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Long Preston Beat (Mid-Ribble Angling Society)

Long Preston Beat is a cracking bit of upper Ribble water on the left bank, forming part of the Long Preston Deeps. It looks like one long pool, but is actually four connected pools, with migratory fish gathering here later in the season.

Run by Mid Ribble Angling Society · checked 11 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Arnford Weir 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 beat runs for just over half a mile, so there’s plenty of water to explore without it feeling like a proper expedition.
  • The top pool has good depth, with fish lying close to the outer bank. Worth keeping things tidy and putting a bait in the crease.
  • Round the next bend, fish generally sit on the far side. A bit of careful casting or trotting should put you in the game.
  • When the river lifts, don’t ignore the tail of the pool. Fish may drop back there as the extra push comes through.
  • The lower section has a touch more pace, forming a productive run into the next pool. Bob on for working a bait through the flow.
  • Migratory fish gather in these pools during the latter part of the season, and the Society says all methods can catch them here.
  • Fly fishing is possible, though it’s described as difficult. The Society recommends a stripped-reservoir approach rather than relying purely on classic river presentation.
  • Spinning is possible throughout the beat. Bait anglers can also use shrimp and worm, while grayling are present as coarse fish.
  • In the close season, grayling can be caught by trotting a worm. Keep the tackle sensible and let the river do the work.
  • The Ribble here is wide and pooly rather than a tiny, intimate stream. Membership is capped at 80, so the water should have a proper club-water feel.
  • We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: There’s scope for spinning, shrimp and worm, plus fly fishing with a stripped-reservoir approach. Trotting a worm for grayling is also mentioned for the close season.

Access & tickets

Mid Ribble Angling Society membership

Membership water. Vacancies may arise, but membership is not guaranteed.

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

Named by Mid Ribble Angling Society across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

  • The waters are available to Society members.
  • Membership is limited to a maximum of 80 members.
  • Follow Mid Ribble Angling Society regulations.
  • Follow statutory fishing regulations.
  • No separate Long Preston night-fishing rule is published.

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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