Dave's Top Tip: Protecting fish stock is more important than catching them
Don’t just think about catching fish — think about protecting them too. Always dip your nets, mats, and unhooking gear before you start fishing.
After dipping, lay them out behind your swim for around 20 minutes before use so they can properly dry and do their job. UV light also helps kill off harmful bacteria and disease between sessions, so clean kit left to air is always a big plus.
It’s a small habit, but it makes a big difference in keeping fisheries healthy.
Worcestershire offers a strong and varied coarse fishing scene, shaped by a mix of slow-moving rivers, canals, and well-established stillwater fisheries. It’s a county where natural waters still play a big role, but commercial and club lakes also provide consistent sport throughout the year.
The River Severn is the standout feature, offering long stretches of flowing water that hold barbel, chub, bream, roach, and perch. Conditions on the Severn can change quickly with flow and colour, meaning anglers often need to adapt their tactics rather than stick rigidly to one approach. Nearby river systems like the Teme also add smaller, more intimate stretches of coarse fishing that reward careful presentation and feature-finding.
Alongside the rivers, Worcestershire has a solid network of canals and stillwaters. The canal system provides steady sport for species like roach, perch, and skimmers, while local club and commercial lakes offer more controlled fishing for carp and mixed coarse species. These venues are often well maintained and can be very productive, especially for anglers focusing on margins, islands, and clear features rather than open-water casting.