fishing the river swale

As a novice to river fishing i wondered if anybody may help me in employing the correct methods and baits on the river swale.

I have only just come back to fishing since my school days and i am interested in fishing the swale as it is due to have 90% of its areas open again by the end of november, and i have never really fished a river.

thanks Mike

Hi Mike

It really depends on what you are fishing for. The swale is noted for it's chub and barbel, there are also pike, and some of them quite big. It would also depend on where abouts on the swale you're fishing. For the chub and barbel I'd go for simple leger gear with meat, bread, cheese paste. Keep the gear quite beefy 8lb line minimum cos some of those barbel are animals.

If you could let me know more details I'll try to be of more help.

B4 I moved down tut south the Wharfe, Swale, and Nidd were my stomping ground. Flavoured Truncheon Meat (Curry or Garlic & Curry) On the hook with Heap & Meat introduced by Bait Dropper was excellent for Barbel. Cheese paste and wasp grub (if you can get them) was deadly for the Chub.