Tidal River Trent — H&DAA Carlton-on-Trent

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery sits on the outside of a sweeping bend, so expect changing depth and flow as the tide moves. It’s not a lazy little river — this is proper Trent water.
• Barbel are the main draw, commonly running 5lb to 10lb, with bigger fish present. The current venue page reports specimens around 13lb to 16lb too. Cracking fish if you get it right.
• Other named fish include chub, dace, ide, carp, common bream, roach, pike and eels. So there’s a fair bit to keep you busy when the barbel aren’t on the munch.
• The bank is reinforced with rocks in places, while other sections have relatively level cattle-drink swims or steeper banks. Take care — some areas can be slippery.
• There are 17 pegs, with some only about 20 metres from the parking. The furthest swims may mean a walk of more than a kilometre, so pack light if you’re heading down the stretch.
• It’s partly suitable for anglers with limited mobility, with the level cattle-drink swims offering the easiest access. The steeper sections are more demanding.
• Ledgering, method feeder work, float fishing and rolling meat are all suitable approaches. Go heavy enough to hold bottom, then adjust as the tide changes height and pace.
• The water’s tidal nature means the crease, edges and slower bits can alter through the session. Keep an eye on the flow rather than fishing one spot stubbornly.
• Access is through Carlton village. Parking is available at the venue, but remember the sheep, shut every gate and don’t drive beyond the second gate.
• Normal fishing is 7:00am to 10:00pm. You’ll need the relevant night permit to stay later, and arrival before 7:00am isn’t allowed.

Methods: Ledgering, float fishing, method feeder tactics and rolling meat are all suitable. Keep adapting to the changing tide and fast flow, with barbel the main target.

Access & tickets

This is a members-only HDAA stretch, with standard membership required. Membership permits generally run from 1 January to 31 December, and membership is open to anyone agreeing to the association’s fishery rules.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, carp, bream, pike, eel

Key rules

• H&DAA membership is required to fish the stretch.
• Keep the main gate closed because sheep run freely on the land.
• Members must not drive beyond the second gate.
• Arrival is not permitted before 7:00am.
• Anglers must leave by 10:00pm unless holding the relevant night permit.
• Fish must not be killed or removed.
• Keepnets are not permitted on H&DAA fisheries.
• Pike fishing is restricted to 1 October through 31 March.
• Fires, swimming and boating are prohibited.
• Dogs must be kept under control and gates must be secured after use.

Where it is