Match Fishing Clinic

High-Level Hysteria
With the rivers being a little ‘out of sorts’ of late, I was wondering if it is still worth me fishing them and how would you go about approaching a venue that could possibly be difficult to fish?
Frank Jones, Warwickshire

Fishing rivers that are on the high side is something that I really enjoy. It is perhaps the ultimate challenge. The first thing you need to get your head around is that river fish always have to feed and this is particularly the case when the rivers are raging. They expend a lot of energy fighting against the flow so they must eat to replenish that energy. This is great news and means that even if the fishing is going to be tough, there will always be a few bites to be had.

The river needs to be approached in a slightly different manner, however. Although I am in no doubt that a lot of fish will sit out in the raging flow, fishing for them out there is a tough and almost impossible proposition. This needn’t be a bad thing, though, and quite often the closer to your own bank that you fish, the more you will catch!

This can be taken to extremes too and I have had matches where I have caught well literally inches from my own bank. This is usually in extreme conditions when small fish are seeking refuge.

Watercraft really comes in handy in this situation and ‘reading’ the river is vital. Look for slacks and eddies on the near side. Anything that decreases the flow will always hold fish.

As for tactics, the pole feeder, normal feeder and flat float will all produce. All three of these present a static bait and will help you get among fish. The pole feeder is probably the most reliable tactic. It is very simple to fish and is really exciting! (There is a great feature on this method elsewhere in this issue – Ed) As for baits, larger fish are usually the target so opt for baits that give you a chance of a big fish. Worms in their various guises are always popular while casters and maggots are a must. Groundbait is also necessary and strong-smelling mixes are ideal – something like Dynamite Silver X Bream.

It can pay to be positive on flooded rivers and that goes for both tactics and feeding.