Last River Session: Cold Season Finale

There’s always a touch of sadness that comes with the last river session of the season. The close season is important, giving the fish a break and our rivers a chance to rest, but saying goodbye for a few months is never easy. With a chill in the air that promised a challenging day, I arrived at the river’s edge determined to make this final trip a memorable one. My mate Dan was due to join me a little later, but I was keen to get started and see if I could tempt an early fish.

A Cold and Quiet Start

The river looked stunning, but it had that cold, clear look that can make the fishing tough. My initial plan was to trot maggots, a classic winter approach that has served me well countless times. I set up my float rod, picturing the float dipping under as it travelled down the current. I spent the first hour or so diligently running the float through promising-looking glides, but it was to no avail. The float remained stubbornly upright, and I didn’t have a single indication. The fish were either not in the mood or simply not where I was putting my bait.

A beautiful winter river scene with fishing gear on the bank. — The river looking cold but full of promise at the start of the day.

A Change of Plan and Instant Results

It was clear the trotting approach wasn’t working. It was time for a change. I decided to switch over to a static ledger rig. My thinking was that if the fish were lethargic in the cold water, a static bait presented right on the riverbed might be more tempting. To give it maximum appeal, I loaded up a small mesh bag with red and white maggots, creating a potent cloud of attraction right next to my hookbait. I cast the rig out into the main flow and barely had time to set the rod on the rest before the tip hammered round! An instant take! The result was a lovely chub, a perfect way to get off the mark.

Double the Action!

Just as I was coaxing the chub towards the net, Dan arrived on the bank. Talk about perfect timing! He grabbed the net, and as he was helping me land the fish, my other rod, which I’d just cast out, absolutely melted off! Dan, being the top mate he is, dropped the net and grabbed the screaming rod while I secured the chub. For a few minutes, it was pure, brilliant chaos. I unhooked my chub, and Dan expertly played what was clearly a much bigger fish. He soon had a stunning barbel on the bank. We couldn't believe our luck – a fish each at the same time! We just had to get a photo of the brace.

Two anglers holding a chub and a barbel on the river bank. — Dan and I with a brace of fish – a chub for me and a barbel for him!

Targeting the Overhangs

With the session well and truly underway, we decided to move swims to target a known barbel-holding spot: a large, overhanging tree on the far bank. These areas are magnets for fish, offering cover and a steady supply of food that gets washed into the slack water behind them. You can find some of the exact gear we use for this style of fishing on our gear page. We carefully placed our maggot feeder rigs right under the branches and settled in for a wait. Winter fishing is often a game of patience. Sure enough, after about twenty minutes of stillness, my rod tip twitched, and then slammed over. Another barbel was on, this one using the flow to give me a real run for my money!

An angler holding a powerful-looking barbel caught from the river. — Another hard-fighting barbel that fell for the feeder tactics.

The afternoon flew by in a blur of excitement and anticipation. We managed one more fish before it was time to pack up, and it was the best of the day. Dan was the captor, and it was a truly pristine barbel that fought like a train. A perfect fish to cap off our last river session of the season.

Dan holding the biggest barbel of the day, a real winter stunner. — Dan with the fish of the day, a perfect end to the river season.

Fishing Tips

Don't Be a One-Trick Pony: If your initial method, like trotting, isn't working within the first hour, don't be afraid to switch. A static ledger with a bait bag like the ones from Korum can be a game-changer in cold conditions.
Maggots are King: Never underestimate the power of maggots in winter. Using them in a mesh feeder bag creates a concentrated scent trail on the riverbed that lethargic fish find hard to resist.
Hunt the Features: In colder water, fish congregate around features that provide cover and respite from the main flow. Overhanging trees, fallen branches, and deep depressions are all prime spots to target.
Patience is a Virtue: Once you've cast to a likely spot, leave it. Don't be tempted to re-cast every five minutes. Give the fish time to find your bait; a 20-30 minute wait is not uncommon for a winter bite.

As the light faded, we packed our gear away with huge smiles on our faces. It was the perfect send-off to the river season. We capped the day with a well-earned pint in the local pub, reminiscing about the session and already making plans for the next season. It’s days like these, shared with good friends, that fishing is all about. You can see more of our adventures over on the main blog page.

A celebratory pint of beer in a classic pub after a great day of fishing. — The perfect way to end the season: a celebratory pint.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to tight lines when the rivers re-open. Remember to fish responsibly and respect the close season. Organisations like the Angling Trust do great work to protect our waterways for future generations.