Long Preston (Bowland GFA)

River level

The lowdown

• The upper inspected BGFA section is approximately 0.65 km long, running from around SD 82368 57237 to SD 82870 56812. There’s also a lower BGFA Ribble section heading from Long Preston towards Stock Beck.
• This is primarily game-fishing water, with salmon, sea trout and resident brown trout identified across the BGFA Ribble waters. Occasional coarse fish are mentioned too, but this is not the main draw.
• The river mixes slower, deeper water with more varied habitat. That should give you different options through the season, rather than one flat, samey run.
• The Long Preston Deeps area is linked with tight meanders and flooding. Expect the river to show plenty of character here, with bends and deeper water worth a proper look.
• Floodplain processes affect parts of the river. After rain, the Ribble can change plenty, so keep an eye on colour and flow before committing to a swim.
• There’s substantial grazing pressure along the banks. The inspected beat has also suffered an almost complete historical loss of bankside trees, so don’t expect loads of cover overhead.
• With game fishing the priority, fly fishing is the obvious approach when conditions line up. Salmon, sea trout and brown trout are the named targets across the association’s Ribble waters.
• The mix of deeper water, tighter meanders and varied river habitat should keep things interesting. A mobile approach makes sense when fish are spread across different bits of flow.
• Normal access is for BGFA members. The membership application needs a proposer and seconder, or a suitable reference, so there is a bit of faff before you’re on the bank.
• Members must follow BGFA rules and byelaws, then submit an annual return of visits and fish taken or returned. Miss that return and the membership paperwork says a financial penalty can apply.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: This is primarily game-fishing water, so fly fishing is the natural starting point for salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Read the flow, work the deeper bends and keep mobile between the varied river habitat.

Access & tickets

Normal fishing access is through BGFA membership. The official membership application requires a proposer and seconder, or a suitable reference; check with BGFA for the current application process and beat arrangements.

Fish the club names

trout

Named by Bowland Game Fishing Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• BGFA membership is required for normal association fishing access.
• Members must follow BGFA rules and byelaws.
• The membership application requires a proposer and seconder or a suitable reference.
• Members must submit an annual return of visits and fish taken or returned.
• Failure to submit the required annual return can result in a financial penalty under the membership paperwork.

Where it is