Pickhill Hall River Dee stretch

River level

The lowdown

• The stretch runs through the grounds of an old stately home, giving it a lovely remote feel without being awkward to get to. The holder reckons you’re unlikely to see another person while fishing — bob on if you like a bit of peace.
• There’s approximately two accessible miles to explore, and you can fish both banks. No fixed peg count is stated, so expect a more natural, roving-style Dee experience rather than a neat line of platforms.
• This is wild spate-river water. The flow can properly push, especially after rain, so keep an eye on conditions and look for steadier edges, glides and creases.
• The Dee’s banks can be steep or slippery. Take care getting down to the river and don’t overdo the faff with tackle — a sensible roving setup makes life easier.
• Chub and barbel are the main coarse-fishing draw, with reported chub to 7lb and possible total chub catches of 100lb. Roach, perch and dace are also named.
• There’s predator sport too, with pike noted on the stretch. Eels are present as well, while grayling are reported to 2lb.
• Water released from Bala Lake on Thursdays and Sundays can make fishing more difficult. It’s worth allowing for a changing river and being ready to move if the flow gets lively.
• In dry summer conditions, anglers may drive across the farmland to drop gear near a swim, then return to the car park. That can make carrying kit a touch less of a faff.
• The stretch is coarse-fishing water, but the mix of chub, barbel, grayling and predators gives you a few different ways to approach it. Trotting, feeder work and searching likely cover all have a place, depending on the river’s mood.

Methods: A flexible roving approach looks the ticket: trot or feeder the steadier glides and creases for chub, barbel, roach and dace, then switch around likely cover when targeting perch or pike. Keep tackle practical for steep banks and a wild, changing flow.

Access & tickets

Access is for Port Sunlight Angling Club members through its affiliation with Huyton & District Angling Association. The stretch is free to anglers with a valid PSAC card, subject to membership availability and a possible waiting list.

Fish the club names

chub, barbel, perch, roach, pike, eel

Key rules

• Fishing is available to PSAC members through the club’s affiliation with Huyton & District Angling Association.
• The stretch is available free to anglers holding a valid PSAC card.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Junior anglers aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult member on club and affiliated waters.
• The water is not advertised as a public day-ticket fishery.
• No official night-fishing permission or night-fishing price is stated for the stretch.

Where it is