Tidal Trent — Littleborough to West Burton Power Station

River level

The lowdown

• This is powerful tidal river fishing, not a gentle little float venue. The flow changes quickly, and the club warns that exceptional high tides can make things lively.
• The club stretch starts at the first fence and stile left of the Old Ferry, then runs upstream to the first meadow beyond River Cottage. Grid refs are SK 824824 for Littleborough and DN21 5AY for the upstream meadow.
• The river is deep close in, so don’t arrive with dainty tackle and expect it to boss the crease. Heavy weights may be needed to hold bottom, especially when the tide is pushing.
• Swim-feeder fishing is on the menu, with a strong rod, heavy line and a heavy feeder sensible kit. Stick-float and waggler work are also mentioned for when the flow gives you a chance.
• Some pegs fish at low tide, while others become unfishable. The club advises arriving around high water and fishing into the ebb where practical — a bob-on way to read this stretch.
• There are roach, bream, hybrids, barbel, carp, pike and zander to target, with double-figure barbel and large carp reported. Chub, perch, dabs and flounders are also mentioned, plus the odd seal.
• The banks can be steep, muddy and slippery. Don’t walk on the mud, and keep a proper eye on the tide times, tide heights and any exceptional high-tide forecast.
• A Trent Aegir tidal bore can occur on sufficiently high spring tides. That’s a serious bit of river movement, so pick your conditions carefully and give yourself a sensible route off the bank.
• Parking is available on the grass foreshore left of the Old Ferry up to the fence, with more parking on a public byway around halfway. Leave gates, access points and the byway clear, and lock gates behind you.

Methods: Heavy swim-feeder gear is the main tool when the tide is working, while stick-float and waggler methods are worth a look in steadier water. Arrive around high water and fish into the ebb where practical.

Access & tickets

Day tickets at Stoke Bardolph are for the Road Stretch only; the rest of the club's Stoke water is members-only.

Fish the club names

roach, bream, barbel, carp, pike, zander, chub, perch

Key rules

• No wading.
• Fishing under the pylons is prohibited.
• Enter and fish at your own risk.
• Do not walk on the mud.
• Check tide times, tide heights and exceptional high-tide conditions.
• Do not obstruct field gates, access points or the byway.
• Members must lock gates behind them.
• No entry or exit between 10:00pm and 7:30am.

Where it is