Carlton on Trent
A productive stretch of the River Trent best known for its barbel, with specimen fish into double figures and the potential for much larger fish.
Carlton on Trent offers 17 pegs along the River Trent, with a mixture of swims ranging from relatively level cattle drinks to steeper and more demanding banks.
Barbel are the main attraction, with the largest specimens reported in the 13lb to 16lb range. Recent Catch of the Month submissions support the quality of the fishing, including a 13lb 15oz barbel caught in September 2026.
The stretch also holds carp, common bream, roach, pike, eels, chub, dace and ide.
Venue at a Glance
Fishing
Carlton on Trent holds a varied selection of river species:
Barbel
Chub
Dace
Ide
Carp
Common Bream
Roach
Pike
Eels
Ledgering, float fishing, method-feeder tactics and rolling meat can all be used on the stretch.
When targeting barbel, there is no need to automatically cast towards the far bank. The bailiff’s advice is to keep things simple and try fishing around three to four rod lengths out into the faster water.
The period from September through to the river close season can be particularly productive.
Caught at Carlton on Trent
A selection of recent barbel submitted by H&DAA members through Catch of the Month, together with current photographs supplied as part of the venue review. Swipe on mobile or scroll across on desktop to see more.
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Catch photographs submitted by H&DAA members through Catch of the Month and photographs supplied as part of the 2027 venue review. Tap a photograph to view the original.
Access & Parking
Parking is available at the venue, although the distance from the vehicle to your chosen peg varies considerably.
Some of the closest pegs are within approximately 20 metres of parking, while reaching the furthest swims can involve a walk of more than 1km. Choose your peg with this in mind when deciding how much tackle to carry.
Keep the main gate closed at all times as sheep run freely on the land.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies significantly between the 17 pegs. Some banks are steep, while several swims are based around cattle drinks and provide much more level access.
Some of these pegs are within approximately 20 metres of the parking area, but other swims are over 1km away. Members with limited mobility should therefore select their fishing area carefully.
Some Level Pegs
Variable Walking Distances
Natural River Banks
Safety & Respect
This is a powerful river environment. Water levels, flow and bank conditions can change considerably, so members should assess conditions carefully before fishing.
Wildlife
The stretch offers plenty to see away from the fishing. Cuckoos can be heard during spring and greater spotted woodpeckers are among the birds seen around the venue.
Please respect the surrounding countryside, livestock and wildlife throughout your visit.
H&DAA Rules
All members fishing Carlton on Trent must comply with the current Hull & District Anglers’ Association Rules and all venue-specific access restrictions. Remember: no entry before 7:00am, leave by 10:00pm and do not drive beyond the second gate.
Hull & District Anglers’ Association
Membership of HDAA is open to anyone who agrees to abide by our common-sense Fishery Rules. All membership permits run from 1st Jan to 31st December annually. Membership allows angling on most of the Association’s venues from 5.00am to 10.00pm (except Carlton on Trent where the start time is 7.00am).
Members discount scheme - up to 15% off purchases
We have teamed up with shops, companies, suppliers, etc. to offer discounts to our members on production of a valid membership card.
