Fox Covert Fisheries — Bell Holt and Wharf

River level

The lowdown

• There are five swims in total, numbered Swim 1 to Swim 5. Handy and nicely straightforward if you like knowing exactly where you’re heading.
• The holder describes these as private River Trent pegs, run by Foxcovert Fisheries and Caravan Park. It’s a booked fishery rather than a turn-up-and-hope kind of place.
• The swims suit a fair range of river approaches. Heavy swimfeeder is on the cards when you need to hold bottom, while a stick float gives you a lighter option when the flow and conditions allow.
• Summer comes with a bit of river traffic. Boats and water skiers are normally around from noon at weekends, and from 2pm on weekdays.
• That makes timing worth thinking about. An early start could give you a quieter run before the summer traffic gets going — bob on if you’re planning a float session.
• The named fish include roach, perch, dace, bream, chub, barbel, pike and zander. So there’s a proper mix, from silverfish sport to bigger river targets.
• Barbel anglers need to bring a recovery sling, and a maximum of two barbel rods is allowed. Keep the fish rested where needed and handle them carefully.
• An unhooking mat or cradle must be used instead of the concrete slab. Fish must not be held for photographs, so keep things quick and fish welfare first.
• The night option runs from 10am until 10am on departure day. A bivvy costs £20 for up to 24 hours, while the holder lists £25 for a campervan — though the same page also says no caravans or motorhomes.
• Fires are strictly banned, but raised barbecues are allowed. Bring toilet arrangements, take all human waste and rubbish home, and keep dogs at the peg or on a lead.

Methods: The swims cover everything from heavy swimfeeder work to stick float fishing. Barbel anglers can use up to two rods, with a recovery sling essential; pike fishing is dead-baits only.

Access & tickets

Day tickets and night fishing are arranged through the holder’s booking arrangements. A 50% deposit is taken through the booking link after confirmation; deposits are non-refundable unless the holder cancels because of flooding or high temperatures. The access lane is directly opposite The Ferryboat Inn, and the river postcode is DN22 0NQ.

Fish the club names

roach, perch, bream, barbel, pike, zander, chub

Key rules

• A maximum of two barbel rods is allowed.
• Fish must be handled carefully and rested where necessary.
• Use an unhooking mat or cradle instead of the concrete slab.
• A recovery sling is essential for barbel fishing.
• Fish must not be held while taking photographs.
• Dead baits only.
• Fires are strictly prohibited; raised barbecues are permitted.
• Bring toilet arrangements and remove all human waste. Remove all rubbish from the site.
• Well-behaved dogs are allowed if kept at the peg or on a lead, with dog waste removed.

Where it is