River Aire – Bradley Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is upper Aire country, with the association classing Bradley Fishery as a river, trout and mixed fishery. A nice blend rather than a one-trick pony.
• Expect quicker water for trout and grayling, with deeper pools likely to be the better bet for chub and pike. Find the crease where the pace changes.
• The upper Aire fisheries are described as good for trout, grayling and chub. There’s enough variety here to keep both the fly rod and more traditional tackle interesting.
• Trotting should suit the steadier glides and crease lines when the river has a bit of colour. Keep the feed tidy and let the float work through the swim.
• Fly fishing is one of the named river options during the spring restriction period. Small, accurate presentations should come into their own in the clearer runs.
• For the deeper stuff, a feeder approach could be bob on, especially when chub are tucked out of the main push. Fish the edges of the pace rather than just the middle.
• Pike are listed among the species present, but predator work is tightly seasonal. Lures, dead baits and live baits are restricted to 1 October through 31 March.
• The river close season for freshwater fish runs from 15 March to 16 June inclusive. Between 25 March and 16 June, only fly, minnow, worm and artificial lure are permitted on rivers.
• Fishing is normally from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Night fishing isn’t listed for Bradley, so this is a daylight session venue.
• It’s a membership water, and you’ll need the membership receipt as proof of permission. Basic membership covers one rod; a second-rod permit is available separately.

Methods: A flexible approach looks the ticket here: trot or fish the crease for trout, grayling and chub, then switch to deeper pools and suitable predator tactics in the permitted season. Fly, feeder and float work all have a place.

Access & tickets

Bradley Fishery is managed by Bradford No.1 Angling Association as a membership water. Carry your membership receipt as proof of permission to fish; the official venue postcode is BD20 9HE.

Fish the club names

trout, chub, pike, perch

Named by Bradford No.1 Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• The river close season for freshwater fish is 15 March to 16 June inclusive.
• Between 25 March and 16 June, only fly, minnow, worm and artificial lure are permitted on rivers.
• Predator fishing with lures, dead baits or live baits is restricted to 1 October through 31 March.
• Fish must generally be returned, except trout and grayling within the association's stated limits.
• The trout and grayling size limit is 12 inches, and no more than two fish may be taken in one day's fishing.
• Pike of 5 lb or more must be returned alive. Pike anglers must use a 42-inch landing net.
• Fishing is normally allowed from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Dogs, camping, fires, radios, litter, leaving gates open and remote-controlled boats are prohibited.

Where it is