Weston-on-Trent / Ukrainian Camp (north bank, Lodge Farm opposite)

River level

The lowdown

• This is the upstream limit of Derby Railway Angling Club’s north-bank fishing. The Ukrainian Camp section starts one field above the old iron railway bridge, which is now a cycle path.
• Access is via the Ukraine Camp. DRAC says parking is available at the Old Cliff Inn, then it’s a short walk down to the river. No faff with unofficial routes — use recognised access points.
• The top two fields are the lively bit, with gravel runs and riffles. Lovely territory for float work, especially when there’s a bit of colour and the dace and roach are having it.
• The water bends and narrows opposite the Black Pool/Basin, then almost doubles in width. That change in width should give you a few different swims to pick apart.
• Below the Basin is a wooded section described as difficult to fish. Worth treating carefully rather than forcing it — the cover and awkward access are part of the challenge.
• Parsons Meadow follows on from the woodland. It’s wide and slow, with the first few pegs dropping to 6–8 feet, so bottom gear and a patient feeder approach look bob on here.
• The river shallows to roughly 2–3 feet, then deepens again to around 6 feet near the pylons. From the pylons, the fishing runs about a mile downstream to Kings Mills.
• The club names roach, chub, barbel, dace, perch, pike and rudd. So there’s scope for trotting, feeder fishing and proper specimen work, depending on the swim and conditions.
• DRAC also holds the opposite bank, known as the Lodge Farm section, but that side is accessed via Kings Newton. Night fishing needs the separate Trent & Dove Night Permit, and sessions are limited to 24 hours.

Methods: Float and bottom fishing are both suited to the section. Try trotting the gravel runs and riffles, then switch to feeder or other bottom tactics in the deeper Parsons Meadow pegs and around the pylons.

Access & tickets

This is Derby Railway Angling Club water and the club does not advertise day tickets for the stretch. Join as an Associate Coarse member for coarse fishing, or take Associate Trout & Coarse membership for all club waters and both game and coarse fishing; memberships run annually from 16 June.

Fish the club names

roach, chub, barbel, perch, pike, rudd, trout, trout

Key rules

• Members must carry their membership card and Environment Agency rod licence.
• Only legitimate angling complying with Environment Agency by-laws is allowed.
• All fish must be returned to the water.
• Live bait is forbidden.
• Fishing from boats is not permitted.
• No trespassing is allowed; anglers must use recognised access points.
• No dogs or guns are allowed. No fires, barbecues, tents or camping between fishing sessions.
• Specimen anglers targeting carp, pike or barbel must use barbless hooks, an appropriate unhooking mat and suitable landing net. Pike anglers must also carry wire cutters and long forceps.
• No fishing is allowed within 30 metres of overhead electric power lines.

Where it is