Crown Meadows (Bryanston Park)

The lowdown

• This is a proper town-side Stour stretch, with the river sitting neatly beside Blandford Forum. Handy access, but still plenty of classic river water to go at.
• The fishing runs from Blandford Bridge upstream to the Bryanston School boundary fence. The top end is about 500 yards above the weir, so there’s a bit of variety through the length.
• It’s single-bank fishing on the true left bank. Expect a mix of river character rather than a regimented row of pegs — find the crease, quieter margins and any depth changes.
• Large chub are one of the headline fish here. There are also good heads of roach, plus dace, bream and perch to keep the float or light feeder interesting.
• Pike are present too, while tench turn up occasionally. Large carp have reportedly reached 28 lb in the past, so it pays not to fish silly-light if you’re settling in for a session.
• Grayling may show in suitable conditions in the first field near the town bridge. That upper section could be worth a look when the river is carrying a bit of colour and pace.
• Trotting should be bob on for the roach, dace and chub when the flow is right. A feeder gives you another option in steadier water, while baits for chub and perch are worth keeping simple.
• The venue is popular with anglers wishing to night fish. Do take extra care around the access track and bungalow, and be respectful of nearby residents.
• The club specifically warns against fishing the Poplars during or immediately after windy weather. A cheeky bit of shelter can turn nasty quickly, so give that warning proper weight.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Trotting and light feeder work look the natural starting points for the roach, dace, bream and chub, with sturdier tackle sensible where carp or pike might put in an appearance. Explore the crease, quieter water and deeper-looking swims rather than settling on the first peg.

Access & tickets

Day tickets and memberships are obtained through Blandford & District Angling Club’s online Clubmate system. Listed prices are adult membership £50, senior membership £40, junior membership £15, day ticket £8 and junior day ticket £3.50.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, chub, barbel, trout, rudd, crucian, eel, zander

Key rules

• Do not fish the Poplars during or immediately after windy weather.
• Respect residents near the access track and bungalow.
• The Deer Park Lane access gate has a code supplied on the membership card.
• Use the club’s membership and access arrangements for fishing; Crown Meadows is club water rather than an associate day-ticket water.

River level

Where it is