| Small rivers can produce big chub, and with every chance of a 5lb plus fish, now is the time of year to target them. A simple and mobile approach is all you have to adopt to catch some serious fish from the unlikeliest looking waters.
By small rivers, I mean those of up to about six or eight metres (22ft – 25ft) across. For anglers used to fishing much bigger venues like the Trent, Severn or Wharfe, this will seem tiny in comparison, but the results can be just as gratifying and can require a lot less effort.
The targetAnyone who’s caught a chub before will know what great value they are when caught on balanced tackle. They’re often the only species that will feed during those cold dark months at the end of winter, and even a layer of ice on the river won’t put the mockers on your session. If you can find a hole, you’re in with a chance of a chevin. The fight that a 5lb chub puts up is something to be relished. The species doesn’t grow as big as barbel, but even the smaller fish can be great fun and provide welcome sport when other species aren’t obliging. When fishing a small river, you’re likely to encounter plenty of fish in the 3lb – 4lb bracket, which will provide an exciting and fulfilling session. Part of the thrill of chub fishing is that you can never truly know what size fish will take your bait. They have big rubbery lips round their enormous mouths, and a fish of 2lbs will easily gobble a bait that you’ve put on with a five pounder in mind.
Kit for the jobBut before you load the car and head to the river, take a look at the kit that you’ve assembled. You can almost certainly halve it then get rid of some more before you leave. The types of swim that you’ll be fishing on a small river are unlikely to produce more than one fish before they need resting. This makes it essential to take only the kit you really need, as mobility is the key to this type of approach. There are a few things to bear in mind when selecting what kit to take. You need to be comfortable or your concentration will lapse and you’ll end up missing bites. Having said that, you won’t need the type of chair that an all-day static session would require. A light tripod-type stool will do the job and many swims provide the type of bank that lends itself to being sat on directly, requiring only a decent pair of waterproof trousers. This also gives you the advantage of keeping low in a swim and avoiding being silhouetted against the skyline, which could spook any fish that are present. Don’t get too comfortable as it can lead to spending too much time in a swim that either hasn’t produced a fish, or is unlikely to produce another if you’ve already landed one. The temptation for one last cast can be far too strong if you have so much gear with you that the thought of gathering it up prevents you from moving on. This will lead to precious fishing time not being used to its full potential or worse, being wasted. For a session of this type I take a rucksack containing a small tackle box that has all the terminal tackle I’ll need, such as spare leger bombs, hooks, a disgorger etc. Everything else I might need will be in the bag too. Scales and weigh sling, forceps, camera, waterproof and maybe a flask and a sandwich if there’s space! I keep bait in the pockets of a bait apron that I wear. This makes it easily accessible and provides an extra layer of clothing, always useful when fishing at this time of year. I carry my rod, bank sticks, landing net and stool in my hands and that really is all you need. You can gather up this small amount of gear and be on your way to the next swim in a matter of seconds, ready for the next knee-trembling knock on the quiver.
Rods and rigsFishing for chub in small rivers offers the chance for some great sport on relatively light gear. An Avon type rod with a 1  When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community.
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