The River Wharfe.

The River Wharfe at Ulleskelf holds a superb head of barbel and is widely regarded as one of the finest barbel rivers in England. The combination of clean water, natural food sources and varying river features creates ideal habitat for these powerful fish to thrive.

Barbel are prized for their incredible fighting ability. Even a modest fish of 4 to 5lb will test your tackle. They use the current and their muscular bodies to run hard and fast downstream. Typical Wharfe barbel run around 6 to 8lb, and a true double-figure fish of 10lb or more is a rare prize. That rarity is exactly why anglers travel here, chasing the chance of a Wharfe double.

At Ulleskelf, barbel can be caught throughout the season, with the late summer and autumn months often producing the most consistent results as fish feed heavily before the onset of winter. The tidal nature of the lower Wharfe means conditions and feeding times can change daily, so local knowledge is invaluable.

Chub are prolific in the River Wharfe and make for excellent sport in their own right. Often present in the same swims as barbel, they are opportunistic feeders that will take a wide variety of baits, from boilies and pellets to bread, cheese and luncheon meat.

At Ulleskelf the chub run to a good size, with fish of 3 to 4lb common and the occasional 5lb+ specimen possible. They fight well in the Wharfe's current and are a welcome catch on any session.

Chub are particularly active during the colder months when barbel become less active, making them a reliable target from late autumn onwards.

The Wharfe at Ulleskelf holds a healthy population of perch, including some genuine specimens. These predatory fish are ambush hunters, holding tight to features such as rush beds, undercut banks and submerged roots.

Perch are a fantastic species for anglers looking for variety alongside their barbel session. They respond well to lures, small deadbaits and worm presentations, and their distinctive striped flanks and spiky dorsal fin make them one of the most recognisable and beautiful river fish.

Specimen perch of 2lb and above are a real prize on the Wharfe. Fish in this bracket have beautiful rich colouring and provide memorable fishing.

The River Wharfe holds an excellent head of pike, particularly through the winter months when these apex predators become more active. As barbel and chub seek deeper, slower water through winter, pike move into prime ambush positions and feed aggressively.

Wharfe pike can reach impressive sizes. Fish of 10 to 15lb are not uncommon, and the river holds genuine 20lb+ specimens. Winter pike sessions offer a very different experience to summer barbel fishing. They are methodical and patient, with the chance of a truly specimen-sized fish.

Ben runs guided pike sessions from mid-November through to February. These sessions are announced on social media when bookings open. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be first to know.

The Wharfe at Ulleskelf holds a rich head of silver fish. Roach, dace, bream and rudd are all present in good numbers, and a day on the river will often produce a varied net alongside the barbel.

Silvers are a wonderful way to enjoy the river at a gentler pace. They reward light tackle, careful feeding and watercraft, and they are a brilliant species for anglers of any age who simply want steady sport and plenty of bites.

Shoals move with the tidal flow through the day, so reading the water and adjusting your feeding keeps the fish coming. On the right session, the net can fill with a lovely mix of species.