Barbel are growing in popularity, with many anglers turning away from stillwaters and carp fishing in favour of targeting the “Prince of the River.” Big barbel are now more accessible than ever, thanks to productive day-ticket stretches on rivers such as the Thames, Trent, Severn and Avon, where fish-of-a-lifetime catches can be achieved with relatively little experience.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the species, understanding which river features to target can significantly improve your chances of success.

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A BIG BARBEL ON A DAY TICKET, THESE STRETCHES ARE WELL WORTH A TRY!

Weirpools

Barbel have a higher oxygen requirement than many other coarse fish, making weir pools an ideal habitat for them, especially during low water conditions in the summer months. The fast, turbulent waters help dissolve oxygen, making it more accessible to barbel.

Additionally, the water tends to be deeper near the weir itself, and due to the way the current moves, food often collects in this area, creating a natural feeding larder for the barbel to gorge themselves. If the barbel aren't holding in the deeper water, try fishing where the water begins to smooth out slightly downstream of the weir—this is where the riverbed shallows, creating another prime spot where food drifts towards waiting barbel.

CATCHING BIG BARBEL IS DEMANDING, THE BEST BARBEL REELS HAVE THE EXTRA POWER YOU NEED.

Snags

Any overhang, snag, or raft acts as a natural magnet for all river fish, especially barbel. If you're fishing a fairly featureless stretch of river with a single large snag, chances are that’s where the barbel will be—particularly if predators are present in the water.

The shade created by these features usually prevents weed growth, keeping the area beneath them clear, which is great for presentation. To position your rig effectively, cast beyond the snag into open water, then hold the line tight while dipping your rod tip below the surface. This technique helps the rig swing back further underneath the snag, where barbel are likely to be waiting.

However, always use strong tackle, and if you’re not confident you can safely land a hooked barbel, it's best to avoid fishing there.

THE BEST BARBEL RODS HAVE THE STRENGTH REQUIRED TO GET BIG BARBEL OUT OF SNAGS.

Deeper water

Barbel are happy to sit in shallow water, but they are often quite wary and difficult to catch in these areas. If your river features a deeper drop-off after a long, shallow glide, this can be a prime spot to target. The change in water velocity causes any suspended food to sink to the bottom, creating a natural feeding area. Additionally, the extra depth can give barbel more confidence to feed.

A SET OF THE BEST FISHING WADERS CAN HELP YOU GET OUT TO WHERE THE BARBEL ARE SITTING.

Creases

If the river is in flood, you need to adapt to the conditions just as the barbel do and choose different areas to fish. One key area to target is the crease, where faster water meets slower water. This creates a distinctive swirling pattern on the surface as the currents mix. Creases are superb fishing spots because they allow barbel to move into the current to feed and then drop back into the slower water to rest.

Another great area is the crease between two river sections meeting, this confluence of water is like a motorway for food and there are many famous hotspots on rivers up and down the country refers to as 'waters meet' swims. Trotting a float down this section can be a great way of catching barbel.

CATCHING BARBEL ON THE FLOAT ISN'T DIFFICULT, FOLLOW THE TIPS IN THIS ARTICLE AND LAND ONE SOON!

Weedbeds

Many shallower rivers where barbel are found often have abundant weed growth. This long, streamer-style weed provides the perfect sanctuary, allowing barbel to move in and out of the cover almost undetected, feeding and living comfortably.

In these conditions, rolling a bait between the weed beds is an excellent way to locate and catch barbel. Even if the barbel aren't particularly interested in feeding, they’ll find it hard to resist a well-presented piece of rolled luncheon meat!

BARBEL FISHING CAN BE A WAITING GAME, SIT COMFORTABLY ON ONE OF THE BEST FISHING CHAIRS.

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Most anglers have a tale about “the one that got away”, and unfortunately for Aaron Marguet, his story unfolded on a recent session while he was targeting roach.

“With cooler conditions and low pressure rolling in, I felt it was prime time for roach so I arranged a session to fish for them.

“My tactic was to fish a banded pellet mid-water beneath a float and, on my first cast, I hooked and landed a huge roach.

“While resting it in my shallow pan net as I set the camera up, it jumped out and escaped! It’s never happened to me before, so next time I’ll make sure to put an unhooking mat over the top of the net.

“I did get another chance and landed this roach of 2lb 12oz, although it was slightly smaller than the first, especially width-wise, and it made me wonder what could have been!

“But the fish was in great nick, and I’ll be back in the autumn for another go.”

You don’t need syndicate keys or insider favours to catch barbel. Across the UK, day-ticket stretches offer some of the most exciting, accessible barbel fishing you’ll find anywhere. The trick is knowing where to look, when to go, and what to expect when the rod hoops over.

In this article we’ve selected some great stretches where you can put a big bend in your rod for the price of a day ticket...

Royalty Fishery, Hampshire Avon, Dorset

A historic and well-run day-ticket fishery that’s been providing visitors with memorable barbel catches for decades. There are no end of features to target, and plenty of double-figure fish present. When the water levels are quite low, the deeper runs are the most productive. Try smaller baits and strong, small hooks. Tickets can be bought online or at nearby Christchurch Angling Centre.

Web: www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Wyastone Leys, River Wye

A picturesque fishery spanning the England/Wales border, meaning you can catch barbel from two countries in one day! The upper section is wooded, and fishes best with extra water on. The bottom half is slower, but comes into its own when the rest of the river is in flood. Not cheap, but there are few more beautiful places to fish anywhere in the country.

Contact: 01989 218080 Web: www.anglingdreams.co.uk

River Thames, Oxford, Oxfordshire

The Upper Thames isn’t renowned for barbel, but Reading DAA’s Northmoor section is an exception to the rule. Covering just shy of two miles, your best chance is to work with pellets or boilies alongside a straight lead. Tickets can be bought online

Contact: www.rdaa.co.uk/river-thames

River Nene, Alwalton, Cambs

As well as a feature-packed wild and streamy backwater section that’s produced barbel to over 16lb, there’s also a long stretch of main river to go at below the big weir, which holds good fish all year round. Lots of chub present too. No night fishing allowed, but make sure you stay until dusk, as the last hour is often the best time for a bite!

Contact: www.fishinginpeterborough.co.uk/alwalton/

_THE BEST BARBEL REELS WILL TAME ANY HARD FIGHTING RIVER SPECIES._

River Trent, Fiskerton, Notts

Feeder fishing with pellets and hemp in a blockend feeder is a good tactic to try here, with lots of fish in the 4lb-8lb class to be found throughout. From peg 21 downstream is a Notts Piscatorials water, with day tickets available in advance from its website.

Contact: www.nottinghampiscatorialsociety.co.uk

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FISHING THE RIVER TRENT? CHECK OUT OUT HELPFUL GUIDE.

River Severn, Bewdley, Worcs

Two sections to choose between – from Dowles Brook down to the town (pegs 52-72), and from the town down to Ribbesford (73-120). Lots of variety, from pacey shallows (great in low-water conditions), to deeper areas that produce all year-round. Meat hookbaits work well in coloured water, with the maggot feeder coming into its own when the river is clear.

Contact: www.kdaafishing.co.uk

FIND MORE BRILLIANT BARBEL FISHING RIVERS IN THIS WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.

River Rother, Catcliffe

Fishing the River Rother in Catcliffe, South Yorkshire, is a hidden gem for river anglers. It holds a surprisingly strong population of barbel, with specimens frequently reaching double figures.

Contact: www.ashfieldangling.com/dayticketsrother or ashfieldanglingclub.clubmate.co.uk

River Wharfe, West Yorkshire

Excellent shallow water fishing for barbel on the float at this Ilkley AC-run stretch. Try banded pellets under a stick or Loafer float, feeding over the top by hand.

Contact: www.ilkleyanglingassociation.co.uk

River Thames, Sunbury, Surrey

Thames barbel can be very nomadic creatures, but when you get one they tend to be pretty big! They can turn up anywhere along this stretch, but try around Rivermead Island and the old Bathing Station at Sunbury for the chance of a memorable catch.

Contact: 01784 243185 (Thames Angling)

Throop Fishery, Dorset Stour

Throop is a great place to target barbel, particularly on Beats 2 and 3. Fishing link-leger rigs and catapulting pellets between the weed scores well in the early season, with rolling meat always a great back-up provided the weed isn't too thick.

Contact: www.ringwoodfishing.co.uk

THE BEST SPECIMEN RODS ARE PERFECT FOR FISHING THE RIVER.

River Swale, Fawdington, N Yorks

A wild stretch that has produced some big fish in recent seasons, and is always capable of springing a few surprises, especially when the water is running slightly up and coloured. It’s run by Helperby and Brafferton AC, and day permits are available online.

Contact: www.helperbyandbraffertonac.co.uk

Bristol Avon, Lacock, Wiltshire

An idyllic stretch, with Laycock Abbey as a backdrop, where the barbel have been making a bit of a comeback in recent seasons. It’s controlled by Amalgamated Fisheries, and the fishing rights extend from Lacock Bridge upstream on the left-hand bank for three fields. Parking in the public car park. The fishing is by no means easy, but it is a great stretch for keeping on the move.

Contact: www.amalgamatedfisheriesltd.co.uk

GET STARTED IN BARBEL FISHING WITH THIS INSIGHTFUL THIS GUIDE.

River Kennet, Sulhamstead, Berkshire

This 1,500m stretch, run by CALPAC, offers quiet fishing and the chance of a bumper mixed net, with the odd big barbel thrown in. It also gives access to 700 yards of canal, which can fish well when the main river is in flood.

Web: www.calpacangling.com

River Trent, Winthorpe, Notts

Although the crowds flock to Collingham Weir, huge barbel are possible from many other Trent stretches, including Winthorpe, a non-tidal stretch not far from Newark. Fish to over 20lb have been reported in the past…. although no photos have ever surfaced! Park in the layby by the railway crossing and head downstream. Run by Worksop DAA.

Contact: www.worksopanddistrictangling.co.uk

River Lea, Kings Weir, Herts

The weir pool itself is regarded as a barbel hotspot, with some big doubles in residence including the British Record along with multiple other fish over 20lbs! The area downstream also has good form for big fish, especially when there’s extra water on.

Contact: www.kingsweir.co.uk

CATCH YOUR FIRST BARBEL ON THE FLOAT BY FOLLOWING THE ADVICE IN THIS ARTICLE.

River Aire, Bingley, W Yorks

The Myrtle Park section holds good numbers of fish to over 10lb and has been restocked with more barbel by the Environment Agency of late. Fairly shallow runs and deep pools provide plenty of fish-holding features to target. The barbel in the Aire are getting bigger so its well worth a look.

Contact: www.bingleyanglingclub.co.uk

River Ribble, Ribchester, Lancs

The 400 yard-long section run by Ribchester DAC, known as the Tush Pool and Village Front stretch, is fishable on a day ticket and well worth a go. Buy a club book and you can also fish the remainder of the 2km-long stretch. Ample parking nearby.

Contact: www.radac.org.uk

MAKE SURE YOU'RE USING THE BEST MAINLINES, SO YOU CAN LAND BARBEL OUT OF EVEN THE SNAGGIEST SWIMS.

One of the nation’s best-known match fisheries has called time on all open competitions and is remodelling its business to accommodate the recent surge in popularity of family fishing.

Partridge Lakes has a rich pedigree in competitive fishing, and many of the best commercial fishery anglers inthe country, including Andy Bennett, cut their teeth at the Cheshire venue.

Despite it having been the ideal breeding ground for elite-level talent down the years, last week fishery bosses announced they were set to change focus after witnessing a steady decline in open match attendances.

“Numbers are down, and last year we made a good go of it, having a big restock and employing two more groundsmen,” owner Barbara Ikin told Angling Times.

“But numbers continued to drop and, with so much work behind the scenes required, from pegging to weighing in, we were losing money by putting the matches on.

So, with our head bailiff, Nel, set to leave after 16 years at the fishery, we felt this was the right time to go out on a high.”

Club matches will still take place, and those who take part in Partridge’s OAP opens will still be catered for.

“Keeping the over-60s on board is important to us – we know how much ‘sense of community’ their match scene provides,” Barbara added.

“The regulars have got together and made a club, so they will still fish together.”

But for Barbara, the primary focus at the fishery will now be on day-ticket anglers, in particular families.

“We’ve seen a massive spike in the number of mums coming down with their kids and spending the day together on the bank,” she revealed.

“We plan to bring in beginner sessions, summer angling schools and on-site coaching.

“There have been rumours that we’ll be turning our waters into wild swimming lakes, as other fisheries have done, but we have no plans for that.

We’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved, but now it’s time for a new chapter,” she added.

Bread, maggots and cheesepaste are three time- honoured baits that come to mind when chub are top of the agenda – but there are other options that can be even more effective at times.

Turn to meat when searching for the species and you’ll be amazed at just how many bites it can tempt, especially during the warmest months of the year.

Just as deadly as a hookbait as it is as a loosefeed, a couple of tins will be ample to keep you going for a whole day on the bank.

Give it a kick

Luncheon meat straight out of the tin will work well, but giving it a spicy flavouring can make it even more effective. Adding chilli powder and flakes to both your loosefeed and hookbait will give them a really pungent boost, releasing flavour into the water that the fish will home in on. Like many species, chub are partial to a bit of spice!

WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF THE BEST MEAT BAITS FOR FISHING...

Prepare your bait

Take two tins of meat with you and use a potato masher or a similar device to crush one of them down to a fine mush that can be crammed into a feeder or fed as small nuggets at short range. Use a knife to cut the other tin of meat into different sized cubes. This will give you different hookbait options and keep the fish on their toes.

Securing the meat

One of the problems many anglers have with meat is keeping this soft offering on the hook, but a simple little device will solve the problem. Attach a Korum Meat Screw to your hair rigand impale your cube on it. Its shape and design will hold it in place, giving you confidence that the hookbait remains in place while you wait for a bite.

Alternatively, push your hook through the meat and place a bit of reed or a hair stop between the bend of the hook and the meat, then pull the hook back into the bait to secure it.

Prime those spots

Chub are easily spooked, especially during summer when the water is clear. Bait up four or five spots with a handful of mush and meat cubes, making sure each area has cover that the fish could be hidden under. Leave each area for a short while, allowing the fish to build up confidence to come out and start grubbing around. If there aren't many swims available on your chosen stretch, it can pay to start feeding while you are setting up as it also gives the chub time to find the bait.

THE BEST SPECIMEN RODS ARE PERFECT FOR CATCHING BIG CHUB.

When targeting big fish, while you can head to waters that have a history of producing specimens, it can sometimes pay to turn to waters that are far less fished. Not only does this add a sense of mystery, but the reduced pressure can cause some venues to produce real giants, which has been exactly the case for Kaylan Harris this season, who has landed an incredible number of huge tench.

“On a four-day trip to a local nature reserve, I found three small clear spots in the weed five rodlengths out and presented boilie hookbaits over them on blowback and chod rigs.

“At 3.30am I was woken by a run from what I thought was a big carp, but to my shock it turned out to be yet another big tench, following a fish of 11lb 6oz that I caught from the venue in April.

“I realised it was another PB and, at 12lb 4oz, it was certainly that. In the same session I had three other tench of 10lb exactly, 9lb 5oz and 9lb 1oz.

“I didn’t land any of my target carp, but I feel that a record tench could be in this lake.”

HEAD TO ONE OF THESE VENUES IF YOU WANT TO CATCH SOME BIG TENCH!