The New Cut, Long Reach, Shallows and the Bungalows.
River Medway is subject to a close season from 15th March to 15th June inclusive. The first section down from the Leigh Barrier is the New Cut, so called as it was created to straighten the river when the barrier was constructed. The steep man-made banks discourage some anglers but a big head of large fish lurk here. Bream nets of 40lb+ are quite common, along with good Roach and occasional Chub. It’s the Barbel that attracts most regulars to this stretch. A number of small Barbel, 1lb to 8lb have been caught. The best fish, at 15lb 2oz, has only been landed a couple of times and could well be much larger now. A surprise 8lb 11oz Sturgeon was once caught.
The Long Reach has a towpath one side and is wooded the other. This section of the Medway suits most tastes. Bream bags to 30lb are common and a 70lb bag has been reported. Good Roach and Chub also come to waggler and feeder methods. A huge 3lb Roach believed to be the largest Roach caught from the Medway was caught from the Long Reach. If you like Bleak bashing , the summer will provide a multitude of them. This is probably why large Pike and Perch also inhabit the margins and can be caught with deadbaits.
The Shallows was once the pride of Tonbridge until the flow was cut off to facilitate the Leigh Barrier. The Shallows is no longer the fast flowing stream over gravel beds that older members still talk about, but it does hold a large head of Roach, Perch and Chub, with the occasional Bream showing. It is a refuge for silver fish when the main river is in spate and can then produce large catches.
The Winter Pike fishing is excellent , with specimens to over 25lb being recorded.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This is a MEMBER and DAY TICKET water.
Dawn to dusk fishing except for Platinum card holders.
You will need to purchase the minimum priced parking ticket at the main Haysden Country Park car park prior to parking in Audley Rise car park and display your Society parking permit alongside the ticket. This allows you to park for that day.
Car parks are locked at night and times are displayed at entrance.
Toilets are in the main car park.
No night fishing behind the bungalows below Lucifer Bridge.