The Medway above the barrier provides a scenic stretch with a wide variety of depth and features. The upstream length, ‘Ensfield Bridge’ is popular with Chub specialists. The Society Chub Cup is often won from this section. The Six Arches (railway bridge) area can be frustrating and anglers have been known to blank, but the rewards can be spectacular. The Roach tend to shoal up, especially late in the season and bags to nearly 20lb have been recorded. The areas with a gravel bottom tend to be the most productive. Specimen Chub can be found from the Barrier all the way up to Ensfield Bridge, with fish to over 5lb being recorded from all sections.

Bream, good Roach, Pike and a few Carp are also present and a few Barbel to 8lb have been caught, but these are rare fish. All methods work at times and bread, cheese, meat or pellet will produce Chub and perhaps the odd Barbel. Swimfeeder or waggler with maggot or worm will tempt most fish. A method that has produced multiple Chub in a session, is an open ended feeder stuffed with mashed bread and a large lump of flake on the hook. This is a water that rewards persistence and tends to fish better as colour drops out after high water. Don’t fish with light tackle as many quality fish are lost on line that is too light for the large fish present.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Access to the rivers is from the car park at Haysden Lake.

Car parking charges apply.

You will need to purchase the minimum priced parking ticket at the main Haysden Country Park car park prior to parking and display your Society parking permit alongside the ticket. This allows you to park for that day.

Alternative access is via Ensfield Bridge. Please park responsibly along the roadside.

There is no access across the ditch on North Bank near Leigh footbridge.

Dawn to dusk fishing only. NO NIGHT FISHING except for Platinum and Gold permit holders who are able to fish from Six Arches to Leigh footbridge.

This is a MEMBERS ONLY water, although a short section adjacent to Haysden Lake, from Six Aches Bridge upstream to the Bailey Bridge is available for Day Tickets.

Also be aware that inquisitive cows maybe present.

DO NOT FISH UNDERNEATH THE POWER CABLES AT ENSFIELD BRIDGE