River Trent — Swarkestone to below Shardlow

The lowdown

• The main DRAC Trent holding runs for more than 10 miles, with this named section stretching from Swarkestone to below Shardlow.
• On the south bank, access starts upstream of Swarkestone Bridge and runs to roughly half a mile above the Derwent confluence.
• The north-bank access begins about 1.5 miles below Swarkestone and also continues to around half a mile above the Derwent.
• There’s a small excluded section near the Priest House Hotel, so don’t assume every yard between the landmarks is fishable.
• This is coarse-fishing water, with the sort of open rural floodplain and navigable Trent feel you’d expect around Swarkestone and Shardlow.
• It’s a sizeable holding rather than a tidy little run of numbered pegs. The club lists no peg count, so expect to explore and pick a swim.
• The access setup is club-based. There’s no general public day-ticket price listed for this stretch, so a membership is the route in.
• Associate Coarse membership covers the coarse waters, while Associate Trout & Coarse membership covers both game and coarse fishing across club waters.
• The holding includes additional DRAC Trent water at Ingleby and Barrow upon Trent, though those are separate named areas.
• Night fishing needs a specific night permit. Memberships run annually from 16 June, and the official club boundaries are the ones to check before setting up.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The facts only confirm coarse-fishing water, so choose your approach around the river on the day — feeder work, float fishing and finding a steady crease are the obvious bank options. With such an extensive holding, locating a comfortable flow and fishable swim is the main faff.

Access & tickets

This is Derby Railway Angling Club water and the club does not advertise day tickets for the stretch. Join as an Associate Coarse member for coarse fishing, or take Associate Trout & Coarse membership for all club waters and both game and coarse fishing; memberships run annually from 16 June.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Fishing is by Derby Railway Angling Club membership, not a general public day ticket.
• The small section near the Priest House Hotel is excluded.
• Night fishing requires a night permit.
• Memberships run annually from 16 June.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is additionally required by law.
• Use the club’s official boundaries and access description for the exact fishing limits.

River level

Where it is