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Castle Donington — Washlands (south bank, upstream section)

A proper varied bit of lowland Trent, with steady opening fields, deeper willow cover, a fast gravel bend and bridge swims that can really turn up fish. It’s DRAC water on the south bank at Castle Donington, running down from West Meadow towards the A50 and Shardlow.

Run by Derby Railway Angling Club (DRAC) · checked 13 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Shardlow gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • The first fields are fairly steady, so there’s no need to charge about looking for drama straight away. It’s a nice place to settle in and read the river.
  • Opposite the willows, the Trent narrows and deepens. That’s the sort of feature worth giving a proper look, especially with chub and barbel named for this area.
  • A fast, wide gravel bend follows. Expect more push in the water here, with the gravel and crease giving you something to work around.
  • Below that, roughly 400 yards are fast and shallow towards the A50. It’s a lively bit of river and likely calls for a mobile approach rather than sitting on one line all day.
  • About 400 yards above the A50 Bridge, the river narrows and deepens again. Another cracking change of pace, and a clear spot to check when the shallows aren’t producing.
  • There are productive pegs either side of the A50 Bridge. Around the bridge, DRAC names roach and dace as summer catches, so trotting or a light feeder is bob on.
  • The peg almost under the bridge is noted for perch. A cheeky worm or small perch offering is worth considering there, within the club rules.
  • The willow area is also described as suitable for chub and barbel. A feeder or well-presented bait in the crease makes sense where the flow folds around cover.
  • Access is from West Meadow car park, or along the bank from the A50 Bridge. The published description covers the Wash Lands section, but no peg count is given.

Methods: Trotting should suit the steadier and bridge sections, while feeder work can pick out chub and barbel around the deeper willow water and creases. Keep moving through the fast shallows and gravel bend.

Access & tickets

2026/27 Associate Coarse membership

Coarse fishing on DRAC waters, subject to listed exclusions.

£70 (as listed 13 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026/27 concessionary Associate Coarse membership

Concessionary coarse membership.

£55 (as listed 13 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026/27 Trent & Dove Night Permit

Separate permit required for night fishing on the River Trent.

£20 (as listed 13 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

This is DRAC membership water rather than a day-ticket stretch. The 2026/27 Associate Coarse membership is £70, with concessionary membership at £55; a new adult member joining fee of £20 applies.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, perch, pike, rudd

Key rules

  • Fishing is controlled through Derby Railway Angling Club membership.
  • Associate Coarse membership permits coarse fishing on the club’s waters, subject to listed exclusions.
  • A separate Trent & Dove Night Permit is required for night fishing on the River Trent.
  • A £12 car-park key is available from DRAC.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

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