Trough House Beat

River level

The lowdown

• This is a varied bit of Ribble rather than one uniform channel. The upper section has streamy water running down to the brook mouth and island, while the lower end brings in the Sand Pool and the fast water before Millstone Hole.
• The upper Wood Pool section is the headline feature. It’s described as one of the biggest pools on the Ribble, so there’s plenty of water to pick apart rather than just a couple of obvious pegs.
• The run into Wood Pool is good fly water. That gives the fly angler a lovely bit of moving water to work, with the pool itself offering a totally different feel.
• The upper section is suited to bait and spinner fishing, so it isn’t just a fly-only sort of place. The lower section is more open-ended, with opportunities for all methods.
• Wood Pool Raid Deep and Sand Pool are specifically named for salmon fishing throughout the season. The water also supports trout, grayling and coarse fish, plus other migratory fish.
• The fast run before Millstone Hole should be worth a close look when the river has a bit of colour and pace. It’s the sort of feature that can look very different as levels move.
• Fishing is on the right bank. The Trough House water is linked to the Cross Gills beat, giving members a connected stretch to get their heads around.
• This is Society water, not a publicly advertised day-ticket fishery. Membership is strictly limited, with vacancies offered from time to time, so access needs sorting before turning up.
• The Society says its waters generally have ample car parks and fairly easy access, but it doesn’t publish detailed Trough House parking instructions. Members need their current car disc and membership documentation when fishing.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The upper water suits bait and spinner fishing, while the run into Wood Pool is good fly water. The lower section offers opportunities for all methods, including the Sand Pool and fast run before Millstone Hole.

Access & tickets

Hothersall Beat is available to Mid Ribble Angling Society members. Membership is limited to a maximum of 80 anglers, and a guided visit can be arranged for prospective or new members; contact the society to confirm current access and rules.

Fish the club names

trout, trout, chub

Key rules

• Members must display a current car disc when using access and parking facilities.
• Members are expected to carry membership documentation while fishing.
• Fishing is provided to Society members rather than as a publicly advertised day-ticket fishery.
• Membership is strictly limited, with vacancies offered from time to time.
• The Society works with the Environment Agency on licence checking and conservation matters.

Where it is