Ripple & Birds Meadow — BAA

River level

The lowdown

• This is very deep Severn water, so don’t expect a shallow little club pond. The river has that steady, slow-looking character BAA mentions, with plenty going on beneath the surface.
• The Ripple section is reached upstream from the Dawleys Caravan Park entrance. Birds Meadow is accessed from a lane off the A38, right beside the garden centre.
• Ripple members may drive along the river bank when conditions allow, and parking can be immediately behind the pegs. Handy when it’s firm, but don’t force it if the ground says otherwise.
• Birds Meadow parking is at the bottom of the access lane or in the field. Keep access tracks clear and use only the designated parking spots.
• There are shoals of bream to target, with chub and roach present in fair numbers. A few large barbel are also mentioned, so there’s a cheeky chance of something stronger putting a bend in the rod.
• Pike fishing is described by BAA as excellent, while zander are also named as a target species. That gives the stretch a proper mixed coarse-and-predator feel.
• With the depth and shoals, feeder work is a sensible starting point for bream, roach and chub. Barbel are the bonus fish to keep in mind when picking a swim.
• The gates have combination locks, and the code is on the BAA membership card. Close and lock every gate after entering and leaving — no faff, just do it.
• Night fishing is allowed with a valid night permit bought in advance from BAA headquarters. It’s members only, and the river close season still applies.

Methods: Feeder tactics suit the deep water and shoals of bream, roach and chub. Keep a rod ready for the stronger fish, with barbel, pike and zander all named as targets.

Access & tickets

Get BAA membership online, by telephone or by post; the 2026 membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Under-13 membership is free, and night permits must be bought separately in advance from BAA headquarters.

Fish the club names

bream, chub, roach, barbel, pike, zander

Key rules

• An appropriate Environment Agency rod licence is required, and the river close season must be observed.
• No more than two rods may be used at one time.
• Live fish may not be used as bait.
• Coarse fish must not be removed from BAA waters, except permitted invasive non-native species.
• Fish retained temporarily must be returned alive with minimal injury.
• Carp may not be retained in keepnets except during authorised contests.
• Fishing boats or craft are prohibited unless specifically authorised.
• Members must carry and produce a current BAA membership card when required, and must close and lock access gates after entering and leaving.

Where it is