River Trent: Wilford Ferry Field (The Ferry Field)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a roomy bit of bank, which is handy when you want a bit of elbow room or need to spread out for a match. The ground is described as well maintained, so it sounds like a tidy, straightforward venue.
• The stretch sits beside the Ferry Boat Inn, with access through its car park. Carry on behind the Moderns Rugby Club building, then head over the ridge on the right into the Ferry Field.
• You can drive round the field edge to drop your tackle behind your chosen peg. Handy, especially with a barrow or a mountain of feeder gear. But move the vehicle afterwards.
• Parking is designated close to Penny Bridge, also known as Wilford Suspension Bridge. Don’t leave vehicles on the field and don’t block the access paths. Bob on, simple as that.
• The federation highlights deeper channels as the places associated with barbel and carp. Those are the key areas to look for when picking a swim.
• The named fish list is a decent Trent mix: barbel, carp, roach, bream, pike and perch. A proper all-rounder rather than a one-trick venue.
• It’s suitable for pleasure fishing and competitive match fishing, so you can take a relaxed approach or fish it with a bit more purpose when the river is on the munch.
• There’s no night fishing here. It’s daylight-only, and anglers are asked not to drive on soft grass after heavy rain. Worth remembering before setting off.
• Leave the peg clean, take all litter home and respect rugby fixtures and other users. The statutory closed season runs from March 15 to June 15 inclusive.

Methods: Pleasure and competitive match fishing are both suitable here. The deeper channels are the areas specifically associated with barbel and carp.

Access & tickets

A valid Nottingham Federation membership is required. Membership can be obtained through listed tackle shops or by post, and the Federation now uses photo ID cards rather than paper books.

Fish the club names

carp, barbel, bream, roach, pike, perch

Key rules

• The statutory closed season runs from March 15 to June 15 inclusive.
• Night fishing is prohibited; the venue is daylight only.
• Vehicles must be moved after unloading and must not be left on the field.
• Do not block access paths.
• Avoid driving on soft grass after heavy rain.
• Remove all litter and leave the peg clean.
• Respect Moderns Rugby Club fixtures and other users.
• All fish must be returned safely.
• Live bait is prohibited on federation waters.
• Bloodworm, feed worm and jokers are prohibited.
• Unauthorised matches require prior written consent.

Where it is