Fishery guide · Kent
River Medway
A proper mixed River Medway venue around Maidstone, controlled by Maidstone Victory Angling Society. There’s shallow, snaggy-looking river fishing, deeper winter water, bream, chub, roach, carp, barbel and cracking pike potential.
“7.6/10 — A proper mixed fishery with chub, bream, roach, carp, barbel and strong pike potential across varied river sections.”
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The lowdown
Maidstone Victory Angling Society controls several long stretches of the River Medway around Maidstone, with around six miles available through membership, subject to the current club rules. It’s a proper mixed fishery, and the character changes a fair bit depending on the section you choose. One swim might be shallow and snaggy-looking, while another gives you deeper water, reeds, lilies or a bit of pace to work out.
- 4 lakes: Barming Downstream, Barming Upstream, Yalding-to-Wateringbury, East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch
- Fish: chub, bream, roach, barbel, pike, carp
- Tickets from: Standard day ticket — £7 per day
- Find it: Maidstone · ME15 0LB
Plan your session
Fishery map of River Medway
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
River Medway
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on River Medway
Maidstone Victory Angling Society controls several long stretches of the River Medway around Maidstone, with around six miles available through membership, subject to the current club rules. It’s a proper mixed fishery, and the character changes a fair bit depending on the section you choose. One swim might be shallow and snaggy-looking, while another gives you deeper water, reeds, lilies or a bit of pace to work out.
For day-ticket anglers, the big thing is getting sorted before you leave home. Tickets are available for most MVAS Medway stretches, but they are not sold on the riverbank. The standard price is £7 per day, covering Mote Park, River Medway Barming, Teston Bridge Country Park or Yalding, depending on the ticket selected. The Yalding online ticket is listed at £7.70, including the displayed online product price. Keep the ticket or order receipt with you on the bank.
Barming is a handy place to start if you want easier access and a choice of river types. Barming Downstream runs for roughly half a mile from Barming Bridge, through the car park and into woodland, with around six easily accessible swims near the car park. It is generally shallow, although deeper holes appear below the car-park bend. Summer weed can affect the car-park length, so a bit of looking around before clipping up is a bob-on idea.
Barming Upstream is longer and gives you more variety, with wide deep water, narrower faster water, open banks, wooded areas, lilies and reed-lined sections. Bream generally dominate there, but large chub are present on parts of the stretch, while double-figure carp have increased significantly. Barbel approaching double figures have been caught upstream too. Downstream, chub include fish over 5 lb, with bream, roach and occasional barbel also reported.
The Yalding-to-Wateringbury section is very long, so this is one to plan properly rather than turning up with loads of faff and no idea where to go. Parking is available in former chemical-works lay-bys or near Yalding railway station. Nettlestead church is another access point, although the stiles make it unsuitable for fishing trolleys. The section includes an extended lock cut and natural riverbank. East Farleigh is a deeper option, exceeding 10 ft in places, with winter bream a key target and pike over 25 lb reported.
Tackle-wise, bring gear that lets you adapt: a float or feeder setup for working different depths, plus suitable lure or deadbait kit if pike are on the agenda. Have a wander, watch the pace and margins, and ask MVAS about the best current access and any section-specific pointers before booking. An Environment Agency rod licence is required. Day tickets do not allow night fishing, although MVAS members may fish at night without a separate night permit. The Yalding ticket page gives seasonal closure information, so check the MVAS calendar before booking. And remember, there’s no alcohol on the River Medway water.
Straight from anglers online
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River Medway FAQs
Who controls the River Medway fishing around Maidstone?
Maidstone Victory Angling Society controls the described stretches.
Can I buy a day ticket on the bank?
No. Buy in advance and carry the ticket or order receipt.
What does membership cover?
MVAS membership includes access to six miles of the River Medway, subject to current membership and water rules.
Are group bookings available?
Yes. Group or club bookings are available, with a minimum of 10 pegs at £6 per peg, or £5 per peg for bookings of 20 or more river pegs.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at River Medway. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Maidstone.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking in former chemical-works lay-bys or near yalding railway station. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
ME15 0LB. Heads up: we couldn't confirm this fishery's own postcode, so ME15 0LB is the nearest one to the fishery's map position. It should get you close, but it might be a little off — check the fishery's directions before you set off.
How much is a ticket?
Standard day ticket: £7 per day; Yalding River Medway online ticket: £7.70, including the displayed online product price; Group booking, minimum 10 pegs: £6 per peg; Group booking, 20 or more river pegs: £5 per peg. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Barming Downstream, Barming Upstream, Yalding-to-Wateringbury, East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find chub, bream, roach, barbel, pike, carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Barming Downstream (Not published), Barming Upstream (Not published), Yalding-to-Wateringbury (Not published), East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — Day tickets do not permit night fishing.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Barming Downstream: a short, accessible stretch with shallow water, deeper holes and some proper chub potential.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- chub, bream, roach, barbel, pike
Barming Downstream runs from Barming Bridge through the car park into woodland and is approximately half a mile long. Around six swims near the car park are easily accessible.
The water is generally shallow, but there are deeper holes below the car-park bend. Summer weed can affect the car-park length, so presentation may need a bit of thought. Chub, including fish over 5 lb, are noted here, with bream, roach and occasional barbel also present.
Lake photographs
A look around Barming Downstream
River Medway
Barming Downstream
We’re checking the fishery’s Barming Downstream pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting easier access and a shorter river session
- Chub, bream and roach fishing, with a chance of a cheeky barbel
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a deep, open-water style venue or guaranteed trolley-friendly access throughout
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Barming Downstream
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
Barming Downstream FAQs
How long is Barming Downstream?
Approximately half a mile.
Is there easy access?
Around six swims near the car park are described as easily accessible.
What's the lake record on Barming Downstream?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Barming Downstream that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Barming Downstream?
chub, bream, roach, barbel, pike.
How big is Barming Downstream and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A short, accessible stretch with shallow water, deeper holes and some proper chub potential..
Which baits work well on Barming Downstream?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Barming Downstream further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Barming Downstream get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Barming Downstream?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Medway before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Barming Downstream?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Barming Downstream on a day ticket?
Yes — Barming Downstream is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £7 per day; Yalding River Medway online ticket £7.70, including the displayed online product price; Group booking, minimum 10 pegs £6 per peg; Group booking, 20 or more river pegs £5 per peg (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Barming Downstream?
No — Day tickets do not permit night fishing.
Who does Barming Downstream suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting easier access and a shorter river session; Chub, bream and roach fishing, with a chance of a cheeky barbel. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a deep, open-water style venue or guaranteed trolley-friendly access throughout.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Barming Upstream: a longer, varied section with deep water, faster runs, lilies, reeds and some bigger fish possibilities.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, chub, carp, barbel, pike
Barming Upstream runs from Barming Bridge towards the first field below Teston Bridge and is longer than the downstream section. The MVAS water does not extend to Teston Bridge itself.
There’s a cracking mix of wide deep water, narrower faster water, open banks and wooded areas, plus lilies and reed-lined spots. Bream generally dominate, with large chub, double-figure carp and barbel approaching double figures reported upstream.
Lake photographs
A look around Barming Upstream
River Medway
Barming Upstream
We’re checking the fishery’s Barming Upstream pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy changing approach between deep water, faster runs and margins
- Those targeting bream, larger chub, carp or barbel
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting a simple, uniform canal-style swim from end to end
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Barming Upstream
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
Barming Upstream FAQs
Does the MVAS section reach Teston Bridge?
No. It runs towards the first field below Teston Bridge, but does not extend to Teston Bridge itself.
What features are present?
Wide deep water, narrower faster water, open banks, woodland, lilies and reed-lined areas.
What's the lake record on Barming Upstream?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Barming Upstream that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Barming Upstream?
bream, chub, carp, barbel, pike.
How big is Barming Upstream and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A longer, varied section with deep water, faster runs, lilies, reeds and some bigger fish possibilities..
Which baits work well on Barming Upstream?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Barming Upstream further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Barming Upstream get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Barming Upstream?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Medway before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Barming Upstream?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Barming Upstream on a day ticket?
Yes — Barming Upstream is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £7 per day; Yalding River Medway online ticket £7.70, including the displayed online product price; Group booking, minimum 10 pegs £6 per peg; Group booking, 20 or more river pegs £5 per peg (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Barming Upstream?
No — Day tickets do not permit night fishing.
Who does Barming Upstream suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy changing approach between deep water, faster runs and margins; Those targeting bream, larger chub, carp or barbel. Less suited to: Anyone wanting a simple, uniform canal-style swim from end to end.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Yalding-to-Wateringbury: a very long medway stretch with an extended lock cut, natural bank and more involved access.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, pike
The Yalding-to-Wateringbury stretch is very long, with access less straightforward than at Barming. Parking is available in former chemical-works lay-bys or near Yalding railway station.
Nettlestead church is another access point, but the route includes stiles and is unsuitable for fishing trolleys. The Yalding section includes an extended lock cut and natural riverbank.
Lake photographs
A look around Yalding-to-Wateringbury
River Medway
Yalding-to-Wateringbury
We’re checking the fishery’s Yalding-to-Wateringbury pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers happy to walk and explore a longer river section
- Those looking for lock-cut and natural-bank options
Maybe not for
- Anglers relying on a fishing trolley or wanting a quick, faff-free drop straight into a swim
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Yalding-to-Wateringbury
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Yalding-to-Wateringbury FAQs
Where can anglers park?
In former chemical-works lay-bys or near Yalding railway station.
Is Nettlestead church suitable for fishing trolleys?
No. The route includes stiles and is unsuitable for fishing trolleys.
What's the lake record on Yalding-to-Wateringbury?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Yalding-to-Wateringbury that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Yalding-to-Wateringbury?
bream, pike.
How big is Yalding-to-Wateringbury and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A very long Medway stretch with an extended lock cut, natural bank and more involved access..
Which baits work well on Yalding-to-Wateringbury?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Yalding-to-Wateringbury further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Yalding-to-Wateringbury get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Yalding-to-Wateringbury?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Medway before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Yalding-to-Wateringbury?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Yalding-to-Wateringbury on a day ticket?
Yes — Yalding-to-Wateringbury is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £7 per day; Yalding River Medway online ticket £7.70, including the displayed online product price; Group booking, minimum 10 pegs £6 per peg; Group booking, 20 or more river pegs £5 per peg (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Yalding-to-Wateringbury?
No — Day tickets do not permit night fishing.
Who does Yalding-to-Wateringbury suit?
Good for: Anglers happy to walk and explore a longer river section; Those looking for lock-cut and natural-bank options. Less suited to: Anglers relying on a fishing trolley or wanting a quick, faff-free drop straight into a swim.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch: deep medway water, available to mvas from mid-october, with winter bream and serious pike potential.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, pike
The East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch is available to MVAS from mid-October onwards. It is deep, exceeding 10 ft in places, making it a very different proposition from the shallower Barming Downstream water.
Winter bream fishing is highlighted here, while pike over 25 lb have been reported from the stretch. It looks the one for anglers who fancy settling into deeper river water as the colder months arrive.
Lake photographs
A look around East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch
River Medway
East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch
We’re checking the fishery’s East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Winter bream anglers comfortable fishing deep water
- Pike anglers looking for a bigger-fish opportunity
Maybe not for
- Anglers after shallow, fast water or a summer-only venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch FAQs
When is this stretch available to MVAS?
From mid-October onwards.
How deep is the water?
It exceeds 10 ft in places.
What's the lake record on East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch?
The fishery hasn't published a record for East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch?
bream, pike.
How big is East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Deep Medway water, available to MVAS from mid-October, with winter bream and serious pike potential..
Which baits work well on East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Medway before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch on a day ticket?
Yes — East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch is on the day ticket. Tickets: Standard day ticket £7 per day; Yalding River Medway online ticket £7.70, including the displayed online product price; Group booking, minimum 10 pegs £6 per peg; Group booking, 20 or more river pegs £5 per peg (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch?
No — Day tickets do not permit night fishing.
Who does East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch suit?
Good for: Winter bream anglers comfortable fishing deep water; Pike anglers looking for a bigger-fish opportunity. Less suited to: Anglers after shallow, fast water or a summer-only venue.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
- No
Can day tickets be bought on the riverbank?
Day tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available for purchase on the riverbank.
- No
Does a day ticket allow night fishing?
Day tickets do not permit night fishing.
- Yes
Can MVAS members fish at night?
MVAS members may fish the river at night without a separate night-fishing permit, subject to current membership and water rules.
- No
Is alcohol allowed on the River Medway water?
The club rules state no alcohol on the River Medway water.
- Seasonal
Are rivers open all year?
The Yalding ticket page gives seasonal closure dates; check the MVAS calendar before booking.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Barming Downstream
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
Barming Upstream
carp
Chod or helicopter style over soft weed and silt
Where the bottom drops in and out of holes or there might be soft silt or weed, a pop-up that slides up the leader sits over the muck instead of disappearing into it — no need to find a perfectly clean spot.
- Single pop-up, 2–3in off the bottom.
- Fish it as a single hookbait or with a light scattering of freebies — a big bed defeats the point.
- Cast to likely holes and let the lead settle; don't drag it back.
carp
Light baiting tight to the lily beds
Carp patrol the lily beds on most venues. A handful of bait right on the edge often beats a heavy bed in open water, especially later in the day.
- Walk the bank first and look for bubbling, swirls or coloured water by the cover.
- Bait two or three spots with a few handfuls of chopped and whole boilies.
- Lower or flick the rig in quietly and back your line off with a back lead.
- Keep the drag set tight-ish — fish hooked by cover need turning quickly.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
Yalding-to-Wateringbury
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
East Farleigh Cruising Club stretch
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
pike
Static deadbaits for the pike
A smelly deadbait on the bottom near drop-offs or reed lines is the classic, reliable way to find a lake's pike, especially in the colder months.
- Sardine, smelt or mackerel on a wire trace with semi-barbless trebles.
- Strike early — never let a pike run off with the bait.
- Have a long forceps, unhooking mat and big net ready before you cast.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.6/10 from Tackle Index: A proper mixed fishery with chub, bream, roach, carp, barbel and strong pike potential across varied river sections.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A proper mixed River Medway venue around Maidstone, controlled by Maidstone Victory Angling Society. There’s shallow, snaggy-looking river fishing, deeper winter water, bream, chub, roach, carp, barbel and cracking pike potential.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate River Medway
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