Severn Roach

[The Flying Tench]

My wife has told me to compile my christmas list, and it's the usual problem - I don't want anything! I've got all the fishing tackle I need. I don't want socks. So all I can think of is contributions to a FISHING TRIP somewhere next year. Just a night or two away. But what to go for? I've got great fishing here on the Kennet, but one thing that's not as good as it was (I'm told) is the roach fishing.

 

I'm not out for a monster specimen, just nice easy roach fishing on the stick, with the roach reaching a decent size, say over a pound. Now someone a couple of years ago assured me that's what they have on parts of the Severn. I think he mentioned Tewkesbury. I was assured you could get a decent bag on many days with no difficulty, with some topping the pound. Sounds just the thing. Not too difficult, cos on a short trip you're fairly low on the learning curve. But is it truth or fantasy? And is Tewkesbury the best place? And which is the best time of year?

 

I'd welcome any advice from Severn roach anglers.

[Judley]

The Ironbridge stretch has some of the best Roach water (imo) in the UK. No problem doing 30lb+ with fish over the pound mark.

 

I'm a bit out of touch with who owns stretches up there now, as i'm down south now, but it wouldn't be too difficult to find out.

 

The Severn is very hit 'n miss for the Roach though. You have to catch it absolutely spot on during the winter, or you can forget it.

Edited October 26, 2005 by Judley

[ben88]

Ironbridge just upfrom the bridge i know is definately free too fish.

[Guest rabbit]

I live in Tewkesbury, but have only been here sine March so still feeling my way around. I cant imagine that the Severn here would be the best venue for roach!! I wish it was I love em! However I will dig out some info for you, (and me), and take it from there.

Since moving I have only fished the Warwickshire Avon, havn't had the time for the Severn, but planning to do so soon. The Avon is a 'fintastic' river mate!!

 

If you are planning a trip here let me know and I can help you with what I know to date. Send me a PM if you wish.

 

The Kennet is a great river and the roach are legendry, did you ever see the Passion for Angling series? The one when Bob James caught the best roach haul ever! A couple of three's and many two pound fish, that was as far as I was concerned the highlight of what was a masterpiece of television.

[Peter Waller]

Forget the roach, a pike fishing trip to the Broads would be good. It could be a working holiday, lots of right heathens around here.

[Judley]

Ahhhh....Pike! The Roach angler's nightmare Peter

[larry1]

i used to fish the dead arm for roach by passing the lock Baa water can't think of place but just above tewkwesbury. also Mucky meadows Baa Ribbesford but over 20 yrs ago .Don't know what is fishes like now.

Edited October 26, 2005 by larry1

[Ken L]

My dad loves his roach fishing but would never head for the lower river. His choice would be between Bridgenorth and Stourport in the summer with hemp and tares.

If you'd like, I can ask about specific swims or stretches.

[The Flying Tench]

Since moving I have only fished the Warwickshire Avon, havn't had the time for the Severn, but planning to do so soon. The Avon is a 'fintastic' river mate!!

 

Rabbit, thanks for the advice. Judley says the Severn is very uncertain, specially in winter. I'll have to plan my hols in advance, and won't be able to go when the weather's just right. Maybe the Warwicks Avon is the answer? What's that like in winter (say february)? And what are the chances of a non-specialist roach angler like me getting a decent bag? How big do they go?

 

The Kennet is a great river and the roach are legendry, did you ever see the Passion for Angling series? The one when Bob James caught the best roach haul ever! A couple of three's and many two pound fish, that was as far as I was concerned the highlight of what was a masterpiece of television.

 

The Kennet roach may be legendary, and there are certainly a few good ones still around, but they are not what they were, certainly in the middle and lower Kennet. (But the perch, now, that's another matter). From memory, Bob James' bag of roach was from the Hampshire Avon. I don't have the videos, but I can still remember it (I think). He tried one spot and had no luck. The he said 'maybe they've gone a mile upstream?' He walked a mile upstream and, hey presto, his quiver tip went round as soon as the bait hit the water. I never did figure out how he got the right spot to find the shoal! If I've got it wrong and there really was a great bag of roach from the Kennet let me know - I must borrow the videos again!

 

There was one TV programme I know of when John Wilson got a 2lb roach from the upper Kennet - from Barton Court, a trout water open to coarse anglers in the winter. I've fished there a few times, and can recognise some of the bits. He was looking for a 2lb roach. He tried one little weirpool with float and breadflake with no luck, and then decided to have a crack at flyfishing for trout. One cast and, hey presto, a 2lb roach! I never did figure that one out either, though I do know there are still some very good roach at Barton Court, though I haven't hit the jackpot with them so far.

 

Forget the roach, a pike fishing trip to the Broads would be good. It could be a working holiday, lots of right heathens around here.

 

If a heathen was offering I'd jump at the chance!

[Barbus10]

I can confirm that the Severn around Ironbridge is very good roach water. I don't fish for them myself but I've had them to 1.75lb when fishing for barbel in autumn/winter. Fish upstream of the bridge, or on the power station stretches, as these are noted hotspots and both are day ticket on the bank. Bring the barbel gear too in case you find the river in flood when worm will work well. Duncan at Rod and Gun in Dawley will put you right for up to date info.

Cheers

Dave