Rivers & Streams
Rivers & Streams
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Two distinct types of river fishing are available to members. First, we have small rivers and streams and then we have broader, slower venues.
The first type includes sections and tributaries of the upper Medway together with higher reaches of the River Rother. They are narrow and mostly shallow, with some fast stretches, pools and weirs. Typically the banks are steep - often densely grown with vegetation - making access a challenge. For this reason you might do well to carry out a scouting mission in advance to pick your target swims. It may also be useful to carry a sickle to hack a way through.
Another tip, especially in winter is to check for high water levels or flooding. Below is a useful link that might save a wasted journey.
Don't let any of this put you off. The fishing can be good and the surroundings delightful. You will hardly see another soul most days.
The second type includes lower stretches of the River Rother: wider, slower flowing and generally deeper.
In some places you will be sharing with other water users such as boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders; maybe swimmers too. Just chill and remember they have as much right to enjoy the river as we do! Sunny summer days will obviously be the busiest ones.
Please note that the close season applies on all Rother Fishery Association (RFA) rivers between 15 March and 15 June. No night fishing is allowed on any of their venues.
The Club has special bait dispensation on its stretches of the Medway and Eridge Stream. This means that fishing for trout is allowed during the coarse close season using natural baits and no soft lures.
Small rivers & streams
Small rivers & streams
Upper River Medway
Upper River Medway
Dorset Arms Anglers control two scenic stretches at Hartfield and Withyham, offering shallow runs, deeper pools and abundant natural features. They are ideal for the roving angler who enjoys trotting for chub, dace, grayling and the odd roach. Trout and perch can also be tempted using fly and spinning tactics.
Eridge Stream
Eridge Stream
Another Club water with stretches from:
Ham Bridge to Hendal Bridge and
Hendal Bridge to Corseley Road.
This tributary of the Medway offers similar conditions and sport to the upper river. Gravelly shallow runs and deep pools are common. Again, trotting is a popular tactic for chub, roach, perch, grayling and brown trout. Spinning tactics are proven for larger trout and perch, with the occasional pike also putting in an appearance.
River Rother, Robertsbridge
River Rother, Robertsbridge
A Rother Fishery Association (RFA) water comprising about 3 miles of narrow stream. It is shallow and fast flowing with some deeper pools. Steep, tricky banks are a feature, as is dense vegetation in summer.
Species: chub, gudgeon, perch, roach, dace, pike and brown trout.
River Rother, Salehurst
River Rother, Salehurst
Another fast-flowing stretch but with a weir section too. The banks are high and difficult in places.
Resident species include chub, gudgeon, perch, roach, dace, pike and brown trout.
An RFA water.
River Rother, Udiam Bridge
River Rother, Udiam Bridge
Narrow and shallow with difficult access down steep banks. Chub are often the target but other species include gudgeon, perch, roach, dace, pike and brown trout.
Narrow and shallow with difficult access down steep banks. Chub are often the target but other species include gudgeon, perch, roach, dace, pike and brown trout.
An RFA water.
An RFA water.
River Rother, Bodiam Bridge
River Rother, Bodiam Bridge
Situated right next to the lovely Bodiam Castle. Being well downstream of the others, the flow is considerably slower and so we see tench, bream and rudd appearing in addition to the usual suspects.
An RFA water.
Wider rivers
Wider rivers
River Rother, Newenden
River Rother, Newenden
The river here is relatively wide, deep and home to a variety of silvers including chub, perch and slab-sized bream. Pike fishing is particularly good in winter.
Pole, float and feeder are all said to work well.
It’s also a popular boating location.
A Rother Fishery Association water.
River Rother, Blackwall Bridge
River Rother, Blackwall Bridge
This stretch of waterway is fen-like, broad and deep. It contains the usual silvers and also carp, tench and pike.
Boats are active, especially near the bridge itself, but quieter swims may be found a short walk away.
Proven tactics include pole, float and feeder.
An RFA water.
Potmans Heath Channel
Potmans Heath Channel
A tributary of the Rother, the channel is wide and shallow; generally 2 to 4 feet deep.
The fishing is mainly for silvers, including quality bream, but carp and tench can be caught too. The pike go to well over 20lbs.
An RFA water.
The Members Area of this website contains more details of locations, including parking.
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