Teston Picnic Park

River level

The lowdown

• This is the club’s Teston Picnic Park section, maintained and run by Maidstone Victory Angling and Medway Preservation Society. A tidy bit of river with a proper change of pace between the two sections.
• From Teston Bridge up to Teston Lock, expect shallower, faster water. That’s the bit to look at for active swims, a bit of flow and a more lively river feel.
• Above Teston Lock, the water is deeper and slower. This upper section holds a good head of roach and bream, so it’s the natural starting point if you fancy a bagging session.
• The split is handy when conditions change. Quicker water below the lock, calmer water above it — bob on for choosing a swim to suit the day.
• Trotting is the obvious shout in the shallower, faster section, while feeder work is worth considering in the deeper, slower water. Keep things tidy and fish the crease.
• The upper water should suit anglers targeting roach and bream, with slower swims giving you time to build a spot. Don’t overlook the edges and changes in depth.
• Access is managed by Teston Bridge Country Park, and you’re tied to the opening times of the country-park car park. Check that before setting off.
• There’s no night fishing, and parking is not one to chance. Illegal parking is likely to result in police action, so use the proper arrangements and avoid a needless faff.
• Fishing from the lock structures and the canoe-pass area is prohibited. Keep clear of both and fish the river itself.
• It’s catch and release on MVAS waters. Bring a landing net and unhooking mat, and keep rods attended at all times.

Methods: Trotting suits the shallower, quicker water below Teston Lock, while feeder fishing is a sensible option in the deeper, slower upper section. Fish the crease and work with the pace of the river.

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

roach, bream

Key rules

• Fishing is catch and release.
• A valid EA rod licence is required.
• Anglers must carry a landing net and an unhooking mat.
• Rods must not be left unattended.
• Fishing from lock structures is prohibited.
• Fishing from the canoe-pass area is prohibited.
• Alcohol, fires, camping and picnicking are prohibited on MVAS society waters.
• Tethered or bolt rigs are banned. Live fish, eels, game fish and dead coarse fish are banned as bait; marine dead baits and artificial lures are permitted.

Where it is