River Weaver — Northwich Anglers Association nine-mile water

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper long run of River Weaver water, with the association controlling approximately nine miles around the Northwich area.
• The river is canalised and navigable, so expect a managed-looking water rather than a wild, wandering river. The checked details don’t pin down particular bends, depths or named swims.
• It has a match-fishing past and regular matches, which tells you there’s plenty of established angling water to explore.
• Specimen carp and pike are specifically mentioned, while the association also names roach, dace, perch, rudd, bronze and silver bream, hybrids, crucians, gudgeon, ruffe, tench, barbel, chub and eels.
• Fishing swims are first come, first served. Get yourself sorted early if you’ve got your eye on a particular peg.
• Private parking is available on several stretches, with Hartford Blue Bridge car park noted as the biggest private car park. Public car parks are also available along the river.
• At Blue Bridge, park only on the permitted side behind the fence. Vale Royal Drive is a no-go for parking, and Hulse’s Island is restricted apart from limited bona-fide match occasions.
• Day-ticket hours are 06:00–21:00. Tickets are available from 16 June to 14 March, with the close season running from 14 March at 23:59 to 15 June at 23:59.
• It’s a tidy option for a short session or a proper wander along the water, but keep the rules close: two rods maximum, no boats or bait boats, and all fish go back.
• For carp, pike or other specimen fish, you’ll need a landing net and suitable unhooking mat. Carp and specimen fish must not go in keepnets.

Methods: The venue is described as offering specimen carp and pike fishing, alongside regular match angling. The checked details don’t specify particular rigs or tactics, so choose your approach around the swim and target fish.

Access & tickets

Day tickets must be bought in store at Vale Royal Angling Centre. They can be bought in advance, but are valid only for the date written on the ticket. Day tickets cost £6.00.

Fish the club names

roach, tench, bream, pike, perch, barbel, carp, chub, rudd, crucian, eel

Named by Northwich Anglers Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A maximum of two rods may be used at one time.
• All anglers must carry a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
• All fish, including pike and eels, must be returned after capture.
• Carp and specimen fish may not be kept in keepnets.
• Landing nets and suitable unhooking mats are required when targeting carp, pike or other specimen fish.
• Bait boats and other boats are not permitted.
• Fishing swims are first come, first served.
• Litter, alcohol and drugs are prohibited under the association’s zero-tolerance policy.

Where it is