Canford Bridge – Dorset Stour

River level

The lowdown

• The fields above and below Canford Bridge are slow and deep, so there’s plenty of steady water to explore. Beside the bridge, the main flow hugs the near bank.
• Access gets patchy downstream, with extensive reeds restricting the bank in places. Don’t expect to wander every inch of the stretch — pick your swims sensibly.
• Roach are the principal target, while large dace shoals add a bit of extra sport. Perch are present throughout and can turn up anywhere with a bit of cover.
• Chub are rarer on this short stretch, but become common a few hundred yards upstream where the river shallows. Worth keeping in mind if you’re exploring nearby water.
• Float fishing can be properly productive in autumn and winter, especially where the flow steadies and you can run a bait through the crease.
• Pike are present throughout the stretch, so the slower, deeper water is well worth a look when you fancy changing gears.
• Salmon and sea trout have both been reported in recent times. The club’s wider species list also names eels and grayling.
• The venue generally receives little angling pressure, which is always a nice bonus. Tread lightly, settle in and make the most of the quieter swims.
• Canoeists and paddleboarders can navigate downstream and may pass through, particularly in summer. Give them room and reset the swim afterwards.
• It’s open all year, with game fishing permitted. A club lock is required or used for access, and there are no toilets listed at the venue.

Methods: Float fishing is the obvious starting point, particularly in autumn and winter. Try the steadier glides for roach and dace, then switch to deeper, slower water for perch or pike.

Access & tickets

Arrange membership or an eligible guest ticket through Christchurch Angling Club; annual membership runs for 365 days from joining. Buy holiday membership before entering, and follow the current guest-ticket page’s one-guest limit rather than the venue table’s two.

Fish the club names

roach, perch, pike, eel, trout, chub, barbel

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

Key rules

• Open all year.
• Game fishing is permitted.
• Maximum of two rods.
• Braided mainline is permitted.
• Members may bring up to two guests.
• Guests must be accompanied by a full-paying club member.
• Dogs are not permitted.
• Canoeists and paddleboarders may pass through, especially in summer.

Where it is