Long story short, I used to fish a stretch of river with my old man, never had any issues at all, but it's been some time since I've been down there.

Went for a walk down there the other day and there is fencing around the bank area now, no sign to say 'no fishing' though, except up a far end where the environment agency have a gated section with no unauthorised access/no fishing in that particular section.

The area I am looking at dropping down to, I believe, is owned by the farmer, he runs a little bridge over it to get access to the farmland on the other side. Again, I think he has owed it for years, and I was never told to get off when we used to see him, back in the day.

Would you just drop in and fish it?

I have tried contacting the farmer multiple times but I'm not sure if my messages are being received by him. Tried standing around a few times too but can't seem to be there when he is working.

Obviously it's edging towards river season and I wanted to pre-bait a little, so it's a tough call.

Can always try it.the worst that can happen is told to move on. If you apologise and say you didn't realise and offer him a tenner for the day you could be on to a winner.

In reply to Post #1
Go and see him and introduce yourself, maybe your old man knew him so worth having a chat along those lines. Definitely ask his permission though, if it's private property then once trespassing could end your chances for ever.
An evening could be worth a try to contact the farmer especially if he is not harvesting.

I agree that I would try and find him to ask first. Even if you have decent intentions, him finding you essentially poaching might put him in the back foot and ruin your chances. He must have a front door you can put a note through?

Thanks chaps, will take some bait along and try and catch him to get permission.