Calder Foot to Jumbles Beat

River level

The lowdown

• The upper limit starts at the junction pool where the Calder meets the Ribble. A proper fishy-looking bit of water, especially when there’s a touch of colour.
• It’s roughly three quarters of a mile long and fishing is from the right bank. The lower limit finishes where the beat meets Cross Gills.
• Named spots include Island Pool, Brockhole, Jumbles and Pea Scar. Handy names to have in your head when planning a wander down the beat.
• Most of the water is open, with riffles breaking up the flow and deeper holes offering fish somewhere to rest. Don’t just stare at the obvious pool.
• Jumbles Falls is a small set of falls rather than some huge white-water job, but it adds a bit of character and can be worth a look when the river has a push on.
• The Society’s own description says the beat suits both fly and spinner fishing. So there’s room to cover water rather than getting bogged down in one swim.
• A small rise in water can bring the best chances. That little lift can put fish on the munch, while fish may still move through the beat even in low water.
• The Ribble here is mainly game-fishing water. The Society names salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling across its wider waters, along with a variety of coarse fish.
• The beat forms part of Stonyhurst Estate water, leased by Mid Ribble Angling Society since 1964. Membership is limited, so vacancies are offered only from time to time.
• Members need to display a current car disc when using access and parking facilities, and should carry their membership documentation while fishing.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Fly and spinner fishing are the official fit here. Cover the riffles, deeper holes and named pools, and keep an eye on the water after a small lift in level.

Access & tickets

Hothersall Beat is available to Mid Ribble Angling Society members. Membership is limited to a maximum of 80 anglers, and a guided visit can be arranged for prospective or new members; contact the society to confirm current access and rules.

Fish the club names

trout, barbel

Named by Mid Ribble Angling Society across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Membership is required to fish the Society’s waters.
• Membership is strictly limited, with a maximum of 80 members.
• Display a current car disc when using access and car-parking facilities.
• Carry membership documentation while fishing.
• The Society works with the Environment Agency on licence-checking and fishery matters.
• Check the Society’s waters booklet for fuller information.

Where it is