FLOODWATER FISHING TIPS FOR RIVERS

AFTER a prolonged drought-like spell of low and clear rivers, sudden downpours of heavy rain are a very welcome sight for many anglers, including myself, who have struggled for regular bites for months.

Rising water levels, combined with all that added colour, can really turn river species on to the feed.

Certain species, such as chub and pike, may not be so keen to go on the munch, but other species, especially barbel and roach, will often fall foul of a tasty hookbait presented in the stained water.

Flooded rivers may not look very appealing, but the rewards are most definitely there.

It’s just a question of seeking out calmer areas, which the fish will instinctively head for when the flow gathers extra energy-sapping pace and items of debris are tumbling in the maelstrom.

I’m far happier tackling familiar venues in flood  conditions, not only for the safety aspect of being familiar with my surroundings, but also for having better knowledge of where all those key sanctuary areas are.

Confluences, carriers and even small ditches that are ignored in normal conditions are well worth investigating when the river is up and coloured.

Any natural or man-made obstruction that creates slacker areas is also a cert for harbouring fish, including smaller specimens that will help attract perch, which can utilise the extra colour in the water to help mask their presence from their prey fish.