Lower River Arun, Arundel to Ford Railway Bridge

River level

The lowdown

• This is the lower River Arun, running downstream from the historic town of Arundel to Ford Railway Bridge. Arundel Castle sits prominently above the river, so there’s a cracking bit of scenery while you fish.
• The whole stretch is mainly tidal. Levels move about, the flow can pull hard and the river’s character changes with the tide. Keep an eye on the water rather than settling in blindly.
• Fishing is on the right bank, and it’s described as free. That’s a tidy bonus, though you’ll still need the right Environment Agency rod licence.
• Mullet are specifically mentioned as a target. The upper part of the stretch also holds the usual Arun coarse fish, although they aren’t named individually in the checked details.
• This is tidal coarse and estuarine fishing, not a neat little stillwater. Think moving water, changing depth and a few cheeky adjustments as the tide turns.
• The river is navigable and shared with boats and other lawful users. Don’t cast, tackle up or fish in a way that obstructs navigation — give river traffic room to get through.
• There are no numbered pegs, and no formal bank access arrangements are stated. It’s best treated as a natural riverbank rather than a marked-up commercial fishery.
• The downstream boundary is Ford Railway Bridge, near Ford village and the Ship and Anchor Marina. The river carries on from there towards Littlehampton.
• Banks can be slippery, while the tide brings another layer of risk. Take normal river-safety precautions, especially around the edge and when water levels are changing.
• No night-fishing permission or parking location is stated. Sort your access and parking before setting off, and don’t assume either is covered just because the fishing right is free.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Keep it mobile and tide-aware. Trotting or feeder-style coarse tactics may suit the moving water where conditions allow, while mullet are the named estuary target; adjust for the pull, depth and changing levels.

Access & tickets

The stretch is run by the Arundel Castle Estate. The public local river information identifies the free fishing right and limits; the holder’s website is the Arundel Castle website.

Fish the club names

rudd

Key rules

• An appropriate Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Fishing is on the right bank from Arundel downstream to Ford Railway Bridge.
• Fishing must not obstruct navigation or other lawful river use.
• Take normal river-safety precautions around slippery banks and changing tidal conditions.
• No night-fishing permission is stated.

Where it is