Caravan on the Severn-Lower Severn

The Lower Severn

The Lower Severn at Severn Stoke

A Lower Severn Barbel of 11-8

The Lower Severn is completely different to the Middle and Upper River, which have many similar characteristics, shallow run’s followed by deeper pools. The Lower Severn can be described as a large slow flowing canal.

During the spring, summer and autumn it has heavy boat traffic, both commercial and pleasure as it is only from the lower bit of the Middle River (around Stourport) through Worcester and down to the Bristol Channel the Severn is navigable.

Lower Severn Boat Traffic!

I wasn't till the mid 80’s that anglers cottoned on to the potential of the Lower Severn as a big fish venue. Match anglers were starting to lose “big” fish, and also land the odd one while fishing this area. One or Two “specimen” anglers started using more substantial tackle to hook and land these “big” fish. Word slowly spread, and now, if “big” Barbel are your target on the Severn, the Lower part of the river is the place to be.

For “big” Barbel, I am talking of fish over 9lb, going up to the river record, caught by Howard Maddocks in November 1997 at 16lb 3oz. The Lower Severn must (in my opinion) hold more double figure Barbel than any other river. I also keep on hoping that someone soon will break Howard’s record, as I and many of my mates feel that there are fish on the Lower Severn above this weight but with so many miles of river, it will take a large slice of luck. I suppose this is what keeps us coming back day after day week after week.

The tactic's for tackling the Lower are also far removed from that of the rest of the river. Most anglers use two rod’s, coupled with freespool reels, and terminal rig’s borrowed and adapted from Carp fishing, and main line of 10-12lb.

A big surprise-a 25-10 Common Carp

Hair-rigged Pellet is probably No 1 bait during the summer and autumn, with either PVA bags or large feeders used to loosefeed. Bream and Chub can be a nuisance to the Barbel angler using pellet but they do grow quite big with Chub to 5lb quite common and Bream up to 10lb. My best two Bream last season (2005/6) were 7lb12oz and 8lb 13oz .

Carp also get caught from time to time, I was lucky enough to catch a 25lb10oz Common from the Lower River in 2004. Boilies and particles also do well. During the floods or after dark, large meaty bait’s work well with Garlic sausage being a favourite of mine. Boilies come into there own during the colder weather, single baits with a paste wrap or a small stringer work well.

There are also some great Pike and Zander fishing on the Lower Severn, although I have only been fishing for these for a few seasons so I don't feel qualified to make too many comments.

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