Ashurst stretch of the River Medway
The Ashurst stretch is a proper two-part Medway fishery, running from Ham Farm downstream towards Ashurst railway station. The upper water slows towards the weir, while the deeper weir pool and lower river are more barbel- and chub-focused.
Run by Royal Tunbridge Wells Angling Society · checked 9 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club
River Medway
Ashurst stretch of the River Medway
River level
Measured — Environment Agency
Chafford gauge
Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.
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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready
The lowdown
- This is two quite different fisheries on one stretch, so it pays to have a wander before settling on a swim.
- Upstream, the river slows as it approaches the weir. Carp, chub, roach and dace are all named here, with a reported 26 lb carp from the section.
- The weir pool is the big changeover point. It brings deeper water and a more barbel- and chub-oriented feel.
- Below the weir, barbel and chub are dominant. Quality chub and barbel are reported right through to Chafford Bridge, with barbel to around 14 lb mentioned.
- It’s a snaggy river, so don’t bring dainty tackle and hope for the best. Sturdy gear is the sensible shout, especially when a fish heads for cover.
- Early in the season, plant growth can be seriously heavy. Pick holes carefully and expect swims to change as the vegetation comes on.
- The lower section is quieter than the area around the weir. A cracking option if you fancy a calmer bit of river and fewer distractions.
- There are steep banks, deep water and some tricky access. Take it steady, particularly around slippery slopes, and avoid any swim that doesn’t feel bob on.
- The wildlife is a real bonus, with kingfishers commonly seen nearby and plenty of butterflies, damselflies, egrets, lapwings and sparrowhawks around the valley.
- Barbless hooks are required under the society’s guidance. Keep rods within arm’s reach, and remember that bivvies aren’t allowed.
Methods: Trotting and feeder work suit the mixed upper river, while sturdy barbel and chub tackle is the safer play around the weir pool and snaggy lower water. Keep things controlled near the crease and cover.
Access & tickets
Adult membership
RTWAS application information lists adult membership. Current membership is full and closed to new applicants; a waiting list is available. Confirm current prices with RTWAS.
£100 (as listed 9 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Family membership
RTWAS application information lists family membership. Confirm current prices with RTWAS.
£140 (as listed 9 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Junior membership, ages 12–17
RTWAS application information lists juniors aged 12–17 as free. Confirm current arrangements with RTWAS.
free (as listed 9 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
The stretch is run by Royal Tunbridge Wells Angling Society. Ordinary public day tickets aren’t advertised; membership is currently full and closed to new applicants, with a waiting list available. Guest tickets are restricted as above.
Fish the club names
carp, chub, roach, barbel, chub, roach, barbel, chub, carp, roach, chub, barbel, roach, carp, chub, barbel, chub, barbel, chub, barbel, chub
Key rules
- Barbless hooks must be used.
- No bivvies are permitted.
- Rods must not be left unattended beyond arm’s reach.
- Guest tickets are unavailable during a member’s first year.
- Guest tickets are only available from August to March.
- Take care around steep, potentially slippery banks and deep water.
- Some access is challenging and may not suit anglers uncomfortable on steep slopes.
Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.
GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fishWhere it is
Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.
Community reported
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