Sawley (Harrington Field) — Pride of Derby Angling Association

River level

The lowdown

• The access is behind the Harrington Arms, at 392 Tamworth Road, Sawley, Derbyshire, NG10 3AU. The nearby bridge is Harrington Bridge, also known as Sawley Bridge.
• There’s a bit of faff with entry. River Trent access is through locked car parks, and Harrington Field uses locked gates with the relevant gate arrangement needed.
• Once through the second gate, turn immediately left. Keep the vehicle on the river-side route rather than taking the track facing the gate.
• The club describes the Sawley/Shardlow water as varied, so don’t expect one uniform sort of swim. It’s a mixed stretch with different water to pick apart.
• The slower areas are deep and are where bream and roach are prevalent. That sounds bob on for a feeder or float approach, especially when the river has settled.
• Below Sawley Weir, the water turns shallow and fast-running. That’s the quicker, more lively water, with chub and barbel predominant.
• Barbel over 12 lb have been reported from below Sawley Weir, while the slower, deeper reaches produce bream in the 5–8 lb bracket.
• Look for the usual river clues: the crease where pace changes, steadier edges and deeper-looking water. A feeder can work in the slower stuff, while trotting or fishing tighter to cover suits the faster water.
• The club doesn’t clearly publish a peg count, a separate Harrington Field night-fishing rule or a day-ticket price. So this is one for members, rather than a turn-up-and-fish day ticket.
• Net dips are mandatory on Pride of Derby waters. Also check the club’s current notices before lighting anything, as barbecues were banned across its complex during the stated August 2026 wildfire alert.

Methods: Feeder or float tactics look the natural fit in the slower, deeper water for bream and roach. Below the weir, try working the quicker flow for chub and barbel, with trotting or a well-placed feeder depending on conditions.

Access & tickets

The River Trent is members-only, with no day tickets offered. Fishing requires a Pride of Derby membership or season ticket; the 2026/27 standard adult ticket is £100 per year, with a £20 joining fee for a new standard adult membership. A gate key is listed at £10.

Fish the club names

bream, roach, chub, barbel

Key rules

• Net dips are mandatory on Pride of Derby waters.
• Harrington Field visitors should turn immediately left after the second gate.
• Vehicles must remain on the river-side route, not the track facing the gate.
• Barbecues were banned on the complex during the stated August 2026 wildfire alert.
• Standard membership gives access to the club’s waters other than Pride Lake and Olvers Lake.

Where it is