Nottingham (Clifton) — TVA (The Willows)

River level

The lowdown

• The stretch starts at the end of the Hydro Power Station and runs upstream to the end of the chalets on the left. Nice and clear boundaries, so no faff there.
• Access is via the Fox Covert Lane bridleway off Green Street, near the Mill Hill roundabout. Use the yellow barrier route for The Willows and Weir area.
• There’s no vehicle access from Clifton Village, and you mustn’t drive beyond the chalets. Parking is behind the pegs, but keep tracks and fields clear.
• TVA hasn’t published a confirmed peg count or measured length. So it’s one to explore rather than turning up with a swim-by-swim game plan.
• The Trent here has a mixed bag feel. TVA names barbel, chub, bream and pike, plus carp to 31 lb. Proper scope for a cheeky bonus fish.
• It’s less prolific for big barbel than the Weir Field, according to TVA, but don’t write it off. The stretch should still be capable of putting a barbel on the munch.
• Bank fishing only. Boats and dinghies are a no-go, so keep things simple with feeder work, trotting where the flow allows, or static tactics in steadier water.
• The River Trent close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Outside that, pick your approach around the flow and whatever colour the river is carrying.
• Night fishing is available to members aged 18 and over. Under-18 restrictions apply, so check the club rules before planning anything after dark.
• The Hydro Power Station compound is private and isn’t included in TVA permission. Keep dogs close or on a lead, and leave fires, trees, pegs, fencing and signs well alone.

Methods: A versatile Trent peg for feeder work, trotting and static approaches, with barbel, chub, bream, pike and carp in the mix. The barbel fishing may be less prolific than at the Weir Field, but it’s still worth a proper go.

Access & tickets

The Pads is included in TVA’s River Trent membership, which also covers Barton Ferry Field, The Willows and The Weir Field. TVA does not publish an official day-ticket price for The Pads.

Fish the club names

carp, barbel, bream, pike, chub

Key rules

• Fishing is from the bank only; boats and dinghies are not permitted.
• The River Trent close season is from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required for every rod used.
• Fishing guests are not permitted, although one non-fishing companion may accompany a member on the peg.
• Dogs must be under close control or on a lead.
• Fires and damage to trees, vegetation, pegs, steps, structures, fencing, gates and signs are prohibited.
• The Hydro Power Station compound is private property and is not included in TVA fishing permission.
• Members must have received their membership book before fishing; gate codes are issued after the book has been received.

Where it is