Dawley Angling Society — River Severn, Ironbridge

River level

The lowdown

• The Woods is the upstream section, running from the old power-station fence opposite Ironbridge Rowing Club to the bend opposite the Museum of the Gorge.
• This is generally deep, slow water, with depths reaching roughly 18–20 feet. Proper impressive stuff, so a good plumb and careful feeding are well worth the faff.
• Flood damage means The Woods is mainly natural-bank fishing rather than a neat line of formal pegs. Pick your spot sensibly and watch your footing.
• The Gardens runs through Ironbridge town centre along the Bower Yard side, opposite The Wharfage, and passes right beneath the famous Iron Bridge.
• This middle section has recycled-plastic fishing pegs, with paths and steps improved through an Angling Trust fishery-improvement grant. Much easier access than the rougher bits.
• Downstream, Canyon and Fast Water brings narrow, deep water and a strong push. There are no formal pegs through the canyon itself, so fishing is from natural boulders.
• The lower section has formal recycled-plastic pegs down to Free Bridge at Jackfield, which marks the downstream end of the society water.
• The fast water is the place for proper river tackle. Barbel rods or heavy feeder gear are advised, with barbel to double figures reported downstream.
• Roach, dace, chub, carp, bream, bleak and perch are named for the stretch. Large perch are reported near the tree-lined bank in the lower section.
• Usual river baits, from meat to maggots, can do the business. The river is closed from 31 March to 16 June inclusive, so plan around the season.

Methods: Go river-ready: trotting and feeder work suit the steadier sections, while barbel rods or heavy feeder tackle are the sensible choice in the fast downstream water. Meat through to maggots are noted as effective river baits.

Access & tickets

Buy day tickets online through Dawley Angling Society before fishing, then carry your emailed receipt. Turning up without a prior ticket means buying a £10 enhanced ticket or leaving.

Fish the club names

roach, barbel, chub, carp, bream, perch

Key rules

• The river is closed from 31 March to 16 June inclusive, with no fishing permitted during this period.
• Day tickets must be purchased online before fishing.
• Anglers under 16 must be accompanied by someone aged 18 or over.
• Bailiffs check tickets on the bank. Anglers without tickets must buy an enhanced ticket or leave.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is additionally required in England and Wales.

Where it is