Danery & Farthings Meadow — BAA

River level

The lowdown

• This is a BAA club-water stretch, so you’ll need current membership rather than an EA free-fishing arrangement. Bob on, but get the paperwork sorted first.
• The main draw is barbel. BAA specifically notes the stretch for them, and reports fish to 10 lb — a cracking target when the river has a bit of life in it.
• BAA recommends summer and autumn. That’s when the barbel are likely to be the main event, with pleasure catches reported above 100 lb.
• Keep things simple with a swim-feeder or ledger approach. Both are specifically recommended for fishing for barbel here.
• Pellets, corn and meat are listed as favoured baits. A tidy spread of bait and a patient wait is the name of the game.
• There’s no published total fishable length or peg count, so don’t expect a neat numbered-peg setup. The controlled bank or banks aren’t stated either.
• Danery access is from a lay-by or verge near the bus stop just past the Danery Pub. From there, use the footpath beside the White House to reach the river.
• At Farthings, use the lay-by beneath the bypass bridge. Parking is strictly where shown on the BAA maps, and mustn’t block gates or tracks.
• This one is daytime only. The fishery page specifically says no fishing at night, despite BAA’s wider rule about special night permits.
• Leave no mess, return fish carefully, and remember the Association bans dogs, guns, camping and caravan parking on its property.

Methods: Swim-feeder or ledger tactics are the recommended route for barbel. Try pellets, corn or meat, especially through the summer and autumn period.

Access & tickets

Get BAA membership online, by telephone or by post; the 2026 membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Under-13 membership is free, and night permits must be bought separately in advance from BAA headquarters.

Fish the club names

barbel

Key rules

• Members must hold the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence.
• Members must carry a current BAA membership card while fishing.
• Only members or authorised people may fish BAA waters.
• No fishing at night on the Danery & Farthings Meadow fishery.
• Remove litter and return fish carefully to the water.
• Dogs, guns, camping and caravan parking are prohibited on Association property.

Where it is