Dobbs Weir Pool — River Lee Navigation

River level

The lowdown

• A proper towpath-style venue, with the weir, lock and navigation features giving the place plenty of character.
• Fishing is from the recognised towpath bank only, so access is nice and straightforward. No faffing about trying to find the far bank.
• The pool holds a useful mix of coarse fish, including carp, pike, bream, tench, perch, chub and roach.
• It’s the sort of water where a few approaches can work. Float gear suits the silver fish, while feeder tactics are handy when the fish are holding off the bank.
• The weir and lock features should give the water a bit of variation, with quieter areas as well as more obvious flow and crease lines.
• For a chilled session, look for steady water and any spots where the navigation flow eases. Roach, perch and bream can all make an appearance.
• Carp and tench give you a bigger-fish option, while pike add a cheeky predator angle when conditions suit.
• The wider Towpath Fishery runs between Hardmead Lock and Stanstead Lock, with Dobbs Weir included among its waters.
• There’s a close season on the associated River Lee Navigation waters, so check the current club position before planning a session.
• It’s an accessible setting, with parking around Dobbs Weir Road near the Fish & Eels pub, including pay-and-display parking. Keep it tidy and respect the towpath bank.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Float-fishing and feeder work are the obvious starting points for the silver fish, with specimen-style tactics available for carp or pike. Work the quieter water around the weir, lock and navigation features, keeping an eye out for the crease and any steady flow.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available on the bank. Club members of Ware Angling Club and Hertford Angling Club fish the Towpath Fishery free of charge.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• Fishing is from the towpath side only.
• A close season is observed on the associated River Lee Navigation waters.
• Anglers must hold an Environment Agency fishing licence where required.
• All fish must be returned to the water.
• Carp sacks are not permitted on the Towpath Fishery.
• A regulation-sized keepnet is required where keepnets are used.
• Anglers must carry a landing net.
• An unhooking mat is required when targeting specimen fish such as carp or pike.
• Do not cut or damage bankside vegetation, light fires or leave litter.

Where it is