River Ancholme, North Lincolnshire
We follow lure ace Ryan Dolby along the banks of his local river, which is home to big perch and pike, plus a few surprises
RIVERS across the country are, rightly or wrongly, associated with certain species of fish. The Severn, for example, is known primarily as a barbel river; the Dorset Stour is a chub venue; the Tweed, a salmon river.
Over time, though, these affiliations can change, and locals on North Lincolnshire’s River Ancholme will tell you that the waterway has now entered a new era, as far as the fishing is concerned.
For decades, it was famed for its roach sport, with winter matches drawing anglers from far and wide, all hoping to catch a glistening bag of redfins. While roach are still there, their numbers have declined over the past five years, and the river has now become a hotspot for predator anglers.
There are plenty of quality perch in the Ancholme’s murky waters, with fish over 4lb on the cards. There are quality pike, too, with twenty-pounders possible. The fishing isn’t easy, but for those prepared to put in the effort, the rewards are there for the taking.
Controlled by Scunthorpe Amalgamated Anglers, the river can be fished on a day ticket, making it an ideal spot if you’re looking for a late-season predator fix. As with many waterways, the fish can be localised, particularly in winter, so staying mobile is key to catching.
We recently joined local expert Ryan Dolby on its muddy banks on a blustery day when the river had been dramatically lowered so repair works could take place further downstream.
He’s fished the river since he was nine years old and, despite spending much of his time targeting specimen perch, zander and pike on England’s large reservoirs, this little river holds a special place in his heart.
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“I was down there the other day when it was raining, windy and freezing cold, and although it was a bit of a grueller, I managed a two-pound perch from an area of slightly deeper water,” said Ryan, after I’d pulled up at his home in Immingham, a few miles east of Brigg.
After jumping into his van, before long we pulled up by the B&M store in the town, which the river runs right by. Access is incredibly easy, with the Ancholme being just the other side of the car park.
“The club have put platforms and steps along th
