Sayers Meadow Fishery, River Wensum at Lyng

River level

The lowdown

• This is a quiet, rural bit of the Wensum, with wet meadow and woodland making up much of the banks. Not many houses or roads spoil the view either.
• The fishery runs for more than a mile, so it’s well suited to roving rather than sitting on one swim all day. Proper mobile float-fishing country.
• The riverbed was re-profiled during the 1988 restoration project, with gravel riffles and pool sequences put back in. That gives you a useful mix of pace and depth.
• Two well-known mill pools add a different gear altogether. Worth including in your wander, especially when the main river is pushing through.
• Chub are the headline draw, with five- and six-pounders reported regularly and the occasional fish around seven pounds. A cheeky target on float tackle.
• Roach and dace are popular too, while perch and pike are present in numbers. Occasional bream turn up, so there’s plenty to keep you busy.
• Brown trout are present, including stocked fish linked with the separate fly-only syndicate. Barbel remain in small numbers after past predation and decline.
• A float rod and mobile approach fit the place nicely. Work the glides, riffles and pool edges, adjusting to the flow rather than getting glued to one peg.
• Access can be a bit of a faff: tracks may be unmade and potholed, with stiles, gates, fences and uneven ground. Leave the car only in authorised parking areas and take care underfoot.

Methods: Mobile float fishing is the main shout here, working the varied flow, gravel riffles and pool edges. Chub, roach and dace are obvious float targets, with perch and pike providing another route when conditions suit.

Access & tickets

You need a valid WACA season permit or a guest ticket, plus an Environment Agency rod licence. Guest tickets cost £10 each, must be obtained in advance, and the guest must fish with a WACA member; WACA waiting lists are currently closed.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, trout, chub

Key rules

• A valid Wensum-ACA season permit or guest ticket and a valid Environment Agency rod licence are required.
• Fish only from authorised areas.
• One rod may be used at a time, except two rods may be used for pike angling.
• Fly-fishing is not permitted unless the angler also holds the separate Sparham Trout Fishery Ticket.
• Lure or pike fishing is prohibited before 1 October.
• No bait boats. Keepnets are prohibited unless specifically authorised.
• Return caught fish alive as soon as reasonably possible, and use an appropriately sized unhooking mat where needed.
• Dogs are not permitted on the fisheries.

Where it is