"whats in this river?"
For a start there's water, gin clear (usually), fairly shallow and moving at a reasonable pace.
In that water there are some spotty things which absolutely love maggots! Rainbows, browns and possibly some salmon and sea trout. Plenty of grayling, dace, roach and perch. Maybe some barbel but don't mention them or those from up the Trent way will invade!
There are sure to be a few pike but lobbing a dead bait or lure into these stately waters may be frowned upon and may be met with a volley from a Purdey (best check the rules first).
The bankside lawns will be nicely mowed, all nice and stripey and one should walk on the stripey bit that's "laying away" from you (musn't ruffle the grass the wrong way).
When passing a fellow anlger, bid him/her (note to Nigel: check ladies are allowed on this hallowed turf) "Good day kind Sir" (because he's likely to be a Sir).
Best method: Upstream loose feed (and plenty of it) 3 lively maggots on a 14.