River Kennet, Sulhamstead Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery starts at the first metal kissing gate after you follow the towpath from the road. From there, you’ve got meadow stiles and gates to negotiate, so keep things tidy and shut every gate behind you.
• Around 800 yards follows the River Kennet across the meadow. It’s described as medium to fast paced, with the river section finishing where the water drops over a weir.
• The remaining 700 yards runs along the canal. There’s no flow here, and both banks can be fished by crossing the swing bridge — handy when one side is showing more promise.
• The canal can fish well when the Kennet is in flood. Worth keeping in mind when the river is pushing through and carrying a bit too much water for comfortable fishing.
• CALPAC names chub, roach, dace, bream, perch, pike, tench, barbel, occasional carp and brown trout for the fishery. A decent mix, with plenty of options for both running-water and stiller-water tactics.
• On the river, trotting or feeder work should suit the medium-to-fast pace. Look for steadier water and the crease, while the canal gives you a calmer option for more settled presentations.
• The stretch sits in quiet, attractive countryside near Sulhamstead. It’s a proper rural setting, but watch for power cables along the meadow section.
• Parking is only available in the public car park, and the entrance has a 6 ft 6 in / 2 m height restriction. Access is from the public towpath, meadow stiles and gates.
• Day-ticket fishing runs from sunrise to one hour after sunset. Night fishing isn’t permitted, and the CALPAC closed season is 15 March to 15 June.

Methods: The river suits trotting and feeder approaches in its medium-to-fast flow, while the no-flow canal gives you a calmer swim to try. Match the method to conditions, especially when floodwater makes the Kennet push hard.

Access & tickets

Day tickets must be booked in advance through CALPAC’s Clubmate booking system. Members can fish under CALPAC membership access.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, bream, perch, pike, tench, barbel, carp, trout

Key rules

• Day-ticket fishing is from sunrise to one hour after sunset.
• The CALPAC closed season is 15 March to 15 June.
• No more than two rods may be used by one angler.
• Barbless hooks are compulsory, including for pike.
• Fish must be weighed at the bank and returned alive.
• Barbel, carp and distressed fish must not be retained in keepnets.
• Unattended rods must have the hook removed from the water and bait removed.
• Bait boats are prohibited, and bait must not be presented within 1 metre of a visible snag.

Where it is