River Trent – A513 near Stafford, downstream from Meadowlane Bridge, Little Haywood

River level

The lowdown

• • This is a short stretch below Weetman’s Bridge, where Meadow Lane crosses the Trent. Don’t expect miles of wandering water — it’s a compact bit of river, but there’s a fair mix in it.
• • The river has varied pace and depth, which gives you options. Long glides are the obvious float-fishing draw, while the quicker water can be worth a look when conditions are right.
• • Trotting is bang on here. Send maggots through the glides for roach, dace and chub, keeping the bait moving naturally through the crease.
• • Faster, well-oxygenated runs are the places to investigate for the occasional barbel. Meat, pellets or boilies are the club’s suggested bait options.
• • Deep slack water can hold silverfish and predators. A feeder with maggots, groundbait or pellets gives you a flexible way into mixed fish.
• • There are vegetated banks and overhanging trees, so expect some useful cover and the odd awkward cast. Pick your swim carefully and avoid making a right old racket.
• • Pike are mentioned for the slower, deeper water. Spinners or deadbaits are the approaches listed for having a go at them.
• • The official waters information lists perch, roach, dace and chub as majority species. The rivers page also mentions large shoals of chub and perch, plus usual silverfish and occasional barbel.
• • Parking is available on the A513 next to Meadow Lane bridge. Access is through a fence beside the bridge, with fishing from the east side.
• • It’s a club-licence venue, so sort the IWSAA membership before setting off. The licence handbook includes maps, directions, parking details and site-specific rules.

Methods: Trotting maggots through the long glides is the neat starting point for roach, dace and chub. Switch to feeder tactics for mixed silverfish, or try meat, pellets and boilies in the quicker runs for barbel; spinners or deadbaits suit the deeper slack water for pike.

Access & tickets

Fishing is for Izaak Walton Stafford Anglers Association members with a valid membership licence. The 2026/27 membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March; the licence handbook includes maps, directions, parking and site-specific rules.

Fish the club names

perch, roach, chub, barbel

Key rules

• Fishing requires an Izaak Walton Stafford Anglers Association membership licence.
• Anglers must carry their valid licence while fishing.
• The licence must be shown when requested by bailiffs.
• Fishing is from the east side of the bridge.
• Access is via the fence beside Meadow Lane.

Where it is