Fishery guide · Berkshire
Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach is a membership-controlled stretch of canal around Newbury, with proper mixed coarse-fishing potential. Expect classic canal species including roach, perch, bream, tench, chub and pike, with lower-Kennet species such as dace and barbel also associated with the area.
“6.6/10 — A varied reported coarse-fish list gives the canal plenty of angling interest.”
Tackle Index scorecard
Free — we'll tell you when rules, prices or notices change here.
The lowdown
This is canal fishing rather than a tidy little lake venue. The Newbury Reach runs through and around Newbury, Berkshire, with fishing rights controlled on parts of the canal by Newbury Angling Association (NAA). So, think towpath, moving water and a bit of exploring rather than rolling up to a numbered lake and chucking straight in. Proper stretch-by-stretch angling.
- 4 lakes: Four Hatches near Victoria Park, West Mills, Monkey Bridge, River Kennet junction
- Fish: roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel
- Tickets from: NAA senior membership, 2026/27 — £95
- Find it: Newbury · RG14 5AP
Plan your session
Fishery map of Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
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
Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
This is canal fishing rather than a tidy little lake venue. The Newbury Reach runs through and around Newbury, Berkshire, with fishing rights controlled on parts of the canal by Newbury Angling Association (NAA). So, think towpath, moving water and a bit of exploring rather than rolling up to a numbered lake and chucking straight in. Proper stretch-by-stretch angling.
Historically, NAA held rights from Four Hatches near Victoria Park to Aldermaston. The wider Newbury-area waters include canal and river sections, along with private lakes, so check exactly what your membership or access arrangement covers before you sling the gear over your shoulder. That bit is worth getting bob on, especially if you’re planning to move between different stretches.
The fish list is cracking for a canal. Reported species include roach, perch, bream, tench, chub and pike, while the lower-Kennet area is also associated with dace and barbel. That gives you plenty of options, from a light float approach for smaller silvers to a more deliberate session aimed at bigger coarse fish. A sensible first visit would be about finding out what’s showing, then tailoring the tackle rather than taking the whole shed.
There’s no published fishery-specific length for the named Newbury Reach, and no lake acreage applies here. In practice, it’s a case of learning the stretch, watching the water and picking a swim that suits the day. Have a wander first if you can, keep the kit mobile and take a few different rigs. A float rod, feeder gear and suitable pike kit would give you some useful cover, but check the club rules before setting up.
Access isn’t a casual day-ticket arrangement. NAA says it has no day tickets except when fishing as a guest of an existing member, so this isn’t a turn-up-with-a-tenner venue. For the 2026/27 season, senior membership is listed at £95, pensioner membership at £60 with a concessionary Environment Agency rod licence, and junior membership aged 12–16 at £10, with under-12 membership listed as free. A two-rod specimen-permit supplement is listed at £50 for eligible adult categories, and a venue key at £10.
The membership year runs from 16 June to 15 June, and members must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence. Newbury Wharf has public access, visitor moorings and nearby services, while the towpath is open daily there. West Mills, Monkey Bridge, the River Kennet junction and Four Hatches are useful names when checking your intended stretch. No specific opening hours, closed season, night-fishing policy or booking system has been published for this reach, so ask NAA about the latest position before planning a late session or travelling for a particular target.
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.
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Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach FAQs
Where is the fishery?
The reach is in and around Newbury, Berkshire, on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
What species can I expect?
Reported species include roach, perch, bream, tench, chub and pike. Dace and barbel are also associated with lower-Kennet waters.
What does membership cost?
For 2026/27, NAA senior membership is listed at £95, with other concessionary and junior rates also available.
When does the NAA membership year run?
The membership year runs from 16 June to 15 June.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Newbury.
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?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
RG14 5AP.
How much is a ticket?
NAA senior membership, 2026/27: £95; NAA pensioner membership with concessionary Environment Agency rod licence: £60; NAA pensioner membership aged 76 and over: £25; NAA disabled membership with concessionary Environment Agency rod licence: £60; NAA junior membership aged 12–16: £10; NAA junior membership under age 12: Free; Two-rod specimen-permit supplement for eligible adult categories: £50; Venue key: £10. Prices last checked 2026-10-09 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Some lakes need booking ahead. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
4 — Four Hatches near Victoria Park (Not published), West Mills (Not published), Monkey Bridge (Not published), River Kennet junction (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No official night-fishing policy specific to the reach has been found.
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?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
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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Pre-book only
Four Hatches near Victoria Park: a named landmark on the historically referenced naa-controlled length.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel
Four Hatches near Victoria Park is part of the canal stretch historically associated with NAA rights.
It is a canal section, not a separate lake, and no specific acreage or fishery length is published.
Lake photographs
A look around Four Hatches near Victoria Park
Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
Four Hatches near Victoria Park
We’re checking the fishery’s Four Hatches near Victoria Park pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers with the correct NAA access arrangement
- Coarse anglers after a mixed canal species list
Maybe not for
- Casual day-ticket anglers wanting a simple pay-and-fish venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Four Hatches near Victoria Park
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
Four Hatches near Victoria Park FAQs
Can I buy a day ticket here?
NAA states it has no day tickets except when fishing as a guest of an existing member.
Is the section a lake?
No. It is part of the Kennet and Avon Canal reach.
What's the lake record on Four Hatches near Victoria Park?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Four Hatches near Victoria Park 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 Four Hatches near Victoria Park?
roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel.
How big is Four Hatches near Victoria Park and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named landmark on the historically referenced NAA-controlled length..
Which baits work well on Four Hatches near Victoria Park?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Four Hatches near Victoria Park 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 Four Hatches near Victoria Park get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Four Hatches near Victoria Park?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Four Hatches near Victoria Park?
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 Four Hatches near Victoria Park on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Four Hatches near Victoria Park in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Four Hatches near Victoria Park?
It depends — No official night-fishing policy specific to the reach has been found.
Who does Four Hatches near Victoria Park suit?
Good for: Anglers with the correct NAA access arrangement; Coarse anglers after a mixed canal species list. Less suited to: Casual day-ticket anglers wanting a simple pay-and-fish venue.
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
Pre-book only
West Mills: a recognised newbury canal landmark.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel
West Mills is one of the Newbury locations recorded along the canal.
No separate fishery details or acreage are published for this named spot.
Lake photographs
A look around West Mills
Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
West Mills
We’re checking the fishery’s West Mills pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Members exploring Newbury-area canal water
- Anglers happy fishing a mixed coarse canal
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing published peg-by-peg or lake-by-lake details
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish West Mills
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
West Mills FAQs
What fish are associated with the reach?
Reported species include roach, perch, bream, tench, chub and pike, with dace and barbel also associated with lower-Kennet waters.
Are opening hours published?
No official daily fishery opening hours are published.
What's the lake record on West Mills?
The fishery hasn't published a record for West Mills 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 West Mills?
roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel.
How big is West Mills and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A recognised Newbury canal landmark..
Which baits work well on West Mills?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for West Mills 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 West Mills get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on West Mills?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on West Mills?
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 West Mills on a day ticket?
You'll need to book West Mills in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on West Mills?
It depends — No official night-fishing policy specific to the reach has been found.
Who does West Mills suit?
Good for: Members exploring Newbury-area canal water; Anglers happy fishing a mixed coarse canal. Less suited to: Anyone needing published peg-by-peg or lake-by-lake details.
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
Pre-book only
Monkey Bridge: a named point on the newbury canal.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel
Monkey Bridge is listed among the recognised Newbury canal locations.
It forms part of the wider reach rather than being a separately described lake.
Lake photographs
A look around Monkey Bridge
Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
Monkey Bridge
We’re checking the fishery’s Monkey Bridge pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- NAA members checking out different canal landmarks
- Mixed-species coarse anglers
Maybe not for
- Day-ticket anglers without a member guest arrangement
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Monkey Bridge
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Monkey Bridge FAQs
Is booking available online?
No official booking system for day tickets has been found.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes. Members must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence.
What's the lake record on Monkey Bridge?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Monkey Bridge 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 Monkey Bridge?
roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel.
How big is Monkey Bridge and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A named point on the Newbury canal..
Which baits work well on Monkey Bridge?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Monkey Bridge 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 Monkey Bridge get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Monkey Bridge?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Monkey Bridge?
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 Monkey Bridge on a day ticket?
You'll need to book Monkey Bridge in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on Monkey Bridge?
It depends — No official night-fishing policy specific to the reach has been found.
Who does Monkey Bridge suit?
Good for: NAA members checking out different canal landmarks; Mixed-species coarse anglers. Less suited to: Day-ticket anglers without a member guest arrangement.
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
Pre-book only
River Kennet junction: a newbury landmark where the canal and river kennet are noted together.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel
The River Kennet junction is recorded among the Newbury-area canal locations.
No separate access, acreage or fishery profile is published for this point.
Lake photographs
A look around River Kennet junction
Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
River Kennet junction
We’re checking the fishery’s River Kennet junction pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers fishing under the correct NAA arrangement
- Those interested in lower-Kennet coarse species
Maybe not for
- Anglers looking for a fully described commercial fishery
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish River Kennet junction
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
River Kennet junction FAQs
Are barbel and dace present?
They are associated with other lower-Kennet coarse waters in the Newbury area.
Is there a specific night-fishing rule?
No official night-fishing policy specific to the Newbury Reach has been found.
What's the lake record on River Kennet junction?
The fishery hasn't published a record for River Kennet junction 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 River Kennet junction?
roach, perch, bream, tench, chub, pike, barbel.
How big is River Kennet junction and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A Newbury landmark where the canal and River Kennet are noted together..
Which baits work well on River Kennet junction?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for River Kennet junction 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 River Kennet junction get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on River Kennet junction?
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on River Kennet junction?
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 River Kennet junction on a day ticket?
You'll need to book River Kennet junction in advance rather than just turning up.
Is night fishing allowed on River Kennet junction?
It depends — No official night-fishing policy specific to the reach has been found.
Who does River Kennet junction suit?
Good for: Anglers fishing under the correct NAA arrangement; Those interested in lower-Kennet coarse species. Less suited to: Anglers looking for a fully described commercial fishery.
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
- Must
Is access membership-based?
Fishing access is through NAA membership or an existing-member guest arrangement.
- No
Are day tickets available?
NAA states it has no day tickets except when fishing as a guest of an existing member.
- Must
Is a current Environment Agency rod licence required?
NAA members must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence.
- Only if
Is there an official closed season for this reach?
No official closed season or specific season dates have been found for the named Newbury Reach.
- Only if
Is night fishing allowed?
No official night-fishing policy specific to the reach has been found.
- No
Can I book a day ticket?
No official day-ticket booking system has been found.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 9 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
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.
Four Hatches near Victoria Park
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
West Mills
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
Monkey Bridge
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench
Tench love margins and weedy patches. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
River Kennet junction
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.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
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.
tench
Lift method float for tench
Tench feed with their heads down and tip baits up — the lift method shows that bite as the float rising and lying flat.
- Fish the margin at dawn with a straight waggler, locked by a single big shot 2–3in from the hook.
- Rake or lightly bait the swim with hemp, corn and maggot.
- Strike when the float lifts or lies flat. Bread, corn or worm on a size 12–14.
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
6.6/10 from Tackle Index: A varied reported coarse-fish list gives the canal plenty of angling interest.
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.
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Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach is a membership-controlled stretch of canal around Newbury, with proper mixed coarse-fishing potential. Expect classic canal species including roach, perch, bream, tench, chub and pike, with lower-Kennet species such as dace and barbel also associated with the area.”
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 Kennet and Avon Canal – Newbury Reach
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