Fishery guide · Warwickshire
River Avon
A handy central Stratford River Avon stretch running from opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre through town to Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge. It’s controlled by Leamington Angling Association, with around 15 pegs and a proper mixed bag of river species.
“7.7/10 — A strong mixed species list covers silver fish, coarse fish, barbel, carp and predators.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
This is a cracking River Avon stretch right in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. The listed water is Recreation Ground and Lucy’s Mill, starting opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and winding through the town centre. Downstream, it reaches Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge. Proper central, then, with plenty going on around the river rather than a tucked-away rural feel.
- 2 lakes: Recreation Ground, Lucy’s Mill
- Fish: roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel, barbel
- Tickets from: 2026/27 adult season ticket — £50
- Find it: Stratford-upon-Avon · CV37 6BA
Plan your session
Fishery map of River Avon
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
River Avon
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on River Avon
This is a cracking River Avon stretch right in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. The listed water is Recreation Ground and Lucy’s Mill, starting opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and winding through the town centre. Downstream, it reaches Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge. Proper central, then, with plenty going on around the river rather than a tucked-away rural feel.
Both banks are available to fish, with approximately 15 pegs listed across the stretch. That makes it a handy option for a few hours on the bank, without the faff of tackling a huge venue. Have a look at the access points before setting off, then give yourself time to find the right swim and check what the river is doing on the day.
There’s a cracking mixed bag of species listed here. Roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel and barbel are all present, so you can keep things flexible. Pack kit for the job you fancy, but don’t arrive assuming one approach will cover every swim. A simple float setup, stronger gear and suitable predator tackle could all have a place, depending on conditions and the sort of fishing you want to do.
The stretch is controlled by Leamington Angling Association. A day ticket costs £3.00 and must be purchased online in advance. Members don’t pay an additional ticket charge for this stretch. The 2026/27 season-ticket prices are £50 for adults, £40 for over-65s, £40 for disabled anglers and £10 for juniors aged 13–18. Children under 13 are listed as free for the 2026/27 season.
Access is spread around Stratford. Lido car park is off the A439 Warwick Road, while pay-and-display parking is available near the Recreation Ground. Greenway car park on Seven Meadows Road gives access towards the Lucy’s Mill end, and Stratford Marina car park is another option. Check the parking arrangements before you go, and ask the Association or bailiff about the best route to your chosen peg.
There are a few rules to get clipped up to before fishing. No night fishing is permitted, and the close season runs from 15 March to 15 June, with fishing open from 16 June to 14 March subject to local restrictions. You’ll need a valid Environment Agency rod licence, landing net and unhooking mat, with no more than two rods. Barbel must not be retained in keepnets. Live baiting and the use of freshwater fish as live or dead bait are banned. Deadbaiting for pike is allowed from 1 October to 14 March, while lure fishing for pike is permitted during the fishing season. Use a wire trace for both, and make sure all treble hooks are barbless.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
River Avon FAQs
Who controls the fishery?
The stretch is controlled by Leamington Angling Association.
Where is the venue?
It is a River Avon stretch in central Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, running from opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre through the town centre to Lucy’s Mill.
Do Association members pay an extra ticket charge?
No. Leamington Angling Association members do not pay an additional ticket charge for this stretch.
What species are present?
The river contains roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel and barbel.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at River Avon. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Stratford-upon-Avon.
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.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — lido car park off the a439 warwick road. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
CV37 6BA.
How much is a ticket?
2026/27 adult season ticket: £50; 2026/27 over-65 season ticket: £40; 2026/27 disabled season ticket: £40; 2026/27 junior season ticket, ages 13–18: £10; 2026/27 children under 13: Free; Day ticket: £3.00. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Recreation Ground, Lucy’s Mill. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Recreation Ground (Not published), Lucy’s Mill (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
No — No night fishing is permitted.
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?
Yes, it's required — An appropriate landing net and unhooking mat are required for all anglers. Barbel must not be retained in keepnets, and all treble hooks must be barbless.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — An appropriate landing net and unhooking mat are required for all anglers. Barbel must not be retained in keepnets, and all treble hooks must be barbless.
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.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Recreation Ground: a central stratford section with access near the recreation ground.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel, barbel
The Recreation Ground section sits in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, with the river running through the town centre. Fishing is available from both banks.
It forms part of the listed Recreation Ground and Lucy’s Mill stretch, which has approximately 15 pegs overall. Pay-and-display parking is available near the Recreation Ground.
Lake photographs
A look around Recreation Ground
River Avon
Recreation Ground
We’re checking the fishery’s Recreation Ground pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a convenient town-centre river session
- Mixed-species fishing for roach, bream, tench, carp and predators
Maybe not for
- Anyone after night fishing, as it is not permitted
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Recreation Ground
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Recreation Ground FAQs
Can I fish from either bank?
Yes. Fishing is available from both banks.
How many pegs are listed?
Approximately 15 pegs are listed for the Recreation Ground and Lucy’s Mill stretch overall.
What's the lake record on Recreation Ground?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Recreation Ground that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Recreation Ground?
roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel, barbel.
How big is Recreation Ground and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A central Stratford section with access near the Recreation Ground..
Which baits work well on Recreation Ground?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Recreation Ground further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Recreation Ground get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Recreation Ground?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Avon before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Recreation Ground?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Recreation Ground on a day ticket?
Yes — Recreation Ground is on the day ticket. Tickets: 2026/27 adult season ticket £50; 2026/27 over-65 season ticket £40; 2026/27 disabled season ticket £40; 2026/27 junior season ticket, ages 13–18 £10; 2026/27 children under 13 Free; Day ticket £3.00 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Recreation Ground?
No — No night fishing is permitted.
Who does Recreation Ground suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a convenient town-centre river session; Mixed-species fishing for roach, bream, tench, carp and predators. Less suited to: Anyone after night fishing, as it is not permitted.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Lucy’s Mill: the downstream end of the stretch, finishing at lucy’s mill weir and the road bridge.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel, barbel
Lucy’s Mill is the downstream end of this Stratford River Avon venue. The stretch reaches Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge.
Greenway car park on Seven Meadows Road provides access towards this end, while Stratford Marina car park is another access option.
Lake photographs
A look around Lucy’s Mill
River Avon
Lucy’s Mill
We’re checking the fishery’s Lucy’s Mill pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after a flexible river session with mixed species available
- Predator anglers fishing within the permitted season and tackle rules
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting a lake-style venue with published acreage
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Lucy’s Mill
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Lucy’s Mill FAQs
Where does this section finish?
The downstream end reaches Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge.
Is there parking for the Lucy’s Mill end?
Greenway car park on Seven Meadows Road provides access towards the Lucy’s Mill end.
What's the lake record on Lucy’s Mill?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Lucy’s Mill that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Lucy’s Mill?
roach, bream, pike, carp, zander, tench, eel, barbel.
How big is Lucy’s Mill and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. The downstream end of the stretch, finishing at Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge..
Which baits work well on Lucy’s Mill?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Lucy’s Mill further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Lucy’s Mill get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Lucy’s Mill?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Avon before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Lucy’s Mill?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Lucy’s Mill on a day ticket?
Yes — Lucy’s Mill is on the day ticket. Tickets: 2026/27 adult season ticket £50; 2026/27 over-65 season ticket £40; 2026/27 disabled season ticket £40; 2026/27 junior season ticket, ages 13–18 £10; 2026/27 children under 13 Free; Day ticket £3.00 (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Lucy’s Mill?
No — No night fishing is permitted.
Who does Lucy’s Mill suit?
Good for: Anglers after a flexible river session with mixed species available; Predator anglers fishing within the permitted season and tackle rules. Less suited to: Anglers wanting a lake-style venue with published acreage.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Yes
Is a day ticket available?
A £3.00 day ticket is available and must be purchased in advance online.
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence required?
A valid Environment Agency rod licence is also required.
- No
Is night fishing allowed?
No night fishing is permitted.
- Seasonal
Is there a close season?
The close season is 15 March to 15 June each year. Fishing is open from 16 June to 14 March, subject to local restrictions.
- Yes
Can anglers use two rods?
A maximum of two rods per angler is permitted.
- No
Is live baiting allowed?
Live baiting is prohibited on Association waters. Freshwater fish may not be used as live or dead bait.
- Seasonal
Can deadbaiting be used for pike?
Dead baiting for pike is permitted from 1 October to 14 March. Lure fishing for pike is permitted during the fishing season. A wire trace is required for both.
- Must
Are landing nets and unhooking mats required?
An appropriate landing net and unhooking mat are required for all anglers. Barbel must not be retained in keepnets, and all treble hooks must be barbless.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Recreation Ground
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Lucy’s Mill
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
bream
Groundbait feeder at range for bream
Bream shoal up and graze over open, silty areas. A steady stream of groundbait in one spot keeps a shoal in front of you.
- Clip up and hit the same spot every cast.
- Start with 8–10 feeders quickly, then recast every 5 minutes.
- Worm, maggot or corn on a size 14–16.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.7/10 from Tackle Index: A strong mixed species list covers silver fish, coarse fish, barbel, carp and predators.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “A handy central Stratford River Avon stretch running from opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre through town to Lucy’s Mill weir and the road bridge. It’s controlled by Leamington Angling Association, with around 15 pegs and a proper mixed bag of river species.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate River Avon
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