LiamF

Could be wrong, but i think its around the end of may, depending on factors like temperature, water levels etc

Id look for a smooth run, nothing too pacey but nothing to slow, just a nice smooth glide with a bit of cover at the bottom, feed half way up and let the fish come out of the santuary to you. But thats all theoretical on their, finding the fish first is the priority! V Hard at this time of year, so i'd try to fish as many swims as poss, 20mins in each swim and move on. Barbel aside, theres some great sport to be had with other species, the chubbing can be really good in places. I had a brief perching session on friday evening, had a few fish, the biggest going over 3lb, so it goes to show, its got good allround potential.

Its a shame, because its such a beautiful river, with perfect barbel habitats. Keep at it and law of averages say you'll pick one up eventually. Good Luck Your right about other rivers too, in the Close season i always walk a small river that the barbel come up to spawn, over the years the numbers ive seen have gradually got less and less, 10-15 years ago, it used to be heaving with them, now however its a very different story!

From the desciption and your location, im guessing i know which river your taking about. Its the same for everyone, the barbel catches have seriously declined. Alot of people are blaming otters/mink and this has put alot of anglers off . Then again with not many fishing for them, chances are not many barbel will be caught, vicious circle. I havent had a barbel from there in a couple of years, but have only done a few sessions to be honest. I think the key may be look away from the known areas as fish here seem to be very thin on the ground these days. Other populations of barbel may have formed elsewhere without people realising, as a friend of mine had a 6lber from an area with no barbel form whatsoever last summer, so it could be worth considering.

Hi Wiggy.........I heard rumours that the "big one" is now dead, can you confirm this? Cheers

Its not all bad, ive been for the last few years.........................on the plus side of it, the Korda Girls!! hehe

My best fish, is a 9lb 6oz barbel from the River Cherwell in oxfordshire. After a few sessions trying to locate fish, i finally got a barbel, complete satisfaction! beautiful fish from a beatiful river!

My biggest is 34.08, with lots of back up, upper 20's/low 30's!!.................... caught nearly 10 years ago - a long time since i used to seriously carp fish. On the monument subject, Ive seen the fish in there in the press, but never taken much interest in, or any carpy subjects thesedays. I knew it was a new water, but assumed they were fast growing stockies that seem to be introduced everywhere now.........................it never occured to me that they could be imported!!! You live and learn i guess!! Tight Lines all Liam

Absolutley cracking Perch!! Just goes to show that Canals can provide excellent sport in the colder months. In the past ive carp fished on my local canal loads in winter, as the fish seem to hole up together and you can get multiple catches if you can find them!!

BAF, How did you get on with your Tench campaign? Ive just joined up so please excuse the lateness of the Reply! I did a fair bit of Carping on the Canal, and caught a fair few Tench in the Process, mostly caught from the Jetty area at Thrupp, up to around 5.08, they seem to be there in good numers, in addtion to loads of bream, and Roach which seem to like boilies/pellets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So if you didnt track down many tench, this area could be worth a try next spring. Cheers Liam

I dont know if this is relevant anymore but if your after Large Carp, then look at the stretch between Kidlington and Oxford. Although the Heyford/Summerton do hold a big head of carp, you'll have to wade though alot of smaller carp to get a decent sized fish. I have had fish to jsut under 27 from the Kidlington area, and they are definitely catchable all through the winter, even when the canal is partially frozen, look for any areas of house boats, the carp seem to be drawn to these like magnets when its cold!! Hope that helps Liam