R
Ron Troversial Clay
Guest
Absolutley no doubt about the answer to that question in my mind. It is The River Trent.
At 174 miles long it is Englands 3rd longest river. It is one of only two English rivers that has a tidal bore. It is one of only a few rivers, including the Great Ouse, that drains from South to North.
It is the nations largest river in terms of the amount of water it drains from the land. And it probably has more tributaries than most of the other large rivers of this country.
The origin of this river's name is shrouded in mystery. The Romans called it: "Trisantona". It later was given the Anglo Saxon name of Treonte. And finally the French - Trent, which means thirty.
Thirty what?
Some say thirty tributaries. Others say it once was home to thirty species of fish.
The River Trent has had a chequered history. Flowing through the potteries and from thence, some of England's most industrial areas, this river was heavily polluted during the latter part of the 19th century. Prior to this pollution, the Trent was probably the most important of the coarse fishing rivers of England. Here some of Englands finest anglers of the time learnt their art. William Baily, Henry Coxon and the Incomparable "Trent Otter" - JW Martin, come to mind. All species were pursued there, including trout and grayling in the upper reaches.
Beween the years 1906 to 1975, the river suffered some of the worst river pollution ever known. Yet a few of us who knew how, did still, catch some excellent roach in its tidal reaches.
During the past 25 years, the river has recovered enormously. Today it is one of, if not England's premier barbel river. Certainly so in terms of numbers of fish. Not only that the bream shoals are are becoming magnificent, the chub - huge and the roach and dace shoals are returning in numbers. To those who know it's secrets, the Trent is also home to some magnificent pike and perch.
Yes to me, The Trent is truly the greatest of English rivers. Maybe not the prettiest in parts but the challenges it gives to anglers cannot be denied.
I remember a southern angler standing once next, to the bridge at Dunham.
"Look at the speed that water moves", he excaimed. "I reckon 20 Thames's have past here in the last 10 minutes."
What do you think is our country's Greatest River?
At 174 miles long it is Englands 3rd longest river. It is one of only two English rivers that has a tidal bore. It is one of only a few rivers, including the Great Ouse, that drains from South to North.
It is the nations largest river in terms of the amount of water it drains from the land. And it probably has more tributaries than most of the other large rivers of this country.
The origin of this river's name is shrouded in mystery. The Romans called it: "Trisantona". It later was given the Anglo Saxon name of Treonte. And finally the French - Trent, which means thirty.
Thirty what?
Some say thirty tributaries. Others say it once was home to thirty species of fish.
The River Trent has had a chequered history. Flowing through the potteries and from thence, some of England's most industrial areas, this river was heavily polluted during the latter part of the 19th century. Prior to this pollution, the Trent was probably the most important of the coarse fishing rivers of England. Here some of Englands finest anglers of the time learnt their art. William Baily, Henry Coxon and the Incomparable "Trent Otter" - JW Martin, come to mind. All species were pursued there, including trout and grayling in the upper reaches.
Beween the years 1906 to 1975, the river suffered some of the worst river pollution ever known. Yet a few of us who knew how, did still, catch some excellent roach in its tidal reaches.
During the past 25 years, the river has recovered enormously. Today it is one of, if not England's premier barbel river. Certainly so in terms of numbers of fish. Not only that the bream shoals are are becoming magnificent, the chub - huge and the roach and dace shoals are returning in numbers. To those who know it's secrets, the Trent is also home to some magnificent pike and perch.
Yes to me, The Trent is truly the greatest of English rivers. Maybe not the prettiest in parts but the challenges it gives to anglers cannot be denied.
I remember a southern angler standing once next, to the bridge at Dunham.
"Look at the speed that water moves", he excaimed. "I reckon 20 Thames's have past here in the last 10 minutes."
What do you think is our country's Greatest River?
