A guide to fishing the Warwickshire Avon – from Stratford down to Tewkesbury

The River Avon, snaking gracefully through the heart of Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire before its confluence with the River Severn at Tewkesbury, is an angler’s paradise. Its waters, teeming with coarse fish, have provided anglers with sport for centuries. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran seeking a monster barbel or a novice angler dipping your toes into the world of coarse fishing on rivers, the Warwickshire Avon offers something for everyone. This guide delves into some of the many varied stretches, explores club and day ticket options and unveils some hidden gems known for their prolific catches.

Understanding the River Avon

The Warwickshire Avon, distinct from its Hampshire or Bristol counterparts, runs for over 100 miles from it’s source at Naseby in Northamptonshire until it merges with the River Severn at Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire and offers a variety of fishing. The upper reaches, above Stratford-upon-Avon are characterised by faster flows and gravel beds, perfect for barbel, chub, and dace but as the river meanders towards Stratford and beyond the pace slows offering deeper sections ideal for roach, bream, perch, dace, pike and even the occassional big carp. Understanding the river’s variations is crucial to choosing the right location for targeting specific species.

Club waters v day ticket waters

Fishing rights along the Avon are divided between stretches controlled by angling clubs, many of which offer day tickets, and privately owned day ticket lengths. Private day ticket venues often boast well-maintained swims with healthy fish stocks whilst some club stretches vary between the well manicured to more natural ‘wild’ beats where you may need to create your own peg! Privately run day ticket stretches often provide more accessible options, perfect for casual anglers or those new to the river.

A journey down river: Exploring the options

Our exploration begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the river weaves through the town centre. Here, the Stratford Angling Assoication controls several noteworthy stretches of the river including Seven Meadows and Stannells just downstream of the town centre. The Association has eight different stretches of the River Stour and River Avon which are available for  members and on day ticket. Although Stratford AA doesn’t currently seem to have a website – at least not at the time of writing this article –  it does have a regularly updated Facebook page.

The Leamington Angling Association currently manages two stretches of the river in Stratford, The Lido and The Recreational Ground. These scenic stretches offer some excellent fishing and are available to members whilst day tickets can be purchased on their website, Ideal for float fishing with maggots or casters, the Lido can get busy during summer with swimmers and paddleboarders. Early mornings and evenings are prime fishing times.

The Lido in Stratford – the stretch of the River Avon which runs through the park.

The Recreation Ground, flowing through the heart of Stratford,  is renowned for its winter shoals of roach, probably because the concrete and surrounding buildings create a slightly warmer microclimate which attracts roach during colder months.

Slightly upstream is the well known Lucy’s Mill hotspot at Hampton Lucy, a haven for experienced anglers. The presence of two weirs creates a complex fishery with slacks and flowing sections attracting a variety of species. Barbel, chub and roach are all present, making it a challenging yet rewarding venue.

Up stream from Lucy’s Mill – a stretch of the River Avon that runs through Charlecote Park

Moving downstream, both the Bidford Angling Association and Birmingham Anglers Association have fishing rights on the river near the village of Bidford-on-Avon. These stretches boasts good populations of barbel, chub and dace, particularly in the areas around weir pools. Details of the BAA stretch along the left bank between Bidford and Markcliff can be found at https://www.baa.uk.com/fishingarea/bidford-left-bank whilst details of the Bidford AA stretch and other reaches along the River Avon can be obtained by asking in the Bait Box tackle shop at 122 High Street in Evesham.

In addition to its Bidford stretch, Birmingham Anglers have fishing rights on at least another 10 stretches of the River Avon between Bidford and Tewkesbury, so their website is well worth a visit.

Hidden gems and species specific stretches

For barbel enthusiasts, the Astwood Bank Angling Club stretch at Salford Priors offers over 60 comfortable pegs, many of which are lined with reeds, lily pads and over hanging trees which provide good cover and holding areas for fish. The barbel can be elusive but persistence can reward you with a double figure fish, the biggest recently being just shy of 14lb. Chub to 5lb, bream to 6lb and good bags of silvers make this stretch of the Avon popular with both specimen and pleasure anglers.

Another renowned stretch is Anchor Meadow Fishery, a popular day ticket venue whose fast flowing stretch has produced barbel to over 16lbs as well as decent chub, perch and pike. Upstream of the weir in the deeper, slower moving water, carp to just under 50lbs and decent bags of tench have been taken over the years.

Anchor Meadow – prolific stretch of the River Avon known for it’s huge Barbel and Carp

In Evesham the Crown Meadow/Viaduct Meadow stretch is famous for holding the Evesham Angling Festival in August, a three day event which attracts some of the top names in match fishing. Controlled by the Evesham and District Angling Association which has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EveshamDistrictAnglingAssociation/?locale=en_GB, the fishing is available by day ticket on the bank and can be tough, although there are plenty of roach, perch, bream, chub and the occasional barbel to be caught from this highly pressurised water.

Hampton Ferry is the next stretch of the Avon downstream from the Evesham waters. Access is down Boat Lane from Merstow Green in the town centre and day tickets are available from the cafe whilst further downstream the stretch at Twyford Farm is now available to fish and can be most attractive in spring when the bankside apple orchards are in full bloom.

Further details about the fishing in Evesham as well as other venues in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire can been seen at Phil Seedhouse’s informative website https://philseedhouse.com/fishing-in-evesham/ .

Further downstream Birmingham Anglers membership gives access to fishing at Charlton, Cropthorne, Fladbury, Wick near Pershore as well as Pershore itself, Nafford, Eckington and Mythe Farn just north of Tewkesbury. Details of these locations can be found on the BAA website.

Wherever you fish you need an Rod Licence

Before fishing anywhere on the River Avon, or any other water for that matter – even if you own it! – anglers must be in possession of an Environment Agency rod licence which can be obtained online at https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences. For the River Avon a one or two rod Trout, coarse fish and eel licence will suffice. These can be purchased to run for a day, eight days or 12 months with 2024 licences costing £7.10 for a day, £14.30 for eight days or £35.80 for 12 months. The 12 month charge for anglers aged 66 or over or who are disabled is £23.80 whist there is no charge for anglers aged 13 to 16 although they must still get a Junior Licence with the EA. Children under 13 do not need a licence.

In addition to holding an Environment Agency Rod Licence, anglers must still purchase a permit to fish from the relevant fishery owner or club.

A lovely Barbel caught from the Anchor Meadow stretch of the Warwickshire River Avon.

Beyond the Fish: A River Rich in History and Culture

Fishing along the Avon is not just about the catch. The river winds through charming villages and historic towns like Stratford-upon-Avon, Bidford, Pershore and Evesham. Pack a picnic lunch, soak in the beauty of the English countryside, and create lasting memories on the banks of the Avon.

Conclusion

The Warwickshire Avon is a fisherman’s dream, with something to offer anglers of all skill levels and target species. From club waters teeming with barbel to day ticket stretches perfect for a relaxing afternoon, the river provides a diverse and rewarding fishing experience. So, grab your rod, cast a line, and explore the magic of the Warwickshire Avon.

FAQs for fishing the River Avon in Warwickshire

What species can I catch in the River Avon?

The River Avon is a diverse fishery. Common species include roach, dace, perch and chub as well as carp, pike, barbel, zander, tench, eels, and even bleak and gudgeon.

What are the best stretches for fishing on the Avon?

There are no real ‘best stretches’ as the nature of rivers can change from season to season, year to year. Stratford’s Lido stretch is known for its roach, dace and chub while the Recreation Ground excels in winter with roach shoals. Lucy’s Mill weir offers a wider variety of species like bream, zander and barbel but wherever you choose, spend a little time looking at likely fish holding spots and vary your bait and tactics until you find what works best for you. Also, don’t write a stretch off just because it doesn’t yield on your first visit and wherever possible speak to other anglers to find out what works best for them.

What techniques should I use for fishing the Avon?

Fishing a stick float or Avon Float with weights ‘button shotted’ at regular intervals down the line with maggots, casters, bread punch or worm are a popular method for roach, dace and chub whilst ledgering with worms, pellets, luncheon meat or pellets is preferred in areas with stronger currents for chub and barbel. If you are not familiar with the different types of float suitable for river fishing visit Nathan Walter’s  The River Angler’s guide to floats.

Where can I get a fishing license for the River Avon?

You will need an Rod Licence (see above) and day tickets or club membership which can usually be purchased online via the clubs website or from local tackle shops.

What are the best times to fish the River Avon?

Early mornings and evenings are generally considered best for most stretches, especially during the summer months when the fish feed more freely. For pike fishing, aim for dawn or dusk during the colder months.

Are there any facilities near the fishing stretches?

The Lido and Recreation Ground stretches offer convenient pay and display car parking right by the riverbank. The Recreation Ground is also close to Stratford town centre with shops and restaurants. Lucy’s Mill weir has parking options at the Greenway (a short walk) or the Recreation Ground car park. Be sure to check for any parking fees. The Evesham stretch near the town centre has a car park nearby.

What tackle should I take for fishing the Avon?

A light rod and reel setup with a selection of wagglers, stick floats or a pole will cover most methods, although a stronger rod and line will be needed for barbel. Take a selection of baits and some groundbait mixed with hemp seed or flavourings of your choice. Maggots, casters, bread punch, luncheon meat, sweetcorn, worm and paste all work well – although maggots and casters can attract smaller nuisance fish including  minnows! Remember to take an umbrella if the weather looks uncertain, a bank stick, landing net, unhooking mat and disgorger or forceps to unhook any fish you catch. Be aware, however, that some fisheries do not allow the use of keepnets. Also – don’t forget to take something to eat and a flask of your favourite beverage or cold drink.

If in doubt, pop into a local tackle shop and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

Written by Steve
Steve's been an angler since the age of 12, when he caught his first perch on his local canal in Warwickshire. An avid float angler for over 30 years, Steve's just as passionate about angling now, whether stick float fishing on the Avon or at his local gravel pit fishing for spring time Tench.