Fishing the River Medway

Fishing the River Medway

On this page we give some pointers on how, when and where to catch the fish. Much depends on the time of the year, weather, equipment being used and finally and perhaps most importantly, your own ability. Much of the information given has been gleaned from the Bailiffs, who themselves regularly fish the various venues. For the protection of our waters against poaching, we have not identified precisely each venues location.

We own some of the best fishing on the upper Medway including a large weir pool. This water has produced many double figure barbel plus large chub and perch. The water also contains dace, roach, grayling, pike and trout.

Please be aware we have Barbel up to 14lb+, Chub 6lb+ and Perch to 3lb+.

Parking: see Rule book.




Like all rivers, fishes best in the summer months, although good barbel come to the net all year round. Good results by night. Huge shoals of chub and barbel can be seen in May/June before the season starts.

Simon F
fishing Chub Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells fishing
Tunbridge Wells Chub fishing

Tunbridge Wells fishing
Tunbridge Wells fishing
Chub fishing Tunbridge Wells

This is a 7lb Sturgeon caught 10th July’20, by Alan Richards.



Species Method(s) Comments
Roach, Perch, Chub,
Pike, Barbel, Grayling,
Brown trout, Carp
Ledger & Float Barbel – boilies (mini to 14); Sweetcorn, maggot, luncheon meat & worm. Found mainly in the deeper holes. Use strong lines as they run to 14 lb.
Ledger Float Grayling & Trout - Maggot, worm, fly. Not as common as in previous years but still caught occasionally.
Ledger & Float Roach - Sweetcorn, maggot caster, hemp & bread
Bleak - Sweetcorn, maggot caster, hemp & bread
Ledger & Float
Perch - Spinning, maggot & worm. Large perch can run to 3 lbs plus
Float
Chub - Luncheon meat, maggot & bread. Can be found all along the river, several caught over 6 lbs in recent years.
Float
Pike - Ledger & wobbled deadbaits; lures.
Ledger
Carp – Boilies (mini to 14); sweetcorn, maggot, luncheon meat & worm Found mainly in the weir pool and the bottom of our downstream banks.
River Medway fishing bate
River Medway fishing lake Kent
River Medway fishing lakes Kent

BDAS Membership Fees

The waiting list is open, but please be aware our waiting list is approximately 5 years presently.

See below for details.

Members fee's are due on or by the 1st April each year for existing members. Please note, renewal forms will be posted out to each member in March.

Membership Type Annual Subscription Joining Fee
Ordinary:
16 years (as at 15th March) or older
£90.00 £60.00
Junior:
12 - 15 years (as at 15th March)
£5.00 £5.00
Juvenile:
11 years or younger (as at 15th March)
£5.00 ---
Companion (non-fishing) £5.00 ---
Ladies key (to access toilet block) Free ---
Membership Application

All new applicants and existing members should note the following:

  • (1) No night fishing during the first year of membership.
  • (2) Members under 16 years of age must be in the company of an adult member of the Society when fishing.