Rampton Village near Torksey – Tidal River Trent

The lowdown

• This is a small, natural tidal-Trent venue rather than a tidy stillwater. Proper river fishing, with changing conditions and a bit of tide to keep you honest.
• The water is deep close to the bank, so there’s no need to go charging across the swim looking for depth. Fish can be right under your feet.
• When the tide is pushing, the flow can be strong. Heavy weights may be needed to hold bottom, especially if you’re fishing a feeder or presenting bait hard on the deck.
• The stretch is suited to anglers after tidal-river species and anyone who enjoys fishing in strong-flow conditions. It’s not a lazy chuck-and-wait sort of place.
• Zander, pike and perch are specifically named for the stretch. Very large barbel are also reported, while the club mentions rumours of catfish being caught.
• With the depth and pull, bottom-fished approaches look the sensible starting point. Keep things anchored, watch the rod tip and be ready for the flow to change.
• The club describes it as a new stretch, with catch information still being developed. So there’s a bit of discovery about the place — always a cheeky bonus.
• There are six pegs along approximately 75 metres of bank. That makes it a compact venue, so check the swim and access details before setting up.
• Members are allowed to night fish this section. Parking is behind the pegs on the field, weather permitting, which could be bob on — unless the track gets a bit lively.
• Access is via an approximately two-mile track after the Torksey Road turn. Near the power-station gates, take the fork and use the club’s gate after passing the large blue pipe.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Bottom fishing with a feeder or other suitably heavy setup is the obvious starting point, particularly when the tide is running hard. Keep baits pinned down and adapt the weight to the flow.

Access & tickets

Day tickets at Stoke Bardolph are for the Road Stretch only; the rest of the club's Stoke water is members-only.

Fish the club names

barbel, catfish, pike, perch, zander

Key rules

• Fishing is restricted to Ashfield Angling Club members.
• Fishing is subject to the club’s general rules.
• The club’s closed-season rules apply.
• Members must use the club’s access route and gate after passing the large blue pipe.
• Access includes an approximately two-mile track after the Torksey Road turn, with a fork near the power-station gates.

River level

Where it is