Where to catch big river perch, plus great stillwaters to head for now
FOUR RIVERS AND A CANAL ARE ALL ON TOP FORM NOW
COVENTRY CANAL, WEST MIDLANDS
Tusses AC owns the fishing rights to over 14 miles of this canal, which is stuffed full of perch. A nomadic approach with a light lure set-up is definitely the leading method, and one that suits the club’s ethos, shown in the exclusive Tusses Lure Division. With the club constantly striving to secure new waters, the already cheap ticket is worth its weight in gold! Contact: 07450974366 Price: Tusses AC, £5 per day, £25 per year
RIVER DERWENT, DERBY, DERBYSHIRE
This river is renowned among those ‘in the know’ for producing monster perch, which have topped the 5lb mark in recent seasons. The section known as ‘the deeps’ is worth a go, although they run throughout the whole system. Earl of Harrington’s AC runs the fishing here, owning the rights to overeight miles of the river. Mick Cobb, at Fishermania, is the man to speak to, where day tickets can also be purchased. Contact: Fishermania, 01332 752500 Price: £5 on the bank
RIVER GLEN, SURFLEET, LINCS
Perch to over 3lb inhabit the free stretch on this deep section of river. The depth dictates that heavy groundbait is needed to reach bottom – try lacing it with dead maggots, chopped worm and casters. This match style approach is best, and you need not fish far out here either... 8m-9m is a good line, with a worm hookbait just off bottom getting the best response. Contact: Glenside Discount Tackle, 01775 680401 Price: Free fishing The town centre stretches throughout Ely offer fantastic free fishing, with a range of predatory species into specimen weights. It has produced perch to over the 4lb mark this season, try areas around the sewage outfall, or the marina bridge, fishing alongside moored boats can also be good. This stretch also holds pike into the 20lb bracket, and zander into double figures. Postcode: CB7 4BB Price: Free fishing
RIVER GREAT OUSE, SHARNBROOK, BEDS
A very long and varied stretch of river, famed for producing monster perch, which have thrived by gorging on the invasive signal crayfish. Fish to over 3lb are certainly realistic, with 4lb-plus specimens a distinct possibility. The venue produced them to 4lb 4oz in 2015. A roving approach may be best, searching out any likely-looking spots. You can’t go far wrong with lobworms for these perch. Contact: Countrysports, 01234 272082 Price: Vauxhall AC, adult £25 until end of season
RIVER IVEL, BIGGLESWADE, BEDS
This small, streamy section of river
is full of monster fish, and the perch are no exception, having been caught to over 4lb in the past. A roving approach proves best, with the deeper holes opposite the houses noted hotspots where the bigger fish along this stretch tend to congregate. Areas upstream of the weir are also worth a go. The Ivel Protection Association owns the fishing rights, and access is gained by affiliating with a member club. There’s a small free stretch in the town. Contact: Manor Farm Fishing, 01767 317835 Price: Varies depending on club: www.ipafishing.co.uk