Let’s start with the River Severn itself. In its upper fast flowing reaches, the fishing begins around Newtown. This area is noted for its trout and grayling fishing but also holds a range of coarse fish from chub and barbel to pike and perch. Many of the river’s tributaries join in these upper reaches including the Vyrnwy, Rhiw and Mule which offer superb game fishing.

The middle reaches are typically classified as the section between Shrewsbury and Worcester. Here the river widens with a mix of shallow riffles, steady glides and deep pools, offering outstanding coarse fishing for barbel and chub to roach, bream, pike, and zander. There are also catches of Salmon in these sections. Two main tributaries join in these middle reaches; the River Tern, and the River Stour, offering a variety of angling opportunities.

Below Worcester the river widens and both the Warwickshire Avon and River Teme join here. These larger tributaries are also noted coarse and game fisheries flowing through unspoilt countryside. The slower glides and pools in these lower reaches offer fishing for all species ranging from barbel to zander. Finally the river becomes tidal below Tewksbury and offers great fishing for bream, roach, and pike. Boat fishing is popular in the middle and lower reaches and there are several operators providing boat hire, along with tackle and guiding if needed.

In terms of stillwaters, this area has possibly the largest network of gravel pits, lakes, and ponds in the country, so the choice is almost endless for both coarse and game fishing, depending on your interest. There is also reservoir fishing on offer too.