By Freddie Sandford | 12th September 2025
After a sluggish start to the season, the UK’s rivers have finally burst into life — and anglers have been rewarded with some spectacular catches. Recent rainfall injected colour and pace back into the waterways, sparking feeding spells and producing some truly memorable specimen fish.
Hampshire Avon Delivers a New PB
Leading the charge was Nigel Kennard, who landed a magnificent 18lb 1oz barbel from the Hampshire Avon. Having already chalked up fish of 13lb 11oz, 13lb 7oz, and 12lb 3oz earlier in his campaign, this latest capture smashed his personal best.
“After a day of rain, the Avon had a little colour and extra pace, so I knew I had to go fishing,” Nigel explained.
Fishing a PVA bag packed with crushed and whole boilies alongside pellets, his rod was away within 30 minutes. A fierce battle through heavy weed followed before he finally slipped the net under his dream fish.
“It absolutely smashed my old PB. I carried on fishing with a huge grin on my face,” he said.
Barbel Bonanza on the Lea
Elsewhere, Julian Barnes enjoyed a prolific spell on the River Lea, banking barbel of 17lb 15oz and 16lb 7oz, alongside a surprise 20lb 11oz mirror carp.
“With the river up and lots of weed drifting through, presentation was tricky,” Julian admitted. “But I felt the wind and rain would spark a feeding spell. Fishing with hard hookbaits to deter crayfish and feeding very little, it all came together perfectly.”
Chub on the Thames
Proving it wasn’t just the barbel that were in the mood, Chris Fogg struck gold on the River Thames, netting a chunky 7lb 8oz chub.
“I’d heard a local stretch was producing, so I decided to give it a go. The bite came at 1am, just as I was about to pack up,” Chris said. His reward was a single but spectacular fish, taken on a boilie hookbait fished beneath an overhanging far-bank tree.
Rivers Back in Form
After weeks of slower action, these captures underline how a change in conditions can transform fortunes for river anglers. With autumn approaching and the rivers now running with colour, many will be hopeful that the next few weeks produce more red-letter days on running water.