River Medway near Tunbridge Wells

River level

The lowdown

• The big feature here is the weir pool. That gives the stretch a bit of extra depth and character, with the sort of varied water that can fish very differently from the nearby river.
• It’s upper-Medway fishing rather than a wide, uniform river. Expect mixed swims and a blend of coarse and game-fish water.
• Barbel are a major draw, and the stretch has produced many double-figure fish. Proper Medway grunt, especially when the river carries a bit of colour.
• Large chub are present too, so keep an eye on crease lines, steadier edges and the quieter water below the weir pool.
• There are large perch in the mix. They’re a cheeky bonus target around deeper features and any cover or slack water.
• Dace and roach are named here, giving you plenty of classic river fare for lighter tackle and a bit of trotting.
• Grayling and trout are also present, so this isn’t just a coarse-fishing-only sort of stretch. Pike are named as well, adding another string to the bow.
• BDAS describes the venue as suitable for coarse and carp fishing, while the wider waters are aimed at everyone from beginners through to experienced anglers.
• The exact bank length and peg count aren’t published, so don’t arrive expecting a numbered-peg circuit. The parking setup and night-fishing arrangements aren’t stated either.
• For a first look, fish the obvious depth changes around the weir pool, then search the steadier glides and creases. Feeder work, trotting and sensible barbel approaches all fit the mixed river character.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A flexible approach looks bob on: feeder or barbel tactics for the deeper, more powerful water, with trotting for dace and roach and lighter kit for chub and perch. Treat the weir pool as the main feature, then work the glides and creases.

Access & tickets

This is BDAS members’ water. BDAS members can request guest tickets, but the guest must stay accompanied, the request needs administrator confirmation, payment is required and processing is stated as seven days. Non-member requests are rejected.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, perch, roach, trout, pike, tench, bream, carp, rudd, crucian, eel, zander

Key rules

• The venue is part of BDAS members’ fishing waters.
• Guest tickets may only be purchased by BDAS members.
• Guests must be accompanied by a BDAS member at all times.
• Guest tickets are subject to the rules for the specific venue.
• Guest tickets are limited to two per venue.
• Guest-ticket requests require confirmation from the BDAS administrator.
• Guest tickets require payment and have a stated seven-day processing time.
• Non-member guest-ticket requests are rejected.

Where it is