River Medway, East Peckham

River level

The lowdown

• The stretch runs for roughly a quarter of a mile between the A228 and the railway line, on open land linked to a working quarry.
• It’s a proper rural-looking bit of the navigable Medway, although the bridges, railway and navigation features give it a bit of character.
• This is coarse water with pike, bream, barbel, chub, dace, roach and perch listed for the stretch. Plenty to keep things interesting.
• The river should offer a mix of steady runs and quieter areas around the bankside features. Keep an eye out for the crease and any changes in pace.
• Trotting or a light feeder approach should suit the roach, dace, perch and chub when the river is carrying a sensible amount of water.
• Barbel and bream give you a reason to fish heavier when conditions allow, while pike add a proper winter target to the mix.
• The season is listed as all year, so there’s scope for summer roving and winter sessions when a bit of colour gets the fish on the munch.
• Night fishing is permitted, which opens the door to quieter sessions after dark. Just keep everything tidy and considerate around the open land.
• A maximum of two rods is allowed. Barbless and micro-barbed hooks are permitted, and keepnets are listed as allowed.
• Dogs are permitted, but boats aren’t. As ever, give other anglers and the public plenty of room and keep disturbance down.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A flexible Medway approach looks bob on here: trot or feeder for the silverfish and chub, heavier tackle for barbel, and a dedicated pike setup when that’s the plan. Work the pace changes, fish to features and adjust with the river rather than forcing it.

Access & tickets

Fishing is by season ticket rather than an ordinary day ticket. The stretch is run by Thameside Works Angling Preservation Society, a North West Kent fishing society; contact TWAPS for current season-ticket arrangements.

Fish the club names

pike, bream, barbel, chub, roach, perch

Key rules

• Maximum of two rods.
• Boats are not permitted.
• Barbless and micro-barbed hooks are permitted.
• Keepnets are permitted.
• Dogs are permitted.
• Consideration must be given to the public and other anglers.
• Abusive or offensive language is prohibited.
• Alcohol, illegal drugs and other intoxicants are prohibited on society fisheries.
• Loud music and behaviour causing disturbance are prohibited.
• Fires and barbecues are prohibited unless a specific fishery rule states otherwise.

Where it is