Hartfield to Ham Farm stretch of the Upper River Medway

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper roving water rather than a sit-behind-one-peg sort of job. The river is narrow, fast and tucked away, with plenty of walking between swims.
• Large beds of ranunculus and starwort give the flow a lovely bit of shape. Pick out the creases, heads of glides and little pockets where the current eases.
• The society recommends a small fly setup, which sounds bob on for covering water and searching the quicker runs. Keep mobile and don’t faff about in one swim too long.
• There are native brown trout, plus chub, roach, dace, large perch and grayling. Some grayling may exceed 2 lb, so there’s a proper chance of a special fish.
• Barbel have been stocked on the Upper Medway. Young stocked fish may carry blue spots on the underside, and catches of these should be recorded, measured, weighed and photographed.
• Some parts are isolated and require walking access. Expect a secluded feel, with the surrounding streams fed by neighbouring Ashdown Forest and plenty of notable wildlife around the water.
• Take care on the banks. Some are steep, muddy, slippery or dangerous, and deep water and deep holes may be present. This is one to approach sensibly, especially after rain.
• The wider area is described as an SSSI. Keep an eye out for studded blue butterflies, Dartford warblers, purple emperors, skylarks, woodlarks, lesser redpolls, redstarts and flycatchers.
• It should suit anglers who enjoy covering water, reading a quick river and making a few accurate presentations rather than hammering the feeder. A bit of stealth will be bang on here.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A roving approach with a small fly setup is recommended by the society. Cover the quick runs, glides and softer pockets carefully, keeping mobile through the secluded water.

Access & tickets

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

trout, chub, roach, perch, barbel, barbel, chub, roach, perch, trout

Key rules

• No member under 16 may fish without an adult society member.
• Guest tickets are unavailable during a member’s first year and are only available from August to March.
• Bivvies are prohibited.
• Rods must not be left unattended beyond arm’s reach.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required where applicable.
• Record, measure, weigh and photograph catches of blue-spotted barbel.

Where it is