TIDAL — Cromwell C2 (lower section) — Ashfield Angling Club (AAC)

River level

The lowdown

• This is the lower C2 section, downstream of Cromwell Weir and the C1 stretch. AAC describes it as quieter than the upper weir area, which should suit anglers after a less hectic session.
• It’s tidal water, so keep a close eye on the river. Levels can rise and fall dramatically, and AAC advises adding roughly five hours to published tide times for Cromwell.
• The club specifically reports large chub at C2, with fish over 7lb mentioned. That’s a serious bit of chub fishing, especially when the river carries a touch of colour.
• Across the Cromwell venue, AAC names carp, barbel, chub, bream, pike and zander. Proper mixed-bag potential, with the bigger fish likely to reward a patient approach.
• The flow and level changes make feeder work a natural shout, while a float can come into its own when the river settles and the pace eases. Keep the tackle adaptable rather than getting locked into one plan.
• Barbel and carp are part of the Cromwell picture, so stronger gear is sensible when fishing the flow. For chub, look for steadier water and quieter edges rather than only hammering the main push.
• The normal river closed-season rules apply. Night fishing is available at Cromwell, giving members another option when conditions and tactics line up.
• Access is referenced from Carlton-on-Trent, using NG23 6NW and 1 Park Farm Cottages, Main Street. Use the AAC venue directions and interactive map, and take it steady on the lane — there are steep speed bumps and local dog walkers.
• Cars should be parked sensibly, using the car parks at either end of the Cromwell section. Don’t drive on grass access areas when wet where venue rules prohibit it, and take all litter home or use the wheelie bins at the lock-keeper’s car park.
• No camping or bivvying in the grass fields behind the stretch. If bivvying, it must be on the actual bank. Small faffs that matter on a club water.

Methods: A flexible feeder approach suits the tidal flow and changing levels, with stronger tackle worth having for barbel and carp. When the river settles, try trotting or fishing steadier water for chub, and consider a specialist approach for pike or zander.

Access & tickets

Day tickets at Stoke Bardolph are for the Road Stretch only; the rest of the club's Stoke water is members-only.

Fish the club names

carp, barbel, chub, bream, pike, zander

Key rules

• The normal river closed-season rules apply.
• Fishing requires valid AAC membership or an applicable club permit or ticket.
• Temporary anglers on guest or day tickets must hold the relevant permit and a current rod licence.
• Guest tickets must be obtained before arrival, and the member must accompany the guest.
• Members must carry current membership identification and rod licence(s) when fishing club waters.
• No camping or bivvying in the grass field areas behind the stretch; bivvying must be on the actual bank.
• Take litter home or place it in the wheelie bins at the lock-keeper’s car park.
• Add approximately five hours to published tide times for Cromwell and take care around dramatic river-level changes.

Where it is