River Avon below Severn Meadows Bridge, Stratford Racecourse (Pegs 1–51)

The lowdown

• This is proper lowland Avon country, with meadow and floodplain character around the racecourse. Think open river rather than tight, snaggy jungle.
• The stretch covers pegs 1 to 51, positioned at or beside Stratford Racecourse. That gives you plenty of water to explore, although the exact peg layout and individual swim features aren’t detailed on the club page.
• It’s coarse-fishing water, with the club saying the majority of its fishing is for coarse fish. A nice broad mix rather than a single-species venue.
• The Avon here should suit classic river work when conditions line up: trotting a float through the crease, or putting a feeder across steadier water. Keep an eye out for those pace changes and softer edges.
• With meadow and floodplain around the racecourse, the river has the sort of open setting that can fish well when there’s a bit of colour in the water. Conditions will matter, as ever on a lowland river.
• The club has an active match section, averaging around 20 home matches a year. So there’s clearly plenty of regular competition on its waters, with pegs getting used across the season.
• Species named on the club’s wider official waters information include chub, roach, perch, pike, carp, tench and eels. That’s a cheeky bit of variety for a river stretch.
• The nearby former railway route is now a foot and cycle route, and a former railway bridge crosses the Avon south of the racecourse. Handy local landmarks when getting your bearings.
• The access wrinkle is important: no public day-ticket system or separate parking instruction is advertised for this stretch. Sort your club access before travelling, rather than having a last-minute faff on the bank.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A float or feeder approach looks bob on for this sort of coarse river. Try trotting the steadier runs and working the crease, then switch to a feeder when the flow or depth calls for it.

Access & tickets

Access is through Shipston Angling Club, with members of ADDAC and Stratford-upon-Avon Angling Association also able to fish the water. Check the current club arrangements before travelling, as no public day-ticket booking system or price is advertised.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, pike, perch, carp, tench, eel

Named by Shipston Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing rights are secured by Shipston Angling Club.
• Members of ADDAC can also fish the water.
• Members of Stratford-upon-Avon Angling Association can also fish the water.
• The official club page does not advertise public day tickets for this Avon stretch.
• No official night-fishing permission is stated for the stretch.
• Check current club access arrangements before travelling, as there is no public booking system or current day-ticket information on the official page.

River level

Where it is