TIDAL — Besthorpe (above and below Iron & Steel AC) — Scunthorpe Amalgamated Anglers (SAA)

River level

The lowdown

• There are two SAA lengths here: one upstream around the bend, and another downstream through the gate.
• They’re split by a private Iron and Steel Angling Club stretch. SAA members must not fish those intervening pegs — easy one to get wrong.
• The upstream pegs are walk-in only, so expect a bit of legwork before settling into the swim.
• For the downstream section, follow the track to the locked gate. Vehicles are strictly prohibited beyond it.
• Roadside parking is available carefully for anglers using the old Parish Council pegs. Don’t block anything or make a nuisance of yourself.
• The upstream bend is particularly noted for chub. The named fish list also includes barbel, roach, perch, bream, pike and zander.
• This is tidal Trent water, so expect proper movement and changing conditions. Keep an eye on the flow and fish the crease, slack water and any steadier edges.
• Trotting, feeder work and ledgering are the obvious approaches to explore, depending on the tide and what the swim is doing. A bit of colour could make the fish properly switch on.
• Village residents have priority on the leased Parish Council pegs when they want to fish them, so be respectful and give way if needed.
• The normal fishing window is dawn to dusk. Night fishing is allowed, but only with the SAA night permit, and the statutory coarse-fish close season applies from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Try trotting the steadier water for chub, roach and perch, then switch to feeder or ledger tactics for barbel and bream. Pike and zander are also named for the venue, so pick your swim around the flow and features.

Access & tickets

SAA membership is purchased through the association’s Clubmate system. Day tickets are not currently available for this River Trent venue; night anglers need the separate SAA night permit and must meet the two-year membership condition.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• No fishing from 15 March through 15 June inclusive, under the statutory coarse-fish close season.
• Normal fishing times are dawn to dusk.
• Night fishing requires an SAA night permit.
• Night permits are currently available only to anglers who have previously purchased one.
• SAA members must not fish the intervening Iron and Steel Angling Club pegs.
• Vehicles are strictly prohibited beyond the locked gate.
• Carry proof of SAA membership when fishing club waters.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required on SAA waters.

Where it is