Feildes Weir — River Lea weir pool and towpath section

River level

The lowdown

• The weir pool is the main feature here — deeper and faster than the adjoining navigation sections, with plenty of turbulence and a bit more push in the water.
• Below the lock, the towpath-side River Lea bank gives the stretch its character. Expect varied flow rather than one steady conveyor belt.
• There’s lock structure, weir movement and the nearby River Stort junction to think about. Fish won’t always sit in the same bit of water, so a look around before setting up is bob on.
• It’s a popular mixed-coarse water, with the wider Towpath Fishery offering varied coarse fishing from Hertford down towards Broxbourne.
• The area is close to Hoddesdon, Roydon and Rye House, and the weir marks the start of the Lower Lee navigation area.
• Ratty’s Lane provides access near the Feildes Weir area. Parking there is limited, so don’t block the access — there’s additional parking around Dobbs Weir Road and the Fish and Eels area, subject to local restrictions and charges.
• The Lee Valley Walk gives pedestrian and cycling access around the weir and lock. Handy for having a wander and finding the flow before committing to a swim.
• Day tickets are available on the bank according to the clubs’ official information. The current day-ticket price isn’t published, so bring the right expectations and check locally.
• Fishing is only from designated or permitted banks. Nearby banks and channels may be controlled separately, so don’t just wander onto an appealing bit without checking.
• The named River Lea species list includes carp, chub, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch, pike, dace, gudgeon and bleak. A cracking spread of coarse fish, with the faster water and lock features adding interest.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A flexible mixed-coarse approach makes most sense here: work the quieter edges and creases, then adjust for the deeper, faster weir-pool water. Trotting or feeder tactics may suit the flow, with predator options also covered by the named pike and perch.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available on the bank according to the managing clubs’ official information. Club members fish under the applicable Ware Angling Club or Hertford Angling Club arrangements; the current day-ticket price is not published.

Fish the club names

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

Named by Ware Angling Club and Hertford Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A statutory river close season applies where stated by the managing clubs.
• Fish only from designated or permitted banks.
• Adjoining banks and channels may be controlled separately.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to the local fishing permit.
• Check night-fishing entitlement with the clubs before fishing after dark.
• Follow local parking restrictions and charges, and do not obstruct access near Ratty’s Lane.

Where it is