River Medway: Barming Upstream

River level

The lowdown

• The stretch starts at Barming Bridge and runs upstream, but doesn’t reach Teston Bridge itself. The final field past the kissing gate belongs to another club, so don’t wander beyond the limit.
• It’s longer than MVAS’s Barming downstream section and has a proper mixed character. One minute you’ve got a wide, deep area; the next, the river tightens up and hurries along.
• Open banks sit alongside wooded sections, giving you a good change of scene and plenty to look for. Some bank-access improvement work has also been carried out.
• Lilies and other aquatic growth show regularly, with reedy areas dotted along the stretch. Those edges and the crease beside the cover are obvious places to have a look.
• Bream are generally the dominant fish, making this a natural feeder or float water. Find a steady depth and keep things tidy — there should be plenty to get your head down over.
• Large chub are present too, so the quicker water and streamer-lined edges are well worth a look. A controlled trot through the pace could be a cheeky way to nick one.
• Double-figure carp have increased significantly in recent years. MVAS reports plenty of them, although they’re described as difficult to catch — proper wary fish, by the sound of it.
• Barbel are present and can run close to double figures. When there’s a bit of colour and extra push in the river, heavier feeder gear and a bait presented near the bottom could come into its own.
• The season runs from June 16 to March 14, with the river closed from March 16 through June 15 inclusive. Day tickets cover daylight hours only, so plan a bright, sensible session.

Methods: Feeder work for the bream, with a float or controlled trot in the narrower, faster water for chub. For barbel and carp, look for deeper areas, the crease and cover, then fish positively without leaving rods unattended.

Access & tickets

Buy the Barming day ticket in advance through MVAS. It must be purchased before fishing and isn’t available on the bank.

Fish the club names

bream, chub, carp, barbel

Key rules

• The river is closed from March 16 through June 15 inclusive; the ticket season runs from June 16 through March 14 inclusive.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Buy the day ticket before fishing; tickets are not available on the bank and apply only to the specified date and section.
• Carry your EA licence and ticket/order receipt.
• MVAS waters operate on a catch-and-release basis.
• No alcohol, illegal drugs, fires, camping or picnicking are allowed on society waters.
• Rods must not be left unattended. Bait boats are not permitted.
• Live fish, eels, game fish and dead coarse fish are banned as bait. Dogs are not allowed except in public areas; Barming is listed as a public area.

Where it is