Pike fishing on the Chelmer

[Royboy]

Hi, does anyone know a decent day ticket stretch?

[chelmerpaul]

Hi Royboy,

 

There is a good stretch for pike near Chelmsford town centre. The stretch between the A12 bypass bridge and Springfield lock is well noted for it's pike, part of it is actually referred to locally as "Pike corner". All methods work here, but I believe deadbaits are the preferred method, especially at this time of year and when the water is coloured. I don't fish for them myself. Not sure if anywhere is fishable at the moment as the river was flooded and bombing through when I last looked. There will be a lot of snow-melt going in there too. There is usually a bit of slack water just before Springfield lock, where the main river is joined by a canalised arm. It's an area that I fancy fishing myself for other species, as I reckon they hole-up there in times of flood; and where there are lots of silvers there are lots of pike! When are you thinking of going?

[Royboy]

Hi Royboy,

 

There is a good stretch for pike near Chelmsford town centre. The stretch between the A12 bypass bridge and Springfield lock is well noted for it's pike, part of it is actually referred to locally as "Pike corner". All methods work here, but I believe deadbaits are the preferred method, especially at this time of year and when the water is coloured. I don't fish for them myself. Not sure if anywhere is fishable at the moment as the river was flooded and bombing through when I last looked. There will be a lot of snow-melt going in there too. There is usually a bit of slack water just before Springfield lock, where the main river is joined by a canalised arm. It's an area that I fancy fishing myself for other species, as I reckon they hole-up there in times of flood; and where there are lots of silvers there are lots of pike! When are you thinking of going?

 

Very useful Paul, thanks. We'll be going on Feb 28. Don't know about the long range weather forecast but hoping it'll be a bit better than of late.

[chelmerpaul]

Roy,

 

I think I'm going to have to revise my answer. After the events of the last couple of days, your best chance of a pike is now in the middle of Chelmsford High Street. I reckon the small roach will congregate outside McDonalds, especially at the weekend and that's where the predators will be as well.

 

No seriously, most of the river is now over the bank with some major flooding in certain areas. Will not be fishable for a good many days, and that's if there is no further rain.