Godalming Navigation

Fishery guide · Surrey

Godalming Navigation

Godalming Navigation is a varied River Wey venue managed by Godalming Angling Society, with roughly 8 miles of river and navigation fishing from Eashing towards Guildford. Expect proper mixed fishing, with barbel, chub, perch, pike and plenty of smaller river species in the mix.

“6.7/10 — A varied River Wey venue with reported double-figure barbel, chub over 6 lb, perch over 3 lb and pike to 20 lb.”

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The lowdown

Godalming Navigation is a proper bit of River Wey water, managed by Godalming Angling Society. It’s not a neat little lake with numbered pegs and everything laid out for you. This is river and navigation fishing, with roughly 8 miles under GAS control, running from Eashing near the A3 through Godalming, Farncombe, Shalford and Guildford, down towards the south of Guildford. Plenty of water to get your head around, then.

  • 3 lakes: Eashing, Godalming Meadows, Catteshall Lock to Guildford Rowing Club
  • Fish: barbel, chub, roach, perch, pike, carp, rudd, tench
  • Find it: Godalming · GU7 3HJ

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Fishery map of Godalming Navigation

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Godalming Navigation

Godalming · GU7 3HJ

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The full rundown on Godalming Navigation

Godalming Navigation is a proper bit of River Wey water, managed by Godalming Angling Society. It’s not a neat little lake with numbered pegs and everything laid out for you. This is river and navigation fishing, with roughly 8 miles under GAS control, running from Eashing near the A3 through Godalming, Farncombe, Shalford and Guildford, down towards the south of Guildford. Plenty of water to get your head around, then.

The representative access point is around Catteshall Lock, with public towpath access below Godalming Town Bridge. Fishing is from designated or recognised access points and towpath-side banks, so a bit of planning before you chuck the gear in the motor is a good shout. Godalming Meadows runs from Borough Road Bridge to Catteshall Lock, while the Catteshall Lock to Guildford Rowing Club stretch is a long river/navigation section. The lower Eashing stretch is around three quarters of a mile.

There’s a cracking mix of fish listed across the water. Eashing holds barbel, chub, roach, dace, perch and pike, while the wider fishery also includes carp, rudd, tench, gudgeon, minnow, bream and trout. Chub over 6 lb and perch over 3 lb are reported, along with double-figure barbel. The Catteshall-to-Guildford stretch is also noted for pike to 20 lb, so there’s scope for anything from a busy float session to a proper specimen hunt.

Approach-wise, keep it flexible and let the stretch and conditions guide you. A float setup gives you a handy way to search for roach, perch and other mixed river fish, while feeder gear can be worth considering when targeting chub or barbel. If pike are the plan, the Catteshall-to-Guildford section is the headline water, but livebaiting isn’t permitted under the stated National Trust rules. On a new river, take a wander first, watch the flow and ask the bailiff or tackle shop about current conditions, recognised access and any local quirks.

The season runs from 16 June through 14 March inclusive, subject to local closures and matches. There’s no fishing when the river is in flood, and GAS matches can mean temporary closures. Night fishing isn’t permitted downstream of Godalming Town Bridge, with TVAA also stating no night fishing on its Godalming-to-Guildford Wey Navigation access. Check everything before setting off, especially if you’re travelling for a specific stretch or target.

Practical stuff matters here. There are no toilets on the river and no dedicated club parking along most of the water, although there’s a small car park near Eashing Bridge. Godalming Meadows can be reached from Borough Road or Catteshall Road. Day tickets are available for stretches from Lower Common Meadows downstream, bought for cash from Apollo Angling at Marsh Farm or A&R Newsagents, 7 Meadrow, Godalming; the current amount isn’t published. Day tickets aren’t available for Eashing, Salgasson or Upper Common Meadows. Bring sensible mobile gear, an EA rod licence and a plan for getting in and out without a faff.

We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Straight from anglers online

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Godalming Navigation FAQs

Who manages Godalming Navigation fishing?

Godalming Angling Society manages the fishing as part of its River Wey water.

Are day tickets available everywhere?

No. Day tickets are available from Lower Common Meadows downstream, but not for Eashing, Salgasson or Upper Common Meadows.

Where are day tickets sold?

Apollo Angling at Marsh Farm or A&R Newsagents, 7 Meadrow, Godalming. Payment at the listed outlets is cash only.

Are there toilets or dedicated parking?

There are no toilet facilities and no dedicated club parking along most of the river. A small car park is available near Eashing Bridge.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Godalming Navigation. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Godalming.

Do I need to bring food?

We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.

Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?

Yes — small car park near eashing bridge. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

GU7 3HJ.

How much is a ticket?

We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Godalming Navigation isn't day-ticket water — Eashing, Godalming Meadows, Catteshall Lock to Guildford Rowing Club are members or syndicate only.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find barbel, chub, roach, perch, pike, carp, rudd, tench, bream, trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

3 — Eashing (Not published), Godalming Meadows (Not published), Catteshall Lock to Guildford Rowing Club (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

No — Night fishing is not permitted downstream of Godalming Town Bridge.

Can I bring my dog?

Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Are bait boats allowed?

We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need barbless hooks?

Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.

Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?

It's seasonal — The fishery may close temporarily for GAS matches.

Is it suitable for disabled anglers?

We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need a rod licence?

Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.

When's the best time of year to fish here?

Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.

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