River Medway Fordcombe

River level

The lowdown

• This is an upper River Medway stretch near Fordcombe, Kent, with a rural, wooded feel around the river and nearby footpaths.
• The club has access to about half a mile of water. Seven fishing platforms are provided, handy when the banks are high and getting settled into a swim is a bit of a faff.
• The banks are described as quite high, so take care moving around, especially when the river is pushing after wet weather.
• Depths vary wildly, from only inches in places to around four feet. That gives you shallow runs, deeper glides and some cracking changes of pace to pick apart.
• There are some large, deep pools on the stretch. They’re the obvious places to keep an eye on when the river has a bit of colour or the chub are on the munch.
• Chub are one of the principal species, and the club reports considerable numbers over 5 lb. That’s proper river-fish territory, whether you’re trotting or working a bait through the crease.
• Roach are present and grow to a good size. Carp, perch, bream, pike and a few barbel are also named for the stretch.
• The water sits a couple of hundred yards downstream of an area where record barbel were caught in the 1990s. The club says there are only a few barbel here, so treat them as a cheeky bonus rather than the main target.
• Depth can change dramatically after heavy rainfall, with the river becoming very deep. Keep an eye on conditions and don’t underestimate the flow.
• It’s a lovely-looking bit of upper Medway, but access is controlled. Membership numbers are strictly limited, and there may be a waiting list, so sort that before planning a session.

Methods: A versatile bit of river for trotting and feeder work, with the shallow water, deeper pools and crease lines giving you plenty to explore. Chub are the headline target, while roach, perch and the occasional barbel add extra interest.

Access & tickets

Apply to join Rookery Angling Club. Applications are subject to committee consideration, membership is strictly controlled and a waiting list may apply.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, carp, perch, bream, pike, barbel

Key rules

• Access is controlled through Rookery Angling Club membership.
• Any angler can apply to join, subject to committee consideration.
• Membership numbers are strictly controlled.
• Applicants may face a waiting list.
• The official fishery page does not publish a separate night-fishing rule.

Where it is