Fishers Green — Old River Lea

River level

The lowdown

• This is one of England’s historically famous river stretches, but it’s not a manicured canal-style job. It has a wild, grown-in feel, with bushes and trees leaning over the water.
• The Old River Lea mixes it up nicely. There are shallow stony runs for a bit of trotting, plus deeper sections where fish can sit out of the push of the flow.
• The holder describes the river as having many fish-holding runs, so don’t just plonk yourself in the first obvious swim. A wander and a proper look could pay off.
• Barbel and chub are the headline river fish, with barbel listed to 16 lb and chub to 9 lb 3 oz. Proper targets when there’s a touch of colour in the water.
• Roach and dace suit a lighter float approach, while perch, bream, tench, carp, trout, gudgeon and ruffe are also named for the stretch.
• Substantial barbel and silver-fish stocking has taken place, so there’s a decent mix of fish to go at rather than one-trick river fishing.
• River fishing is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive. The season runs from 16 June through 14 March, with fishing starting one hour before sunrise.
• There’s no overnight fishing on the Old River Lea. From June to August you must leave by 11 pm; from September to March, be off the river by 10 pm.
• The wider consortium complex includes the Flood Relief Channel, Seventy Acre Lake, Hooks Marsh and part of Langridge/Holyfield Lake, but this listing is for the Old River Lea section at Fishers Green.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Trotting the shallow runs, feeder work into deeper sections and barbel or chub tactics around cover are the obvious approaches. Keep an eye on the flow and fish-holding creases, especially when the river carries a bit of colour.

Access & tickets

Fishing is members-only through one of the Fishers Green Consortium’s member clubs. No public day-ticket price is stated on the holder’s website; check the club route and ticket rules before fishing.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, perch, bream, tench, trout, carp, crucian, chub, rudd, pike, zander, catfish, eel, barbel, roach, perch, bream, tench, carp, trout

Key rules

• Fishing is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• Fishing is permitted from 16 June through 14 March.
• Fishing starts one hour before sunrise.
• The Old River Lea does not permit overnight fishing.
• From June through August, anglers must leave the river by 11 pm.
• From September through March, anglers must leave the river by 10 pm.
• The holder’s extensive and strict rules are printed on the Fishers Green ticket and website.
• Poaching, rule-breaking and interference with park flora and fauna can lead to disciplinary action or bans.

Where it is