Hertford to Ware Lock — Towpath Fishery Section A

River level

The lowdown

• Section A starts at Folly Bridge, Bull Plain, near the Barge pub, then follows the towpath-side bank behind Waitrose and past the allotments.
• The upper section carries on towards a spill weir and marina before dropping into a long lock cut. It’s a cracking mix of urban and semi-rural-looking water.
• The main river has a gentle flow and is well suited to trotting. Stick-float work is specifically mentioned, with pole fishing a tidy option for roach and dace.
• There’s more depth and steady water in the main channel, while the lock cut is shallower and fishes differently. It flows when the lock opens, so keep an eye on that movement.
• The purpose-built platforms in the lock cut make it a handy section for young anglers. Small fish are present, with larger carp hanging around the lock and moored boats.
• Feeder tactics can pick up the larger bream. A big shoal is reported between the bend and the pump house over the New River, so that area is well worth a look.
• The cover along the rest of the stretch produces chub. Roach, dace and perch add plenty of interest when you fancy lighter tackle and a more mobile approach.
• The lock cut can be a useful fallback when the main river is in flood. It gives you a shallower, more sheltered alternative rather than packing up and going home.
• The River Beane joins downstream of the lock cut, while Ware Lock marks the downstream end of this club section. There’s plenty to explore, so don’t just grab the first swim.
• Access is towpath-based, with parking options around both ends. Hartham Lane is the club’s listed option, and the Hertford and Ware approaches give you a few alternatives.

Methods: Trotting a stick float through the gentle main-river flow is the obvious starting point, with pole tactics for roach and dace. Switch to a feeder for bream, or try the lock cut around the lock and moored boats for small fish and carp.

Access & tickets

The official details point to club membership rather than a confirmed Section A day ticket. Published 2025 membership prices are listed below; check with Ware Angling Club for the current application and fishery arrangements.

Fish the club names

roach, bream, perch, chub, carp

Key rules

• Fishing is subject to Ware Angling Club membership and fishery rules.
• The official page does not confirm whether Section A day tickets are available.
• The official page does not publish specific Section A fishing times.
• The official page does not publish a night-fishing policy for Section A.

Where it is