G&DAA Upper Stour River stretches

River level

The lowdown

• This is natural river fishing rather than a lake job, with the Upper Stour offering flowing water and a mix of rural and urban-edge character.
• The club describes these as its G&DAA stretches of the Upper Stour, with the precise sections and access arrangements set out in its official river document.
• No official length or peg count is stated, so expect to find your own swim rather than working to a numbered-peg layout.
• The water is suitable for coarse fishing during the permitted river season, which runs from 16 June to 15 March.
• The close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Worth getting that date nailed before packing the gear.
• For a day out, the river ticket is open to anyone and costs £6. It must be bought through the club’s online booking system.
• There’s also a river-only annual membership for £40. A basic annual membership includes the Upper Stour stretches too.
• Think flowing-river tactics: trotting and feeder work are the obvious starting points, adjusting to the pace and depth you find in each swim.
• The checked pages don’t give parking details, so sort access from the club’s official river document before setting off. Don’t block riverside paths or cycleways.
• Night fishing isn’t officially stated as permitted. Keep it to the ticketed fishing terms, follow the river guidance, and return fish unharmed.

Methods: Trotting and feeder fishing are the natural starting points on this flowing coarse river. Pick the approach around the pace, depth and features of the swim you find.

Access & tickets

River day tickets are open to anyone wishing to fish the Upper Stour stretches and cost £6 per day. Buy them through G&DAA’s online booking system; a river-only annual membership costs £40, while basic annual membership also includes the river stretches.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Fish only during the stated river season: 16 June to 15 March. The coarse-fishing close season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• All anglers must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence where required.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Return fish unharmed and use an unhooking mat for specimen fish.
• Do not use crayfish as bait.
• Do not leave a baited rod unattended or beyond effective control.
• Do not obstruct riverside paths or cycleways, and do not light fires on or close to the riverbank.
• Follow Check, Clean, Dry biosecurity procedures.

Where it is