Autumn Barbel Fishing | Life on the Bank

Autumn Barbel Fishing is all about keeping things simple for me. I’m enjoying the cooler mornings, and it’s a great time to get after those barbel. Hopefully we’ll get a bit of rain soon to freshen up the rivers and create some really inviting conditions.

Close-up of an angler holding a spool of Korum Smoke Shield 20lb coated braid for Autumn Barbel Fishing. — A closer look at coated braid for autumn barbel fishing.

My simple autumn barbel setup

I want a setup that’s strong, straightforward and easy to adjust to the river in front of me. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. My starting point is a pear lead, with the size depending on the flow, alongside a Bolt & Run Kit.

An angler in an olive jacket and neck gaiter holds a clear packet of Korum Grappler size 10 barbed hooks towards the camera. — A closer look at my size 10 barbed hooks.

For the hooklink, I use 15lb–20lb braid and a size 10 Grappler hook. These are key parts of my autumn approach: dependable components rather than anything overly elaborate. You can explore the tackle range at Korum if you’re putting together your own river setup.

Close-up of an angler holding a curved fishing hook between their fingers, with their face and green clothing blurred in the background. — A closer look at my hook for barbel fishing.

At the business end, I use a 21mm Nash baitscrew on a Slip-D. That completes the basic rig. I’d rather concentrate on getting the presentation right than keep changing components for the sake of it, particularly when a simple approach gives me everything I need.

A man wearing a cap, glasses and a green hoodie holds a clear plastic tub of red bait pellets towards the camera outdoors. — A closer look at my pellets for barbel.

Pellets and a tidy bait presentation

My hookbait is an 8mm Spicy Sausage Pellet-O, with matching pellets in small mesh bags. Sonubaits is worth a look for the bait range. The idea is straightforward: an appealing hookbait with a small helping of loose feed close to the rig.

An angler in a green hoodie and neck gaiter holds two small red cylindrical baits on a thin needle between their hands. — Getting the bait ready for autumn barbel.

A few pellets around a well-presented bait can be all you need. I’m not trying to make this complicated or introduce bait just for the sake of it. For another related approach, have a read of my barbel fishing with meat and pellet post.

An angler in green clothing holds a fishing hook and hair rig with two reddish-brown cylindrical baits close to the camera. — A close look at my double-bait hair rig.

Rivers to try this autumn

There are plenty of great rivers to consider, including the Severn, Trent, Lea, Wye and Hampshire Avon. Each offers a different challenge, so match your approach to the conditions rather than assuming one lead size or swim type will suit every stretch you visit.

An angler holds two rounded, reddish bait parcels wrapped in mesh between his fingers, with leafy vegetation behind him. — My mesh-wrapped bait parcels, ready for the barbel.

Don’t overlook smaller venues either. There’s some fantastic barbel fishing on small rivers to enjoy, and you don’t have to head for the biggest river to make an autumn trip worthwhile. Check local rules and access before setting off somewhere new.

An angler wearing a green cap, glasses and a green and black hoodie holds a fishing rod and reel while gesturing with one hand beside dense foliage. — Rod in hand, ready for autumn barbel.

Switching to maggots as winter approaches

As the water gets colder and feeding slows down, I like swapping the pellet for red maggots. A small offering can be a great way of getting a bite. My winter river fishing with maggots post explores that seasonal change of approach.

A man wearing a cap and glasses holds a large barbel horizontally in both hands in front of leafy bushes. — A barbel I'd be delighted to bring to the net.

Keep it simple, wrap up warm and enjoy your autumn fishing. Be lucky!