River Lea Navigation — Broxbourne to Hertford Town

River level

The lowdown

• This is the navigable River Lee Navigation, so expect a canal-style river rather than a stillwater. That usually means a steady, controlled feel to the water, with boats and the navigation itself part of the character.
• The stretch runs through the Broxbourne, Ware and Hertford area. It’s listed separately from the club’s main Waltham Abbey–Tottenham fishery, so don’t assume the rules and access are identical.
• The club describes the associated water as coarse fishing territory. Its named River Lee species include carp, chub, bream, roach, tench, rudd, perch and pike.
• There’s a decent spread of options here. Roach, dace, bleak and gudgeon are the sort of smaller river fish named by the club, while carp, bream, tench and chub add a bit more variety.
• For a natural-looking approach, trotting or light float work suits the river setting. Feeder tactics are another sensible way to search the deeper-looking channel and steady water.
• Perch and pike are also among the species named for the club’s River Lee waters. Keep an eye on the flow and cover, especially around changes in pace and any neater-looking edges.
• The associated waters have a close season. That’s different from the club’s main fishery, where the close-season position is not the same, so check the club’s current terms before planning a visit.
• Night fishing is not specifically stated for this stretch on the checked club pages. Parking details aren’t set out either, so both need checking before you load the gear.
• Fish must be returned immediately, and members need to carry a current club membership card while fishing club waters. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required for anglers aged 13 and over.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Keep it simple and mobile: float or feeder tactics are the obvious starting points on this navigable coarse-fishing water. Roach, chub, bream and the other named species give you plenty to target as conditions change.

Access & tickets

Access is included for anglers with an annual River Lea Anglers Club subscription. The official site does not advertise a separate day ticket for this stretch, and annual membership also includes other associated club waters.

Fish the club names

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

Named by River Lea Anglers Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Annual subscribed River Lea Anglers Club members may fish this associated water.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required for anglers aged 13 and over.
• The associated waters have a close season.
• Fishing must comply with the club’s rules and terms.
• Members must carry a current club membership card when fishing club waters.
• Fish must be returned to the water immediately.

Where it is