Fishery guide · Lincolnshire
River Witham
The River Witham through Lincoln is a proper club-controlled canal stretch, running from Stamp End to Kirkstead Bridge under LDAA control. With day tickets at £5 and a decent spread of coarse species, it’s a handy option for a straightforward day on the bank.
“6.9/10 — A broad listed mix of coarse and predator species gives anglers plenty of targets.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
This isn’t a boxed-off lake venue. It’s the River Witham, with LDAA controlling the water from Stamp End to Kirkstead Bridge. So expect a proper river session rather than numbered lake pegs and landscaped swims. The named access areas include Ferry Lane, Washingborough, Five Mile Lane and Bardney Lock, giving you a few places to plan around before you even start sorting the tackle.
- 3 lakes: Ferry Lane, Five Mile Lane, Bardney Lock
- Fish: bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench
- Tickets from: Annual adult membership — £50
- Find it: Lincoln · LN4 1AT
Plan your session
Fishery map of River Witham
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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How busy was it?
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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: River Witham (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on River Witham
This isn’t a boxed-off lake venue. It’s the River Witham, with LDAA controlling the water from Stamp End to Kirkstead Bridge. So expect a proper river session rather than numbered lake pegs and landscaped swims. The named access areas include Ferry Lane, Washingborough, Five Mile Lane and Bardney Lock, giving you a few places to plan around before you even start sorting the tackle.
Ferry Lane is listed at LN4 1AT, while Five Mile Lane is at LN4 1AF. Bardney Lock is listed at LN3 5UN, but there’s a specific restriction there: fishing is only allowed under the bridge and on the side opposite the lock. Worth checking the access details before setting off, especially if it’s your first visit. Saves a daft drive, a load of faff and a swim shuffle with all the gear.
There’s a cracking mixed species list on the Witham. Roach, rudd, perch and bream give you plenty to aim at on a straightforward coarse session, while tench and carp offer a bit more pull. Common and mirror carp are both listed, and pike provide a proper predator option. Eel are listed too. A light float setup could be a bob-on starting point, with a sturdier option packed as well if the bigger fish come out to play.
For a new river stretch, keep the first session simple. Have a look at the water before choosing a swim, check the margins and look for any obvious changes in depth or features. Start with a modest amount of bait and build things up rather than chucking the kitchen sink in straight away. A float rod, a sensible feeder-style setup and tackle for unhooking different species should cover plenty of options. Bring a landing net and disgorger or suitable unhooking tool — both are required.
The £5 day ticket covers fishing from dawn to dusk and can be bought online through Clubmate. Non-members use the dawn-to-dusk times shown by the Met Office website or app. Members can fish the Witham for 24 hours, with night fishing included under that membership entitlement. Annual adult membership is £50, concessionary membership is £35 for eligible anglers aged 65+ or disabled EA rod-licence holders, junior membership is £10 for ages 13–16, and ages 0–12 are free.
There are also floating boat moorings at Washingborough, Fiskerton Fen, Bardney Village, Southery and Kirkstead Bridge that may be fished from October to March. Keep the basics tight: no parking on the banks, no open fires, and barbecues must be raised off the ground. All fish must be returned alive, live bait, bloodworm, joker and whole tiger nuts are prohibited, and no camping is allowed. Bivvy gear is only permitted at designated LDAA night-fishing venues. Pack the right kit, check the exact rules and access before clipping up, then settle in for a proper Witham session.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
River Witham FAQs
How much is a River Witham day ticket?
It costs £5 and covers fishing from dawn to dusk. Day tickets can be bought online through Clubmate.
What hours do non-members fish?
Non-member day-ticket fishing is from dawn to dusk, with times taken from the Met Office website or app.
What species are listed for the River Witham?
Listed species include bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd and tench.
Can you fish the floating boat moorings?
Yes, the listed moorings at Washingborough, Fiskerton Fen, Bardney Village, Southery and Kirkstead Bridge may be fished from October to March.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at River Witham. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Lincoln.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
LN4 1AT.
How much is a ticket?
Annual adult membership: £50; Annual concessionary membership, age 65+ or eligible disabled EA rod-licence holders: £35; Annual junior membership, ages 13–16: £10; Infant membership, ages 0–12: Free; River Witham day ticket: £5. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Ferry Lane, Five Mile Lane, Bardney Lock. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Ferry Lane (Not published), Five Mile Lane (Not published), Bardney Lock (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes — Members may fish the Witham for 24 hours, including night fishing under the membership entitlement.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Ferry Lane: a named river witham access area near lincoln.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench
Ferry Lane is one of the listed access areas on the LDAA-controlled River Witham. The postcode given for access is LN4 1AT.
As part of the canal venue, it suits anglers after a mixed coarse bag, with bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd and tench listed for the Witham.
Lake photographs
A look around Ferry Lane
River Witham
Ferry Lane
We’re checking the fishery’s Ferry Lane pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Mixed coarse fishing for roach, rudd, perch and bream
- Anglers wanting a £5 dawn-to-dusk day-ticket session
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for a lake-style venue with published lake sizes or a separate timetable
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Ferry Lane
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
eel
Worm or deadbait after dark for eels
Eels feed mostly at night and in warm, coloured water. A smelly bait on the bottom is the way in.
- Lobworm or small dead fish on a size 4–6 hook.
- Strike quickly to avoid deep hooking.
- Have a damp towel and long forceps ready — they wriggle.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Ferry Lane FAQs
Where is Ferry Lane access?
The listed access postcode is LN4 1AT.
Can day-ticket anglers fish Ferry Lane?
The River Witham day ticket is £5 and covers fishing from dawn to dusk.
What's the lake record on Ferry Lane?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Ferry Lane that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Ferry Lane?
bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench.
How big is Ferry Lane and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named River Witham access area near Lincoln..
Which baits work well on Ferry Lane?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Ferry Lane further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Ferry Lane get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Ferry Lane?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Witham before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Ferry Lane?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Ferry Lane on a day ticket?
Yes — Ferry Lane is on the day ticket. Tickets: Annual adult membership £50; Annual concessionary membership, age 65+ or eligible disabled EA rod-licence holders £35; Annual junior membership, ages 13–16 £10; Infant membership, ages 0–12 Free; River Witham day ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Ferry Lane?
Yes — Members may fish the Witham for 24 hours, including night fishing under the membership entitlement.
Who does Ferry Lane suit?
Good for: Mixed coarse fishing for roach, rudd, perch and bream; Anglers wanting a £5 dawn-to-dusk day-ticket session. Less suited to: Anyone looking for a lake-style venue with published lake sizes or a separate timetable.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Five Mile Lane: another named ldaa access area on the river witham.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench
Five Mile Lane is listed as an access area on the River Witham, which LDAA controls from Stamp End to Kirkstead Bridge. The listed postcode is LN4 1AF.
The Witham species list includes bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd and tench, so there’s a fair bit to target depending on your approach.
Lake photographs
A look around Five Mile Lane
River Witham
Five Mile Lane
We’re checking the fishery’s Five Mile Lane pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Float or feeder anglers after mixed coarse species
- Members wanting the option of 24-hour fishing
Maybe not for
- Anglers after a fully published peg-by-peg venue guide
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Five Mile Lane
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
eel
Worm or deadbait after dark for eels
Eels feed mostly at night and in warm, coloured water. A smelly bait on the bottom is the way in.
- Lobworm or small dead fish on a size 4–6 hook.
- Strike quickly to avoid deep hooking.
- Have a damp towel and long forceps ready — they wriggle.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Five Mile Lane FAQs
What is the Five Mile Lane postcode?
The listed access postcode is LN4 1AF.
Do members have longer fishing hours?
Yes. Members may fish the Witham for 24 hours, including night fishing under the membership entitlement.
What's the lake record on Five Mile Lane?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Five Mile Lane that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Five Mile Lane?
bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench.
How big is Five Mile Lane and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Another named LDAA access area on the River Witham..
Which baits work well on Five Mile Lane?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Five Mile Lane further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Five Mile Lane get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Five Mile Lane?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Witham before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Five Mile Lane?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Five Mile Lane on a day ticket?
Yes — Five Mile Lane is on the day ticket. Tickets: Annual adult membership £50; Annual concessionary membership, age 65+ or eligible disabled EA rod-licence holders £35; Annual junior membership, ages 13–16 £10; Infant membership, ages 0–12 Free; River Witham day ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Five Mile Lane?
Yes — Members may fish the Witham for 24 hours, including night fishing under the membership entitlement.
Who does Five Mile Lane suit?
Good for: Float or feeder anglers after mixed coarse species; Members wanting the option of 24-hour fishing. Less suited to: Anglers after a fully published peg-by-peg venue guide.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Bardney Lock: a restricted access area by bardney lock.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench
Bardney Lock is a named River Witham access area, with the postcode LN3 5UN. It has a specific fishing restriction that anglers need to stick to.
Fishing at Bardney Lock is restricted to under the bridge and the side opposite the lock. The wider Witham species list includes carp, bream, tench, roach, perch, pike and more.
Lake photographs
A look around Bardney Lock
River Witham
Bardney Lock
We’re checking the fishery’s Bardney Lock pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy to fish within the stated lock restrictions
- Mixed-species canal sessions, including predator fishing
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting unrestricted fishing around the whole lock area
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Bardney Lock
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
eel
Worm or deadbait after dark for eels
Eels feed mostly at night and in warm, coloured water. A smelly bait on the bottom is the way in.
- Lobworm or small dead fish on a size 4–6 hook.
- Strike quickly to avoid deep hooking.
- Have a damp towel and long forceps ready — they wriggle.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Bardney Lock FAQs
Where can you fish at Bardney Lock?
Fishing is restricted to under the bridge and the side opposite the lock.
What is the Bardney Lock postcode?
The listed access postcode is LN3 5UN.
What's the lake record on Bardney Lock?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Bardney Lock that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Bardney Lock?
bream, carp, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd, tench.
How big is Bardney Lock and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A restricted access area by Bardney Lock..
Which baits work well on Bardney Lock?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Bardney Lock further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Bardney Lock get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Bardney Lock?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Witham before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Bardney Lock?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Bardney Lock on a day ticket?
Yes — Bardney Lock is on the day ticket. Tickets: Annual adult membership £50; Annual concessionary membership, age 65+ or eligible disabled EA rod-licence holders £35; Annual junior membership, ages 13–16 £10; Infant membership, ages 0–12 Free; River Witham day ticket £5 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Bardney Lock?
Yes — Members may fish the Witham for 24 hours, including night fishing under the membership entitlement.
Who does Bardney Lock suit?
Good for: Anglers happy to fish within the stated lock restrictions; Mixed-species canal sessions, including predator fishing. Less suited to: Anyone wanting unrestricted fishing around the whole lock area.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
A current Environment Agency rod licence is required when fishing club waters.
- No
Can fish be taken home?
All fish must be returned alive unless written committee permission has been obtained.
- Yes
Is night fishing allowed?
Members may fish the Witham for 24 hours, including night fishing under the membership entitlement.
- No
Are open fires allowed?
Open fires are prohibited. Barbecues must be raised off the ground.
- No
Can you park on the banks?
No parking is allowed on the banks.
- No
Are live bait, bloodworm, joker and whole tiger nuts allowed?
These baits are prohibited.
- No
Can under-16s fish alone?
Under-16s must be supervised by a responsible adult.
- No
Is camping allowed?
Camping is not allowed. Bivvy equipment is permitted only at designated LDAA night-fishing venues.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Ferry Lane
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
eel
Worm or deadbait after dark for eels
Eels feed mostly at night and in warm, coloured water. A smelly bait on the bottom is the way in.
- Lobworm or small dead fish on a size 4–6 hook.
- Strike quickly to avoid deep hooking.
- Have a damp towel and long forceps ready — they wriggle.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Five Mile Lane
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
eel
Worm or deadbait after dark for eels
Eels feed mostly at night and in warm, coloured water. A smelly bait on the bottom is the way in.
- Lobworm or small dead fish on a size 4–6 hook.
- Strike quickly to avoid deep hooking.
- Have a damp towel and long forceps ready — they wriggle.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Bardney Lock
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
eel
Worm or deadbait after dark for eels
Eels feed mostly at night and in warm, coloured water. A smelly bait on the bottom is the way in.
- Lobworm or small dead fish on a size 4–6 hook.
- Strike quickly to avoid deep hooking.
- Have a damp towel and long forceps ready — they wriggle.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
6.9/10 from Tackle Index: A broad listed mix of coarse and predator species gives anglers plenty of targets.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “The River Witham through Lincoln is a proper club-controlled canal stretch, running from Stamp End to Kirkstead Bridge under LDAA control. With day tickets at £5 and a decent spread of coarse species, it’s a handy option for a straightforward day on the bank.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate River Witham
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