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Hidden Gems: The Art of Small River Chub Fishing
By Matthew Peplow from Addicted To Angling
In this article, Matt shares his experience of targeting chub fish on the River Salwarpe in Worcester.
There’s a stretch of River Salwarpe in Worcester that not many people know about. I had the pleasure of fishing it at the end of July, in the pursuit of chub.
Where does the River Salwarpe start?
The Salwarpe winds through Bromsgrove and Droitwich and eventually spills into the River Severn near Bevre.
It is a very narrow river, so much so that at some sections, you could practically jump across it.
A beautiful section runs alongside Tapenhall Fishery, and I fancied a little dabble one Sunday after walking it the week before. After a short walk, I came to a swim with a wide bend and a slightly faster ripple running through the centre of it that just cried out to be fished.
Nearest Fishing Tackle Shops: AD Redditch, AD Birmingham & AD Halesowen
What fish are in the river salwarpe?
I have previously fished it on the BAA stretch near the mouth and had great success on small jigs catching pike, perch and chub.
Anglers have also reeled in roach, barbel, eels, and even carp where the Salwarpe merges downstream with the Severn.
Hookbait: I was prepared with a couple of loaves of bread and a bag of hemp in search of some chub. I used a big chunk of flake on the hook.
The weight of the shot and bait is just enough to put a slight bend in my rod tip.
Best Tackle & Bait for River Fishing for Chub
Fishing Rod: The Korum all-rounder rod with the 2oz glass tip is very light, and versatile and gives great bite indication so dropbacks will also be visible as sometimes chub can be quite cautious and finicky feeders.
Loose Bait: I mashed half a loaf of bread with some hemp and river water in my bucket to make a paste which I will use as a ground bait. I drop a couple of handfuls of the bread pulp upstream and make a cast.
Chub Fishing Rig: A simpler yet effective rig. I used a 6lb line straight through to a size Korum Specimen 10 hook and 2 AAA shots 18 inches from my bait on a short piece of line tied on with a three-turn water knot.
Best Bait for Chub
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Holding the bottom hard and trying frantically to shake the hook this fish wasn’t giving up without a fight.
Eventually, after a few minutes, I was greeted with a massive white mouth and the biggest fish of the day at 4lb 7oz.
Fishing for Chub
It wasn’t long before I had my first indication that there were fish in the swim. A small twitch on the tip, the small knock was followed by a perfect bite. The rod tip bowed slowly, and the fish was hooked before I even had time to strike.
Eventually, after a few almost fatal dives into the trees, the fish conceded and found the net. Only a pound or so but most welcome nonetheless, I just knew this swim would hold fish. Another four beautiful similar-sized Salwarpe chub fell to the bread flake in this spot before the bites stopped and I took a walk downstream.
I made a short stop under a large oak tree to have a quick coffee. I held the rod still with the line tight waiting for a tug. The bite came moments later, and my quiver tip bent double.
Luckily, this peg held no sunken trees or underwater obstacles so I could take more time over landing this fish in the net, which felt a lot bigger than my previous captures of the day.
When chub fishing near overhanging trees, employ accurate casting techniques like underhand casts to place your bait precisely without getting caught in branches.
Use a braided line for its superior abrasion resistance, ensuring it can handle the chub's tendency to dart into cover.
Lastly, opt for a medium-heavy rod to provide the necessary strength to steer the fish away from potential snags.
By no means was this chub a monster but it was twice as big as anything I imagined catching from this tiny river.
How to catch chub fish near snags and overhanging trees
Overhanging trees and sunken branches made fighting chub quite hairy. There were several times when I felt the line grating over obstacles that could cut through it at any time.
Chub Fishing Tips
- Slugs! Whilst fishing for chub, I felt something soft wet and slimy under my right hand. I looked down to see the fattest black slug! Said to be one of the best chub baits around, I hooked him in the tail and then swung him out into the flow, where the fish had been showing.
- Watercraft: The flow was so slow here the mirror-like water was still and motionless. I saw some movement at the far end of the swim as a tail broke the stillness, a few moments later it happened again. This was where I cast my line.
- Rigs: Use simple rigs that allow the flake to drift naturally in the flow and still hold the bottom well. If you decide to use a piece of bread crust, add an extra shot by the hook to stop the bait from floating.
I didn’t realise how beautiful this River was. I found several swims on my chub fishing session that I will try to fish over the next year.
Around every bend, there were perfect, deep, weed-filled glides that pike must surely call home. A wobbled sprat or a float-fished roach would hopefully be one’s downfall a little later in the year maybe!
FAQs on River Fishing for Chub
What is the ideal habitat for chub in rivers?
Chub prefer sections of rivers with a moderate flow, often dwelling near features like overhanging trees, weed beds, and submerged structures where they can find shelter and hunt for prey.
What baits are most effective for river chub fishing?
Popular baits for chub include bread (either crust or flake), maggots, worms, and even unconventional choices like slugs. Additionally, artificial lures such as small spinners can be effective.
When is the best time of year to fish for chub in rivers?
Chub can be fished for year-round, but the late summer to early autumn period often yields the best results as the fish are more active and feeding in preparation for winter.
How can anglers avoid snags and tangles when fishing for chub near overhanging trees?
Using accurate casting techniques like underhand cast can help place the bait precisely. Opting for abrasion-resistant lines like braid and using a medium-heavy rod can aid in steering fish away from potential snags.
Are chub known for fighting once hooked?
Chub are renowned for their spirited fights when hooked, often making powerful runs and seeking shelter in underwater obstacles, making them an exciting species for anglers to target.
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