Ufton River

River level

The lowdown

• This is a rural Kennet venue near Ufton Nervet and Sulhamstead, with towpath, meadows and nearby canal infrastructure giving it a proper mixed river feel.
• It’s double-banked, which is handy, though the exact fishing length and peg count aren’t specified. RDAA gives access details through what3words.
• The upper section is the nippier bit. Faster flow makes it the place to look in summer and autumn, especially when the river has a bit of colour and the fish are on the move.
• Downstream, the river gets deeper and is the better winter bet. Roach are present in numbers here, with deeper swims worth a steady feeder or float approach.
• Chub, barbel and perch turn up in reasonable numbers and can reach specimen size. There are also large dace capable of making proper bags.
• Some big carp and bream are in the stretch too, so don’t assume it’s all trotting gear and tiny hooks. A patient feeder approach could be worth a look in the deeper water.
• The faster upper water should suit trotting and other flowing-water tactics, while the deeper lower section lends itself to feeder fishing and careful line control.
• Summer and autumn look best for the upper section. In winter, concentrate efforts downstream where the extra depth should offer more comfort for the fish.
• Trout and occasional grayling add a bit of variety, alongside the more expected Kennet species. It’s a mixed bag venue rather than a one-species stretch.
• There are two indicated parking points, one upstream and one downstream. The postcode supplied is RG7 4HG, and RDAA provides the exact access points via what3words.

Methods: Trotting the quicker upper section looks bob on in summer and autumn, with feeder work a sensible shout in the deeper lower water during winter. Keep an eye on the crease, depth and flow, and move around to find fish rather than flogging one swim all day.

Access & tickets

Buy the £10 non-member day permit through the Clubmate booking service linked by RDAA. Guest tickets are also listed for Wallingford B.

Fish the club names

carp, bream, roach, perch, barbel, trout, chub

Key rules

• A general permit is required.
• Non-member river day permits are for daylight hours only.
• Fishing is subject to RDAA rules and permitted fishing times.
• Dawn and dusk times are specified in the RDAA rules.
• Fish must be returned quickly with minimum handling.
• Bedchairs, bivvies and brollies with sides are prohibited on river venues except where specifically permitted.

Where it is