10 IN-FORM URBAN RIVERS TO TRY
BRISTOL CITY DOCKS, BRISTOL
Great free action after dark for bream and carp. Fish a feeder or pole rig into the middle with bread, meat or pellets. Contact: Bristol Angling Centre, 01179 500201
RIVER SEVERN, BRIDGNORTH, SHROPSHIRE
The town stretches offer good chub and barbel sport, with the chance of a decent roach or two. Feeder and/or stick float tactics are your best bet.
Contact: Middle Severn Angling, 01746 769070
BRISTOL AVON, CHIPPENHAM, WILTSHIRE
Located in Chippenham town centre, running from the town bridge to the waterworks, this free stretch holds a good head of 3lb-5lb chub, decent perch and the outside chance of a big barbel.
Contact: TK Tackle, Calne, 01249 812003
RIVER MEDWAY, MAIDSTONE, KENT
Some belting roach in the Medway in Maidstone, and it’s free to fish! Caster and hemp take some beating.
Contact: Maidstone Angling Centre, 01622 200000
RIVER OUSE, YORK, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Bream are the focus for many visitors, but roach, perch and pike can also be caught. Contact: York Tackle, 01904 411210
RIVER ITCHEN, WINCHESTER, HAMPSHIRE
Big roach, barbel and chub can all be caught from this free stretch, running along Mansbridge Road, past the White Swan pub and into the Riverside park. Contact: Poingdestres, 02380 510077
RIVER WENSUM, NORWICH, NORFOLK
The free city centre stretch of the Wensum is renowned for its winter sport. If it’s carrying colour, the bream and roach will show, but watch out for the big pike! Contact: Wensum Valley Angling, 01603 929090
RIVER HULL, BEVERLEY, E YORKS
Roach bags to 30lb can be caught in the boatyard, particularly if there’s a little colour. Fish the waggler or pole to the boats. Free fishing. Contact: Hull Angling Centre, 01482 374201
RIVER GREAT OUSE, BEDFORD, BEDFORDSHIRE
The Bedford Embankment holds roach, dace, bream and perch. This slow-flowing stretch responds to a range of tactics, with the pole the best bet. Contact: Bleak Hall Sports, 01234 852530
NENE ENBANKMENT, PETERBOROUGH, CAMBS
A feeder approach in the city centre works for bream, which run to over 5lb. It fishes best when it’s carrying a little colour. Contact: Angling Direct Peterborough, 01733 551053