Preston Boats — SAC

River level

The lowdown

• The upstream limit starts at the railway bridge, where the river runs over bedrock. It’s a lively bit of water, especially when there’s a decent push on.
• Upper swims are fast and shallow when summer levels drop, so expect to pick your spots and fish the crease rather than just plonking one in the middle.
• Head downstream and the river settles up, getting deeper and steadier as it sweeps around a large right-hand bend.
• The lower section has boulder-strewn steady glides. Lovely-looking water for working a bait through carefully and finding those quieter seams.
• The island marks the downstream limit. Its tail can produce good-sized bream, so don’t overlook the calmer water when the barbel swims are racing through.
• Barbel are the principal target, and the club says fish over 10 lb are possible. The Preston Boats record listed by the club is 13 lb 10 oz.
• The club specifically discusses pellets, boilies, lobworms, cheese and Spam for barbel. Plenty of scope there, whether you fancy a tidy feeder approach or a proper bait-and-wait session.
• Chub, pike and perch are also named targets across the club’s Severn waters, while bream are specifically mentioned for Preston Boats.
• Wading is allowed, but take care on the bedrock and around the boulders. The flow can be lively in the upper water, so keep safety and other anglers in mind.
• This is members-only water. SAC membership is limited to 275 anglers, and there’s no day-ticket faff to worry about — though you do need to get on the waiting list if membership is full.

Methods: Barbel are the obvious game here, with pellets, boilies, lobworms, cheese and Spam all covered by the club. Feeder fishing, bait-and-wait and careful line work through the glides should all suit the changing depth and flow.

Access & tickets

You need advance Shrewsbury Anglers Club membership; day tickets aren’t available. The 2025/26 annual membership fee is £40, membership is limited to 275 anglers and a waiting list may apply. Contact the club secretary for the main car park gate code.

Fish the club names

barbel, bream, chub, pike, perch

Named by Shrewsbury Anglers Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• All fish must be returned unless the committee gives prior permission for removal.
• Only free-running or safety rigs are allowed.
• Fixed-lead death rigs are prohibited.
• Wading is allowed, subject to angler safety and consideration for others.
• Prince Albert members have salmon-only rights on the club’s Preston Boats bank and may request lines be removed for up to three casts.
• Parking is only allowed in permitted areas, not on fields or crops.
• Driving down to the water is prohibited except for life-threatening emergencies or emergency services.

Where it is