On the long, straight stretches of the South Forty Foot, look for the bridges. The flow of the water often scours out a slightly deeper "hole" under the bridge or creates an eddy behind the brickwork. During high-pressure days or bright sunshine, fish will congregate in these shadows or deeper pockets, making them the most reliable spots on an otherwise uniform drain.
Lincolnshire is the land of the "big drains" and vast horizons. Its fishing is defined by a massive drainage network and slow-moving rivers that require a unique "Fenland" approach. The South Forty Foot Drain (the Black Sluice Navigation) is the backbone of the southern fens, offering miles of deep, consistent water for massive shoals of bream and roach. Unlike the rivers, these drains are man-made and can appear featureless, but they are the lifeblood of the county's match and specimen scene.
The River Witham and River Welland provide the primary river sport, famous for their winter roach and summer tench. In the north, the River Ancholme offers a more sheltered, traditional experience. Away from the running water, Lincolnshire is dotted with high-quality commercial complexes and mature gravel pits, such as Bain Valley and Tattershall Lakes. It’s a county of extremes: you can find yourself on a remote, windswept drain with only the pike for company, or on a busy, manicured lake bagging up on carp.