Upper River Weaver — Hunting Bridge

River level

The lowdown

• This is traditional Cheshire river fishing through open farmland, with the water winding along in a fairly natural-looking setting.
• There are no marked pegs, so it’s a case of walking the stretch and looking for a swim that’s doing a bit. Much better suited to a mobile angler than a static session.
• The river is narrow in several places, giving you a useful mix of flow rates. Expect shallow stony runs alongside deeper sections.
• The clear flow shows streamer weed in the shallows. That can be handy for spotting features, though summer bankside vegetation may make getting about a bit awkward.
• Overhanging trees and fallen branches are the obvious fish-holding cover. Fish tight to it where you can, but mind the high banks and steep drops in places.
• Float trotting is one of the suggested approaches, especially where the flow runs cleanly through the shallower water. A tip rod gives you another bob-on option.
• It’s a spate river, so heavy rain can push the level up several feet. Keep an eye on conditions and expect the character of the swims to change quickly.
• The named fish include chub, dace, roach, perch, bream, brown trout and barbel. The association reports chub over 4 lb and bream around 5–6 lb.
• The season runs from June 16 to March 14. Summer vegetation can be a faff, while changing river levels give the stretch plenty of variation as the season moves on.

Methods: Keep mobile and work the likely cover rather than settling in for a long static session. Float trotting and a tip rod are the suggested methods, with the clear flow, shallow runs and deeper holes all worth checking.

Access & tickets

Permits are issued by Winsford & District Angling Association. The 2026/27 permits run from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027; a separate night-fishing sticker does not apply here because this stretch is no-night-fishing.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, perch, bream, trout, barbel

Key rules

• Open season is June 16 to March 14; the River Weaver close season is March 15 to June 15 inclusive.
• A WDAA permit is required; day tickets are not available.
• Carry your permit while fishing, and also hold a current Environment Agency rod licence.
• All fish must be returned to the water from which they were caught.
• Three rods may be used on the River Weaver under the general rules.
• Barbless or micro-barbed hooks are permitted; treble hooks should be barbless.
• Anyone targeting carp, pike or barbel must carry suitable unhooking equipment.
• Close all gates after access, and park without blocking farmers’ field access.

Where it is