River Arun at Lordings Lock

River level

The lowdown

• This is part of roughly six miles of non-tidal River Arun held by Billingshurst Angling Society, which has been running since 1919. Proper established club water.
• Lordings Lock is the named stretch, near Wisborough Green in West Sussex. The river changes character regularly, so it’s worth having a wander before settling on a swim.
• There are deep gliding bends to pick apart. Look for the crease, steadier water and any neater inside line where fish can sit out of the push.
• Aqueducts and water wheels add plenty of interest to the stretch. They break up the flow and give the river a bit of proper Arun character.
• The fish list is tasty. Large chub are present, with bream to about 6lb and roach over 2lb reported. Tench, large pike and double-figure carp are also in the mix.
• Trotting should be well worth a go where the flow allows, especially for the chub and roach. A feeder gives you another solid option when the river is carrying a bit more push.
• For bream, tench and carp, settle over a sensible area and fish patiently. There’s enough variety here to make a change of approach worthwhile if the first plan isn’t producing.
• Pike are present, but the pike rules are tight: live or dead baits and lures are only permitted from 1 October to 14 March, with suitable heavy tackle and unhooking kit required.
• The society says this can offer some of the best river fishing in this part of Sussex. Lordings Lock is also listed as a match venue in the club’s 2026 calendar.

Methods: Have a proper look first, then try trotting or feeder tactics for chub, roach and bream. For tench and carp, fish patiently; pike work is seasonal and needs the specified heavy tackle and unhooking gear.

Access & tickets

Access is through Billingshurst Angling Society membership. The society does not publish a public day-ticket price for Oakhurst to Bignor.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, pike, roach, chub

Key rules

• Fishing is prohibited during the statutory close season from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• All fish must be returned alive to the water. Fish may not be taken or transferred from society waters.
• Members must carry their membership card while fishing.
• Members should keep to footpaths and riverbanks, and must not damage crops, grass or underwood.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required for members over 16.
• Pike fishing with live or dead baits or lures is permitted only from 1 October to 14 March.
• Hooks larger than size 16 must be barbless.
• Pike anglers must use suitable heavy tackle, a large landing net, unhooking mat and appropriate forceps.

Where it is