Stour Provost/Rectory Straight

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper mixed fishery, with the association highlighting good bags of chub and big perch at the upstream end.
• The upstream boundary starts at the bottom of the Highbridge stretch, at Peg 18. Handy marker if you’re finding your bearings.
• Peg 8 is Lucky Dip, one of the standout swims. It can produce large bags of roach and bream, so well worth a serious look.
• Rectory Straight usually holds small roach, with dace also present. A lighter approach should be bob on here.
• Downstream, Peg 1 is known as the Steps. The water then continues into the Stour Provost mill pool and the lower pegs.
• The mill pool and downstream pegs can hold chub, big roach and big carp. A cracking bit of variety if you fancy changing gear.
• Upstream is the place mentioned for good chub bags and big perch. Keep an eye on the pace and fish the crease where the flow gives you a proper line.
• Access is from the bottom of Mill Lane in Stour Provost, with parking on the hard standing behind the new garages. River access is through the small gate at the end of the lane.
• Most anglers follow the footpath around the Mill House garden and over the bridge. Pegs 24-29 are reached without crossing the bridge, using the track down to the river.
• The association asks anglers to respect this access privilege. Don’t faff about, shut gates properly and keep the route tidy.

Methods: Trotting and light float work should suit the roach, dace and bream, while feeder tactics can cover the deeper or more settled water. Step up the tackle for chub, perch and the bigger carp reported in the mill pool and downstream pegs.

Access & tickets

River day tickets are open to anyone wishing to fish the Upper Stour stretches and cost £6 per day. Buy them through G&DAA’s online booking system; a river-only annual membership costs £40, while basic annual membership also includes the river stretches.

Fish the club names

bream, chub, carp, roach, perch, pike, eel, trout

Named by Gillingham & District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Anglers must hold a current Environment Agency rod licence.
• Anglers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• River membership applies to the association's Upper Stour waters between 16 June and 15 March.
• River day tickets are available during the course-fishing season.
• Anglers must respect the access privilege.
• The association's published ticket information does not confirm night fishing for this stretch.

Where it is