchman Paul Hardy.

“This is a great summer venue, where you can target either bags of silvers or big specimen fish like carp and barbel – and the price of the day ticket makes it great value for money,” he said.

“Being tidal, the river rises and falls here during the day and flows quite powerfully, so Torksey has become a known

feeder fishing water. You can catch on the float if you choose a peg with some slacker water, but even the skimmers and hybrids, which average around 1lb, are caught on the tip, so leaving your pole at home is not a bad idea.

“The good news is, you don’t need to cast out far here. Being located on the bend of the river, the deepest part (around 15ft) can be found just a few rodlengths out from the bank,

making fishing easy. Sport can be quite hectic when the fish really go on the feed and there are big pike and carp for those who prefer them to barbel,” said Paul. PRICES: £4.50 a day on the bank plus a £1 parking fee CONTACT: Local tackle dealer The Tackle Shop, 01427 613002 LOCATION: River Trent, Torksey Lock, off Newark Road, Torksey, Lincolnshire, LN1 2EJ RULES: No fires, no litter, no livebaiting

Local angler Keith Butcher with a nice double-figure barbel from the stretch.

Worm and caster is a top feed choice.

Use heavy feeders to combat the powerful flows.