Caravan on the Severn-Middle Severn

The Middle Severn

Middle Severn in late summer

A 5lb'er from the Middle River

From below Shrewsbury, the Severn travels in a southerly direction passing though Ironbridge, Bridgnorth, Bewdley, Stourport and down to Worcester. This area in known as Barbel Alley, due to the huge number of Barbel present, but it is certainly more than just a Barbel river. Some fantastic Roach, Dace and Chub fishing can be had in the right conditions.
The Barbel tend to be on average smaller than those from the upper or lower river but there are some big fish caught each year.

My best Middle Severn fish is an 11lb 2oz fish, taken on a flooded river, just outside Bridgnorth, in October 2001 and although most fish average around 3-4lb, there are plenty of 8 and 9’s to target.

A nice fat 8lb'er taken from Bridgnorth

The Middle Severn is the ideal place to come and catch your first Barbel. I have been lucky enough to take many people onto the Severn to do just that and there is no better feeling.

The access is very good with many clubs controlling stretches of the Middle Severn. Birmingham Angling Association probably control more than mos, but their stretches can get busy. Many smaller clubs also control lengths, like Kinver Freeliners and Telford Anglers to name two.

There are also many dayticket stretches and also some free fishing in most of the towns. My advice would be to contact a local tackle shop within the area you fancy fishing, as they should be able to help.

Summer time can be busy on the Middle Severn, with the more popular venues been hammered. Evenings and weekdays can be the best option, as there are still plenty of matches on the Middle Severn most weekends early season.

Mud flats on a low River

Methods tend to be simple feeder rigs, with either Maggot/ Caster/ Hemp or Pellet as bait, and meat still catches plenty of fish, Float fishing can also be very good, but you tend to have to wade out into the river.

TAKE EXTREME CARE WHEN WADING.

I also do well with the freelining method. Flood fishing can also be very good on the Middle Severn. Large meat baits fished with 3-4+5oz of lead, with strong rods and mainline of 10lb minimum. Look for areas that in summer are clean gravel or sand, as these are superb flood areas.

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