River Trent – Willington, Twyford, Barrow, Cuttle Brook

River level

The lowdown

• This is a broad, agricultural-floodplain style stretch, with the former power-station cooling towers helping mark the Willington access. Expect classic lowland river character rather than a tiny intimate brook.
• Willington access is opposite the former cooling towers. Park by the hedgerow beside the road, then walk down to the river. Do not drive across the fields or park beside the river.
• There’s another access opposite Frizzams Lane, signposted Stenson. Use the hardstanding on the wide grass verge, and don’t block the entrance gate — it’s in constant use.
• Near Twyford, head along the lane to the village, then take the footpath west over the stream. No fishing is allowed in the village itself, so keep moving to the proper section.
• Barrow-on-Trent is accessed on foot, but no specific parking arrangement is listed. Worth planning that bit before loading the car with a mountain of kit.
• Fishing is from the river bank only. Keep to the bank, towpath or a proper access route, shut every gate behind you and leave BMAA locks locked.
• The facts don’t list a peg count, fishable length or species for this stretch, so don’t go expecting a swim-by-swim breakdown. Find the crease, watch the pace and fish the river in front of you.
• Trotting and feeder work are the obvious ways to tackle a lowland river, with conditions dictating the game. A bit of colour and steady flow can make the river properly interesting; lighter conditions call for a tidy, careful approach.
• Night fishing is members-only. Keep it simple with an open-fronted brolly — bivvies, tents and enclosed shelters are not allowed. No dogs, fires or barbecues either, though a small gas-ring cooker is fine.

Methods: Trotting and feeder fishing suit this lowland Trent water, with the flow, colour and crease worth judging on the day. Keep the approach tidy and work the bank rather than charging about.

Access & tickets

BMAA membership is required to fish club waters. Guest tickets are for existing BMAA members to buy in advance, and the member must stay present while the guest fishes.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Fishing is from the river bank only; keep to the bank, towpath or an appropriate access route.
• Close all gates, keep BMAA locks locked, remove litter and do not damage property.
• Fires and barbecues are prohibited; small gas-ring cookers are allowed.
• Keep at least 15 yards between anglers when requested.
• Fish must not be moved between waters and must be returned to their original water. Coarse fish, salmon, sea trout and brown trout must be returned in line with EA byelaws.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required. Only two rods are permitted on ordinary BMAA waters, subject to listed exceptions.
• Only semi-barbless treble hooks are permitted, except barbed trebles on lures. No dogs are allowed on BMAA river sections.
• A member may spend no more than 24 hours on one river peg before moving. The river is closed to BMAA access during the coarse-fishing close season, including walking the banks, pre-baiting and fish spotting.

Where it is