Hothersall Beat

River level

The lowdown

• This is leased water at Hothersall Hall Farm, added to Mid Ribble Angling Society’s portfolio back in 2008. It sits around Hothersall and Longridge in Lancashire.
• The beat runs for just over 1¼ miles and is made up of a proper mix of pools and runs. The Ribble here is wide, with some big water to get your head around.
• Island Pool marks the top of the beat. It fishes for salmon, with sea-trout holding spots tucked towards the tail. A cracking place to start when there’s enough water pushing through.
• Below Island Pool comes another fairly long pool, followed by a shallower run. That pool is at its best for salmon when the river has a decent bit of water in it.
• Fish can sit towards the far bank in parts of the beat, so don’t ignore the crease or far-side cover. Pick the water apart rather than charging straight in.
• There’s a bank-side car park near a noted salmon and sea-trout spot. The run below it is streamier and holds trout and sea trout, including in low water.
• The bottom pool gradually deepens and has spots where migrating fish lie up. It’s another bit of water worth taking time over, especially when fish are moving through.
• The Society says fly fishing is best when the river gets a little rise. All methods are allowed, though, so members can tackle the pools and runs in the way that suits conditions.
• Coarse fish and grayling are commonly targeted by members during the close season. The Society’s Ribble waters also contain salmon, sea trout, trout, grayling and other coarse fish.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: All methods are allowed. Fly fishing is said to come into its own with a little rise in water level, while coarse fish and grayling are commonly fished for during the close season.

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

Key rules

• Member water.
• Members must carry membership documentation when fishing.
• Members must display a current car disc when using access and car-parking facilities.
• All methods are allowed on the beat.
• The Society works with the Environment Agency on carcase-tagging and licence-checking schemes.
• Membership is strictly limited, with vacancies arising from time to time.

Where it is