Severn & Salwarpe, Hawford — White Swan Piscatorials

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery sits around the Severn and Salwarpe at Hawford, run by White Swan Piscatorials. It’s proper varied water rather than one endless, samey bank.
• The Salwarpe section is around 593 yards of right bank. It has a large population of small fish and can really come alive when the Severn is high.
• There are predators in the Salwarpe too, so don’t overlook the sharper, more interesting-looking bits. The opposite bank belongs to Birmingham Anglers Association and may be used for their contests.
• The Severn section covers roughly 1,062 yards of left bank. It’s generally deep and slow, with some decent carp present. Look for changes in pace and any crease where the steady flow meets something different.
• Accessibility is described as good, although the walk down to the Severn is long. Pack sensibly and don’t fancy carrying a mountain of kit unless you really have to.
• The Severn can rise very quickly. Flood water may cut anglers off from parts of the fishery, so keep an eye on conditions and don’t get caught faffing about at the far end.
• After rain, the access track can turn properly slippery. Use the fishery car park, or the lay-by during wet periods, and take extra care around the busy A449 when turning in or out.
• Fields may hold livestock and electric fencing may be in use. Shut every gate securely, keep dogs on leads, and give the fencing and animals plenty of room.
• The coarse-fishing close season applies across the venue, from 15 March to 15 June. Outside that, trotting, feeder work and sensible pole or float approaches should suit the smaller-fish Salwarpe, while the deeper Severn invites a more patient approach.

Methods: Try trotting or light feeder work on the Salwarpe, especially with a bit of extra colour and height in the Severn. On the deeper Severn, sit it out with a feeder or carp approach, paying attention to creases and steadier edges.

Access & tickets

Club membership is required to fish the water. Guest tickets are booked through Clubmate by 11pm on the day before fishing, and are valid from sunrise to sunset only.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, perch, pike, carp, bream, eel, trout, tench, rudd, crucian, zander, catfish

Named by White Swan Piscatorials across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• The venue is closed to all fishing from 15 March to 15 June for the coarse-fishing close season.
• Members and guests must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence.
• Guest tickets must be booked through Clubmate, are valid only on the booked day from sunrise to sunset, and guests must be accompanied by the responsible club member.
• No more than four guest tickets may be issued to an individual member in one year.
• All gates must be securely closed after use. Livestock and electric fencing may be present.
• Camping, picnics and fires are not permitted without the landowner’s permission.
• Unleashed dogs, fishing from boats and swimming are prohibited. All litter must be removed and rods must not be left unattended.
• Two rods may be used on club River Severn fisheries, subject to the club’s conditions.

Where it is