River Ribble: Skirbeck

River level

The lowdown

• Fishing is from the left bank only, with the upper limit at the point where Skir Beck passes under the railway line.
• The fishery runs downstream for approximately 2,500 metres, finishing at the limit sign. Nice clear boundaries, so no faffing about guessing where you are.
• Most of the water is described as sluggish. Expect slower-moving swims rather than a full-on racing Ribble.
• The deep meanders known as the Preston Deeps are the standout feature. Worth paying attention to those deeper bends and steadier water.
• There’s one faster-water reach that’s suitable for fly fishing. A handy change of pace when the slower stretches aren’t playing ball.
• Named fish include brown trout, sea trout, chub, grayling, salmon and pike. A proper mixed bag, then, with both coarse and game interest.
• Spinning is allowed. For pike, a second rod can be used, but only sea deadbaits are permitted.
• The seasons are split by species: salmon from 1 February to 31 October, sea trout from 1 April to 30 September, coarse fish from 16 June to 14 March, and resident brown trout from 15 March to 30 September.
• Everything is catch and release. Grayling must not go in keepnets, and keepnets generally aren’t allowed until 16 June.
• The fishing rights are shared with a shooting syndicate, so keep things tidy and follow the access arrangements to the letter.

Methods: The slower water looks suited to patient trotting or feeder work for the coarse fish, while the faster reach is the fly-fishing option. Spinning is allowed, and pike anglers can use a second rod with sea deadbaits only.

Access & tickets

Bradford City Angling Association does not issue day tickets. You’ll need current BCAA membership, or a pre-booked guest permit from a member.

Fish the club names

trout, chub, pike

Key rules

• Catch and release applies to all fish.
• A second rod may be used only for pike fishing.
• Only sea deadbaits may be used for pike.
• Juniors may fish only when accompanied by an adult member.
• All salmon and sea-trout catches must be reported to the General Secretary.
• Spinning is allowed.
• Shrimps and prawns must not be used until after 16 June.
• Keepnets are not allowed until 16 June, and grayling must not be placed in keepnets.
• Access is through the car-park gate and stile only. Do not use the farmer's gate or cross fields.
• Night fishing is prohibited.

Where it is