Ribbleside Farm length, River Ribble

River level

The lowdown

• The section starts in the farmyard, where the parking is. Access is from Cuerdale Lane, and parking is available on site.
• The upstream limit is the farm boundary, marked by wire field fencing running out into the river. On the far bank, this is opposite the start of Melling’s Wood.
• It’s a tidal Ribble stretch, so water levels can rise quickly. High tides can push the river up by several feet — worth keeping a proper eye on it.
• The water is linked on the official page with access towards Church Deeps. That associated water has steep banks, so travelling light is the sensible shout.
• This is mixed coarse territory. Bream are present, including big fish, while quality roach, dace and chub add plenty of interest.
• Barbel are in the water too, with double-figure fish reported. There are also pike and carp over 20 lb, so don’t bring a tiny landing net and hope for the best.
• A feeder approach should suit the deeper, steadier areas, while trotting could be bob on when the flow and colour line up. Look for glides, creases and anything that slows the tide.
• The river is open from dawn until dusk only. Night fishing is prohibited, and the national coarse-fishing close season runs from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• Day tickets are limited to a maximum of two per day and are first-come, first-served. They cannot be reserved in advance, so avoid a wasted journey if the river is busy.
• Dogs are not allowed. Put your details in the book inside the barn, and pay the £2 farm parking charge into the coin box before fishing.

Methods: A feeder is a sensible starting point for the mixed coarse fishing, with trotting worth a look when the flow behaves. Keep tackle adaptable for barbel, bream, chub and the larger carp reported from the water.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are sold by the farm owners, with a maximum of two available per day. They are first-come, first-served and cannot be booked ahead; the official SDAA page does not state the fishing price.

Fish the club names

carp, bream, pike, roach, chub, barbel

Named by Southport & District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• The national coarse-fishing close season applies from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• Fishing is permitted from dawn until dusk only.
• Night fishing is prohibited.
• Dogs are not allowed.
• Anglers must put their details in the book inside the barn.
• The £2 parking fee must be placed in the coin box before fishing.
• A maximum of two day tickets may be sold per day.
• Day tickets are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance.

Where it is