RIVER WITHAM/GRANTHAM/LINCOLNSHIRE

South Kesteven District Council allows free fishing wherever access is possible from the riverside footpath through the town: about 2 miles of fishing in total.

The Witham’s limestone geology and good water quality conspire to create a fishery famous for trout up to 3lbs as well as grayling to 2lbs, dace to 1lb, and chub from 2 to 7lbs. Fly-life is abundant, with March browns, large dark olives, mayflies, pale watery olives, sedges and terrestrials of all kinds. You can sight-fishing on Grantham’s heavily-canalised town water.

For locals, favourite patterns include the traditional Greenwells Glory, Kite’s Imperial, Grey Duster and Grey Wulff. Large foam beetles, cast to land with an audible plop, have also shown their value for many anglers.