River Arun at Watersfield

River level

The lowdown

• This is roughly a mile of club-controlled Arun, set in rural, meadow-like surroundings. Nice and open, but the tide keeps things moving.
• Depth and flow vary a fair bit from swim to swim, so don’t assume the peg in front of you is doing the same job as the next one.
• The upper section starts relatively shallow, drops into deeper water, then shallows up again. Handy water to explore rather than sitting on one depth.
• The middle reaches bring reeds and low-lying ground into play. Worth looking for quieter edges and changes in the flow.
• Downstream, the inside of bends can dry out as the tide falls. The deeper glides here are the ones that can hold the better fish.
• There’s an inside-line gravel run near the lower end. That could be a bob-on spot for a float or feeder approach when the conditions line up.
• Roach, dace, perch and bream are regular or possible fish here, with chub and chublets also present. The club has reported good-sized chub.
• Barbel and carp have been reported from Watersfield, while pike and eels have also been reported by the club. Mixed bags and specimen fish are both on the cards.
• Keep an eye on the tide and changing depth. Float, feeder or static-bait tactics can all come into play, depending on what the river is doing.
• The banks can be high at low water, so a long landing-net handle is a smart bit of kit. Park in the dedicated club car park, then it’s a short walk to the river — don’t faff with unsuitable roadside parking.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Go with the flow on the day: trotting or other float work for the running water, feeder when you want to search the gravel and deeper glides, or static bait tactics when conditions suit. Keep adjusting as the tide changes the depth.

Access & tickets

Fishing is obtained through Petworth and Bognor Angling Club membership, following the club’s published membership arrangements. The club website publishes membership-fee information, but no Watersfield-specific day-ticket price is given.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• Club-controlled fishery; fishing access is through club membership and the club’s published membership arrangements.
• Catch-and-return angling under club rules.
• Members should use the dedicated club car park rather than unsuitable roadside parking.
• Account for changing depth during the tide.

Where it is