Stonar River Stour section

River level

The lowdown

• A proper deep-water section in places, so take care when climbing down to the swims. The banks can be steep and awkward.
• The fishery runs between the sleeper markers and the boundary with Pfizers. Don’t wander into the unavailable stretch between the sub-station and Pfizers bank — that bit is out of bounds.
• Stonar is linked with the Stonar Lake fishery, where roach, rudd and perch are regularly caught at 2lb or more. Bream of 4lb to 6lb are also regularly taken.
• Carp over 30lb have been caught at Stonar, so there’s clearly some serious weight in the place. The brine shrimp in the slightly saline water are said to help fish grow quickly.
• Main access is through the gates from the road between Pfizers and Sandwich. There’s a car park near the roundabout, and vehicles can reach the factory and river banks from this access.
• A second route comes from Sandwich Industrial Estate. The access continues along the road banks as far as The Chalks, giving anglers a fair bit of room to explore.
• Lock the barriers after entering and leaving. It’s a small thing, but an important one on this site.
• The association asks anglers not to disturb nesting birds. No altering swims, digging about or changing the surrounding soil structure either.
• All nets, mats and slings need dipping for at least 15 minutes before fishing. No keepnets are allowed at Stonar until further notice.
• The wider CDAA River Stour water is coarse fishing from 16 June to 14 March. Keep things quiet, avoid excessive light and use only a purpose-designed green angler bivvy if staying out — ordinary tents aren’t permitted.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify particular tactics for this section. Expect deep water and steep access, so fish with sensible tackle and take extra care around the edge.

Access & tickets

Plucks Gutter is CDAA association-members water rather than a published public day-ticket stretch. For 2026/27, the adult two-rod subscription is £184 plus a £75 first-year entrance fee for new adult members; juniors pay £50 plus a £10 first-year entrance fee.

Fish the club names

roach, rudd, perch, bream, carp

Key rules

• The section between the sub-station and Pfizers bank is unavailable for fishing, and Pfizers bank is out of bounds.
• Lock barriers after entering and leaving.
• Do not disturb nesting birds.
• Do not alter swims or the surrounding soil structure.
• All nets, mats and slings must be fully immersed in a dip tank for at least 15 minutes before fishing.
• No keepnets are permitted at Stonar until further notice.
• No fires on association fisheries. Avoid excessive light and noise.
• Only purpose-designed green angler bivvies are permitted; tents are not allowed.
• Carry the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence.

Where it is