View Full Version : Medway '09/10
niknak8888
01-06-2009, 22:26
Just thought it would be a good time to start the new medway thread! Nearly the start of the new season (and my second season ever!) so figured its about time. As far as i've seen the river it seems to be still fining down atm, but hopefully should be good for the open. Fingers crossed! Be interesting to see what monsters people land this time around!! :thumbs:
Cheers,
Nick
yorkey999
01-06-2009, 22:53
I used to fish the medway alot but spend most my time on the thames.What areas you looking to target.:)
Been out and about a bit myself. Never caught a River Carp but am looking forward to the challenge.
One thing I have to say is that the locks scare me a little. They obviously move through them, but living nowhere near the river, how often do they open?
niknak8888
03-06-2009, 23:37
I used to fish the medway alot but spend most my time on the thames.What areas you looking to target.:)
Lots of bits really, anywhere on the penshurst stretches or tdafps stretches. my aim for this season is a river carp and from what i've heard the town stretch and up to the barrier holds a fair few. Probably spend most of my time on penshurst for chub though as its a 2 minute walk away from my house! Any bits there that you used to fish??
Nick
niknak8888
03-06-2009, 23:44
Been out and about a bit myself. Never caught a River Carp but am looking forward to the challenge.
One thing I have to say is that the locks scare me a little. They obviously move through them, but living nowhere near the river, how often do they open?
Good luck on getting a river carp, hoping to get my first this season as well!
Can't help you with when the locks are open cos i'm not down there that much. I'm sure some of the others on here may be able to help you though mate ;)
Barney Rubble
03-06-2009, 23:49
You say the river is still fining down Niknak i thought it was a low :rolleyes: we have had no rain now for some weeks which inturn is makng the shallows ever shallower for the fish to spawn over :rolleyes:
I am a river novice, never even ever caught a chub before, so thoroughly looking forward to it.
I saw a carp under the surface last weekend along the shallows up to the flood barrier.
yorkey999
06-06-2009, 16:40
What and where do you call the flood barrier.:confused:
niknak8888
06-06-2009, 22:26
You say the river is still fining down Niknak i thought it was a low :rolleyes: we have had no rain now for some weeks which inturn is makng the shallows ever shallower for the fish to spawn over :rolleyes:
You know what i mean!!:)
niknak8888
06-06-2009, 22:30
I am a river novice, never even ever caught a chub before, so thoroughly looking forward to it.
I saw a carp under the surface last weekend along the shallows up to the flood barrier.
A lot of fun ahead of you, should at least be able to winkle a chub or 2 out this season!!:thumbs:
Don't think the shallows goes to the flood barrier though!:confused: It'll the main river you're thinking of m8 ;)
Good luck anyway!
Nick
Barney Rubble
06-06-2009, 23:27
A lot of fun ahead of you, should at least be able to winkle a chub or 2 out this season!!:thumbs:
Don't think the shallows goes to the flood barrier though!:confused: It'll the main river you're thinking of m8 ;)
Good luck anyway!
Nick
Well it won't make any difference now Niknak, plenty of rain in the last few days and more for next week :norty:
niknak8888
07-06-2009, 08:56
Well it won't make any difference now Niknak, plenty of rain in the last few days and more for next week :norty:
Yes shame... :brick:
Barney Rubble
07-06-2009, 20:36
After the rain we had last night this has made the river more coloured but hasn't made the river rise by much :thumbs:
My bad, not from the area - live an hour away, so was an educated guess. On the walk from Barden to Haysden.... Looks like I'm on a steep learning curve!
mesac_god
12-06-2009, 18:56
My bad, not from the area - live an hour away, so was an educated guess. On the walk from Barden to Haysden.... Looks like I'm on a steep learning curve!
If any one fancies a walk up the Medway around Barden/Hayesden pm me i dont fish it now but live nearish by always happy to help if i can...
Barney Rubble
14-06-2009, 20:29
Had a wander along the banks this evening plenty of chub breaking the surface, water alot clearer and lower then it has been :rolleyes:
Could be hard come the 16th :cry:
I did a weeks pre-baiting and did the night last night.... Blanked.
Am starting to question what I'm doing already. I've seen a fish around there though...
mesac_god
16-06-2009, 18:19
I did a weeks pre-baiting and did the night last night.... Blanked.
Am starting to question what I'm doing already. I've seen a fish around there though...
So soon fish could have cleared up your bait when you werent there as the can travel miles daily keep going and dont change a thing, nice simple rigs and keep applying the bait dreaming of that uncaught river Common
Barney Rubble
16-06-2009, 20:01
Bad luck Rez at least you tried :thumbs:
Had another look at the river today didn't fish it, river was very lower 2 1/2ft down but had a lovely colour to it. not many out on the banks but did see a few chub caught.
Barney Rubble
17-06-2009, 23:34
No one been out apart from Rez :confused:
harry-clarke
19-06-2009, 17:42
walked along the section from tonbridge town centre down through the cemex stretch today, didnt see any carp but some likley looking spots, do any of you fish this stretch and do you no how much the cemex ticket is?
cheers
Barney Rubble
19-06-2009, 23:57
Sorry Harry can't help i'm afraid don't no that part of the Medway nor do i know the price to the Cemex ticket either .
harry-clarke
20-06-2009, 10:47
No worries mate, it doesnt come up on the website, i suppose best thing to do is give them a ring, which bit of the medway do you fish?
swimnicker
20-06-2009, 19:07
I know RTWAS were looking for members. Slugs are a great option for the chub at this time of year if you can stand hooking them and baiting up the deeper swims with hemp / boilies for the carp will work.
niknak8888
20-06-2009, 21:50
havent managed to have a proper go yet but had 2 hrs trotting on thurs and pulled out a few bleak and small roach plus some small chub. pleasant way to start the season!
Barney Rubble
20-06-2009, 23:02
Rivers looking very low we need some rain badly, not looking good for next week weathers turning hot :rolleyes:
It is looking quite low.
Another blank. Getting expensive with little to show for it so far...
Barney Rubble
22-06-2009, 00:02
Bad luck Rez at least your trying ;)
Yes river is very low and the colour dropping out all the time .
Just got back myself had 5 chub best 2 going 3-15 / 4-07 not really what i'm after but they saved the blank .
harry-clarke
22-06-2009, 10:52
which stretch are you fishing Rez? Just got my 15kg sack of vitalin, enough sweetcorn to feed an army and in the process of rolling 30kg of boilies. How much do you lads put in each time you bait up?
cheers
Harry
Rez, was it you i was chatting to on the Medway last weekend?
I was chucking fluff for the chub.
which stretch are you fishing Rez? Just got my 15kg sack of vitalin, enough sweetcorn to feed an army and in the process of rolling 30kg of boilies. How much do you lads put in each time you bait up?
cheers
Harry
Good way on the Medway is to bait it for a week every other day with the vitalin & particles....... LOTS
Then last 2 bait ups put in just big boillies, say 5kg a go......
Use boillies when fishing......
You'll smash em.
You cant put enough in i promise you......
Theres herds of em
Barney Rubble
23-06-2009, 18:03
Good way on the Medway is to bait it for a week every other day with the vitalin & particles....... LOTS
Then last 2 bait ups put in just big boillies, say 5kg a go......
Use boillies when fishing......
You'll smash em.
You cant put enough in i promise you......
Theres herds of em
Sorry TCarper but how can the average angler afford to put in 5-10kg of boilies in just for feed ?
That's getting on for £30-50 just on the boilies :rolleyes:
mesac_god
23-06-2009, 18:21
Sorry TCarper but how can the average angler afford to put in 5-10kg of boilies in just for feed ?
That's getting on for £30-50 just on the boilies :rolleyes:
Well true old school has long since been forgotten, the baiting pyramid will work without masses of boilies. Takes a little time thats all.
Sorry TCarper but how can the average angler afford to put in 5-10kg of boilies in just for feed ?
That's getting on for £30-50 just on the boilies :rolleyes:
Well mate the fella said he had 30kg of em......
Anyway, whats wrong with getting a sack of pellets, bit of semo, & a roller......
You can roll 50kg for £20
Cheap as chips if you can be bothered....
Their only river carp..... Not carpark fish.....
Depends how much you want them eh?
Tescos - 98p for 1.1kg of frozen sweetcorn. Bargain.
Cheapest must be to roll your own, luckily I am fied-testing my mates bait. Still a £5 per kg... but he's none too impressed with me yet! ha ha.
I had a carp out mate when out on the quiver yesterday, ok only a 6lb common but still i was chuffed to bits! Went out looking for perch and chub and bag a carp sweeet! Don't worry though mate it was a totally different stretch. Spoke to the balliff and he'd seen twenties cruising on saturday. PM me if you want a chat about where.
Barney Rubble
25-06-2009, 16:18
Anyone manage to catch a barbel yet ?
Only chub for me :cry:
harry-clarke
25-06-2009, 16:54
Still walking different stretches, cant seem to find them anywhere, loads of carpy looking spots but i would prefere a sighting before i started baiting heavily. Anyone no where i might just get to see a carp in the medway around the tonbridge area!?
Cheers for the pre-baiting advice, rolling your own helps alot with cost as i have got it down to 3pound a kg which is pritty good.
mesac_god
25-06-2009, 17:16
Anyone manage to catch a barbel yet ?
Only chub for me :cry:
Yup last night 7lb 12ozs always nice to have one early in the season
Barney Rubble
25-06-2009, 18:14
Nice going mesac god :clap: :thumbs:
What did you think of the water levels ?
mesac_god
26-06-2009, 07:59
Nice going mesac god :clap: :thumbs:
What did you think of the water levels ?
They are a little on the low side will not much pace & the colour dropping out of it, for me the last couple of hours before dark is best so most of the evening ive been baiting up spots
Barney Rubble
26-06-2009, 09:14
My thoughts also on the levels and colour, we need some good rain for the river, i think we are going to get some today :D
mesac_god
26-06-2009, 09:19
My thoughts also on the levels and colour, we need some good rain for the river, i think we are going to get some today :D
Well need a fair bit to stir it up nicely, cant see us having that much. But heres hoping.
Were you fishing mate pm me if you wish
mesac_god
26-06-2009, 09:30
My thoughts also on the levels and colour, we need some good rain for the river, i think we are going to get some today :D
PM for you mate hope it helps
Barney Rubble
26-06-2009, 12:15
PM for you mate hope it helps
Well need a fair bit to stir it up nicely, cant see us having that much. But heres hoping.
Were you fishing mate pm me if you wish
Well you could be right,what rain we have had has made no difference to the river at all :rolleyes:
Barney Rubble
05-07-2009, 22:57
I see no reports have been made for a while now :rolleyes: was that due to the weather being hot and the river running clear :confused:
Never mind i was on the banks the other day, still only chub for me this time 17 of them .
mesac_god
06-07-2009, 17:03
I see no reports have been made for a while now :rolleyes: was that due to the weather being hot and the river running clear :confused:
Never mind i was on the banks the other day, still only chub for me this time 17 of them .
17 off them rather you than me chub here to but seen plenty of carp and the odd one coming out
Been catting on the Ebro (and not having much luck with that either - ha ha), will re-evaluate my tactics and location for the next assault on the Medway.
Barney Rubble
06-07-2009, 18:49
17 off them rather you than me chub here to but seen plenty of carp and the odd one coming out
You mean that 17lber :norty:
Barney Rubble
06-07-2009, 18:52
17 off them rather you than me chub here to but seen plenty of carp and the odd one coming out
Nothing wrong with chub when they all are over the 4lb mark :cool:
mesac_god
06-07-2009, 19:36
You mean that 17lber :norty:
No mate that was not i but i was around when it came out, 17 all over 4lb nice had loads of Chub this season but very few over 4lbs myself.
Barney Rubble
06-07-2009, 20:44
No mate that was not i but i was around when it came out .
I heard of a 17 coming out your way the other week thought it was what you was saying when you said a good carp, don't know who caught it but just heard about it ;)
niknak8888
06-07-2009, 23:16
seen a v nice carp around 25 and it was a leather. just saw a black shadow under the water then a huge head come out of the water!! never seen a carp before in that particular bit so was v unexpected!!
Barney Rubble
06-07-2009, 23:30
There are even bigger ones in the middle of Maidstone town centre :eek:
jamiebell
07-07-2009, 07:25
are there and day ticket stretches that allow nights? i fancy a go for the carp but live around 130 miles away
niknak8888
07-07-2009, 15:00
There are even bigger ones in the middle of Maidstone town centre :eek:
heard rumours of a 40lb common on a stretch of the tdafps. cant remember which bit tho... Am dying for a carp out of the medway now tho!!
p.s was about to go out today, but when i arrived the heavens opened (more like hail than rain!!) so left straight away.
Barney Rubble
07-07-2009, 15:32
heard rumours of a 40lb common on a stretch of the tdafps. cant remember which bit tho... Am dying for a carp out of the medway now tho!!
p.s was about to go out today, but when i arrived the heavens opened (more like hail than rain!!) so left straight away.
The ones in Maidstone aren't rumours ;)
What, you didn't even give it a go with all this lovely rain :eek:
What did the river look like when you arrived Niknak ?
mesac_god
07-07-2009, 16:23
heard rumours of a 40lb common on a stretch of the tdafps. cant remember which bit tho... Am dying for a carp out of the medway now tho!!
p.s was about to go out today, but when i arrived the heavens opened (more like hail than rain!!) so left straight away.
If only i could get out today bound to have stirred it up, if only a bit poncho out and away we go only dreaming, the 40lb common is true though i dout a genuine river fish but a golden fish from a golden stretch enough of a clue me thinks.
Two years ago, and the it still had it's membrane in the mouth.
Barney Rubble
07-07-2009, 18:07
Two years ago, and the it still had it's membrane in the mouth.
Wise fish ;)
niknak8888
07-07-2009, 21:21
What, you didn't even give it a go with all this lovely rain :eek:
What did the river look like when you arrived Niknak ?
If only i could get out today bound to have stirred it up, if only a bit poncho out and away we go only dreaming, the 40lb common is true though i dout a genuine river fish but a golden fish from a golden stretch enough of a clue me thinks.
Well it wasn't normal rain!! not a very fair weather angler but it was a fierce storm and no brolly... almost painful when a single drop hit you lol!! (not quite)
River was a bit higher when i got down but that was just as the storm really started so it is probably much higher and coloured now.
Just had another look on the info of where it was from and narrows the search down slightly but not a great deal, a good thing really!!;) good on the person/people who managed to get it!
niknak8888
07-07-2009, 21:24
Two years ago, and the it still had it's membrane in the mouth.
wise fish indeed!! i never understand the whole membrane thing, i believe its on the top of the mouth but what if you get a hook hold in the bottom lip?? surely it doesnt disrupt the membrane?? or am i completely wrong (quite likely!!:bonk: :bonk: ) would love to be enlightened
mesac_god
07-07-2009, 21:32
PM
Well it wasn't normal rain!! not a very fair weather angler but it was a fierce storm and no brolly... almost painful when a single drop hit you lol!! (not quite)
River was a bit higher when i got down but that was just as the storm really started so it is probably much higher and coloured now.
Just had another look on the info of where it was from and narrows the search down slightly but not a great deal, a good thing really!!;) good on the person/people who managed to get it!
Barney Rubble
07-07-2009, 22:50
wise fish indeed!! i never understand the whole membrane thing, i believe its on the top of the mouth but what if you get a hook hold in the bottom lip?? surely it doesnt disrupt the membrane?? or am i completely wrong (quite likely!!:bonk: :bonk: ) would love to be enlightened
I think the membrane is damaged when the fish are hooked in the top lip when they have been caught from off the top with surface baits .
Hey Barney and NikNak
Good to see you are still out on the river this season. Due to work I have only had a few hours on the Hartlake stretch since 16th and only a couple of bream at about 3-4lb to show for it. But its looking good for an afternoon/evening session next week. Will probably start by targeting some of those nice tench that I was into last season. Will keep you posted.
Spig
Is anyone out and about down there (hartlake) this weekend? I may have a stroll along with some lures at some point.
Mark
niknak8888
12-07-2009, 14:05
alrite spiggy, looking at doing some fishing on hartlake this season as it seems like there are all the species im after there, mite bump into you down there. tight lines and hopefully get more than bream!!
niknak8888
12-07-2009, 14:08
Is anyone out and about down there (hartlake) this weekend? I may have a stroll along with some lures at some point.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Still after a pike and would love to get a decent perch. Do you reckon thers much chance of that from Hartlake then??
Nick
I've had pike down there to 14-15lb but not had any sizeable perch down there, as of yet! Was speaking to a guy a few weeks back and he'd had a 2 and a half. Jammy git! So its well worth a shot... i'll keep trying. For the bigger perch i fish further upstream!
niknak8888
12-07-2009, 21:59
I've had pike down there to 14-15lb but not had any sizeable perch down there, as of yet! Was speaking to a guy a few weeks back and he'd had a 2 and a half. Jammy git! So its well worth a shot... i'll keep trying. For the bigger perch i fish further upstream!
Nice! very encouraging to hear! what were the pike on then, lures or deads??
So far down there the lures have only produced the smaller ones. The double figure pike have been when using deadbaits.
Fingers crossed something a bit bigger will come along and grab a lure! Especially the stripeys! I'm still to break into the 2lb'ers whilst out on em...!
niknak8888
15-07-2009, 23:29
well good luck!! will def have a go down there sometime.
Barney Rubble
17-07-2009, 19:57
Anyone live close to the river ?
We've had some rain lately just wondering if it had made any difference to the river or not .
I was out this morning and it didn't seem to of affected it much at all! In fact it helped my fishing! Check out my blog - wink wink!
www.pikeandperch.co.uk
Barney Rubble
18-07-2009, 17:40
Nice carp Mark :thumbs:
Looks a good 20lber ;)
swimnicker
18-07-2009, 20:26
I recommend joining the RTWAS club as they have carp and the chance of a barbel on their stretch.
swimnicker
18-07-2009, 20:28
Somehow posted that last reply on the wrong thread !!
Cheers Barney! That was the only downside, i only went out with the 12lb scales, i'll never leave home without the bigguns now. I guestimated it to be between 18-22lb and it was pretty damn solid! Probably one of my all time fav captures!
Downside is i will never really know! Hmmm... suppose it means i have to try and find it again!
niknak8888
21-07-2009, 00:33
i dont half envy you mark!!! that is pristine!! there are probably people that have been after that fish for days!! nice dangling mate and on trotting gear and a 4lb hooklink!! NICE
niknak8888
22-07-2009, 23:02
forgot to say the river didnt seem to have gotten any higher with the recent rain. Oh well the barbel didnt mind!!
Barney Rubble
22-07-2009, 23:40
Well done Niknak :clap: :clap:
Daytime barbel aswell :thumbs:
niknak8888
23-07-2009, 00:20
Ye!! I wont be able to get over that for weeks!!!
Well done Niknak that is quality mate! A great capture and a great picture!
Barney Rubble
23-07-2009, 09:47
Ye!! I wont be able to get over that for weeks!!!
:lol:
I remember my first barbel many years ago, i know what your going though :bonk:
Nice one Mark. You seem to be doing better than me. ha ha.
Not been down there myself, recently, will be back soon though. Been to the Ebro, and recovering from a minor op, so barely been out at all. Got a charity carp match this weekend, once I get that out the way, I will be back on the banks - and start a new campaign. Will nab myself one or two..
pgibbinson
25-07-2009, 06:02
Oh my god..thats fantastic...barbel in Penshurst are very rare. The penshurst stretch and back water is lovely..well done that man! Was it caught in the estate itself or towards the Ensfield Bridge end?
Barney Rubble
25-07-2009, 20:21
Niknak, what depth have you got along that stretch of yours ?
niknak8888
26-07-2009, 12:57
ooh not that much at the mo. id say around 4 ft at the most. :dissapoint:
after rain recently river a bit higher but a bit more coloured now so its been stirred up nicely.
Barney Rubble
26-07-2009, 18:55
That's about normal for the Medway :rolleyes:
niknak8888
27-07-2009, 00:32
oh:o ! well thats at the very most. Some bits were shallow enough to wade into with wellies! Also probably looked lower when it was clear water too.
Barney Rubble
31-07-2009, 10:51
No one been out ? :confused:
Unfortunately not moi! Although possibly this evening if i get out of work on time :-)
Barney Rubble
31-07-2009, 12:41
Don't foget your scales Mark :nono2:
Believe me i'll never take just the little ones ever again! I did go out last night and managed a 1.5lb chub on the fly! Tomorrow hopefully back for more!
Barney Rubble
01-08-2009, 19:32
What did you think of the levels and colour Mark ?
niknak8888
02-08-2009, 15:41
had a look at the river the other day didnt manage to fish it and going away for 6 days now so wont be able to then either... and i have to say it was looking mint. levels a bit higher and a nice blue/green colour so it has been stirred up a BIT. wish i could fish it next week!!
The level is a little up but its not stirred to much! And agree with niknak it looks absolutely spot on!!! Cannot wait for some more time down there. Sunday morning was a blank for me but that could have been down to the alcohol abuse on saturday night.
niknak8888
08-08-2009, 03:58
:lol: :bonk: :bonk:
swimnicker
08-08-2009, 09:02
I think you have to accept that the Upper Medway is a strange little river and its always a pleasant surprise if it has any water in it and even then it doesn't stay up for long. For traditional river anglers the Kennett is a much better bet if you can afford to travel. Certainly has much more consistent flow and ideal for trotting.
niknak8888
09-08-2009, 01:59
true, but we still love it eh! (at times lol)
swimnicker
09-08-2009, 12:21
Know what you mean about loving it and will continue to use the Medway for winter chubbing even if I don't use it for the rest of the season.
niknak8888
10-08-2009, 20:20
nice one ;)
Have started again on a newly baited spot, still sticking to the 8kg of Sweetcorn apporach, but wondering whether the nuisance fish are having it before Mr Carp turns up. Considering upgrading the size of my particle.... 8KG is a lot at a time though... hmmmm
Caught my first chub anyways about 2lb. Wahey!
Watched a Barn Owl hunting this morning too. And it managed to get it's breakfast. And saw the moon come up the other night a deep red colour. It's good to be out and about.
I bet you cacked it when the buzzer sounded!!! Sounds awesome non the less mate, im gutted i won't be down there this weekend all flu'd up at the mo.
Still i be there the week after if you're about!
Well am off to Liverpool now on the P1ss so maybe!
niknak8888
20-08-2009, 00:59
just to report had a nice chub 3lb7oz which was lookin skinny - could have been a lb or 2 bigger in winter. also had a small roach on 3 pcs of sweetcorn on a hair!!
Barney Rubble
20-08-2009, 09:37
Niknak i think many of the chub and barbel are still spawning on the river many fish still look on the thin side :rolleyes:
Nice chub by the way :thumbs:
Hi Guys,
Sorry about protracted silence but so far this season on the river has not been up to much. Several sessions around Hartlake but conditions never great: weather too bright or river too clear or both. Fish only seem interested for an hour or so early or late unless you're happy for small roach, bleak or gudgeon. Had a few bream around the 3lb mark but none of the nice tench that I was into last summer. Have not seen any signs of carp so far this year and have rarely seen another angler this year - maybe they know something I don't.
Congrats on the barbel niknak - got my first one as well this year but it was from a bloody lake so not the same thing at all - in fact I was pretty hacked off about my first not being a river fish.
Planning to give the river a rest for a few weeks or until we get some decent rain.
I think i'm with you at the moment Spiggy! A couple of weeks off it will sort me out and i'll be praying for some more rain.
I also thought there is a severe lack of anglers down there at the moment...! Plus you normally see alot more chub about down there but they seem to be hiding somewhere too... probably with the carp!
Barney Rubble
31-08-2009, 17:08
Mark, looking at the weeks weather ahead your wishes have been answered :thumbs:
Not fished the river for sometime now myself for the very reason many of you have said, water to clear and very low :rolleyes:
Nice low pressure coming thro' on Thursday with some rain - hope I can get some time on the river.
I've been struggling. Put my heart and soul into it this month, 1hr 20mins round trip, with another 15min walk each way at the other end - thats just the baiting up of course. Made all the more harder by the fact I work in London. Done a fair few nights to no avail. Managed a chub but thats about it. On my last session yesterday morning, before I was about to pack up, I had a bouncing tip and a single bleep and then the line went slack. What ever it was cut me off on the take. I had to laugh otherwise I would have cried.
I know the carp are there, I know the rivers have been rubbish recently... but need a week or two off, to recharge the batteries. But maybe that'll be it for the year now - not decided. I know I'm not a bad angler and more than capable of cracking it. But one thing, it's been a steep learning curve and loved every minute of it. Beats fishing packed out lakes. Being in the middle of nowhere, cant beat it. Definately to be continued.
Due about 1.5 cm of rain today and overnight - here's hoping it does the trick
Fingers crossed it will help a little and i can get down there friday for a day trip to see whats about! The rain has definately started now! Happy days!
Barney Rubble
02-09-2009, 19:24
We need a hell alot of rain to make it into the river to make any difference
More forecasted for friday :thumbs:
Agreed Barney but hopefully its a start, absolutely chucking it down now wahooo!
Barney Rubble
02-09-2009, 20:20
This lot we got tonight will just soak into the ground, maybe the friday's rain could give the river a tinge of colour bringing up the levels also :thumbs:
Well the river is full at Tonbridge and downstream - flow not too much changed but a bit more colour.
niknak8888
03-09-2009, 22:06
well, good day in the office today! Started at about 5:30pm for an evening session and had a few small chub under a lb all on lobs. Went up to my usual swim and managed another small chub, then FINALLY my first perch out of the river! It was also my pb and i was so happy when i saw its shape and fins in the water, it went 1lb11oz on the scales which i was over the moon with! might not be huge but it was a pb, and apparently was a good perch from the area. I then missed a few bites and then i got the slightest pull round on the tip, struck and i though i had hooked the bottom or had a small fish in a snag but then the bottom started to move upstream and i knew instantly what it was. My heart was racing and i managed to get the net around it but it went ballistic in the water and jumped out again. eventually i saw it come up to the surface again and then shoot off and then the sickening feeling of a ping on the line and simultaneously going slack - a hook pull. Oh well i didnt really mind because i'd got 3/4 of the way to landing it and i had an amazing fight for about 6 mins while it lasted. It was right on last knockings almost pitch black at around 8:30. looked around the same size as my last probably 5 or 6lbs. (btw it was a barbel lol)
Anyway river looking v nice! Not that much higher at me though. Will try to post the pics of the perch soon.
Nick
Barney Rubble
03-09-2009, 22:55
Bad luck on the barbel Niknak but well done on the PB perch mate :thumbs: :clap:
niknak8888
04-09-2009, 15:00
Here's the piccy of the perch, couldn't get him to hold his dorsal up for the camera but oh well! 1lb 11oz
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3886454097_477ea9970d.jpg
saint georges day
04-09-2009, 22:12
hi guys want to take my son for a bit of river fishing,on the medway can anyone give me some help as to where and how to get to said place that you mite come up with ...thanks ;)
Barney Rubble
04-09-2009, 23:20
Some parts are club run, you may need to tell us where your thinking of taking your boy fishing if your not a member of a club and want to fish a free stretch of the Medway ?
niknak8888
05-09-2009, 00:44
A few bits belonging to the Tonbridge District Angling have the option of buying day tickets on them. Have a look on their site: http://www.tonbridge-angling.co.uk/page8.html. Should give you a bit of info on what is on offer and whether it is day ticket or not.
Hope that helps, Nick
saint georges day
05-09-2009, 10:36
thanks guys,looking at free stretch bits i only know yalding ...:o
Barney Rubble
06-09-2009, 20:33
No point asking me i was going to suggest that part of the Medway to you
niknak8888
06-09-2009, 23:17
Having just joined the RTWAS i had my first day out on the fordcombe stretch today and didnt manage to get in contact with any barbel but took 3 nice chub biggest 3lb2oz (initially thought one of them was a barbel as it fought so hard in the beginning!) but it seems they go much bigger than that there, so am looking forward to getting in touch with some of them in the future, and barbel! I had a look up at the big weirpool a bit further upstream and was going to fish it but is said something like NBWAS only. I wasnt sure whether it was also belonging to the rtwas or not? Barney maybe you would be able to enlighten me as i know you're a rtwas member? And do the barbel tend to be spread all through there or are they in select places? Cheers (pm if you prefer ;))
Nick
Barney Rubble
06-09-2009, 23:57
Niknak pm sent
Well done niknak that is spot on! Would love to see some pics of the barbel as i've been contemplating joining RTWAS!!!
Barney Rubble
07-09-2009, 23:19
Well done Niknak :thumbs:
Barney Rubble
08-09-2009, 00:50
Very good mate :thumbs:
I see ones in the dark :nono2: :norty:
I so need to catch me one of those! Cracking fish mate well done.
Barney Rubble
08-09-2009, 11:01
Niknak pm sent
niknak8888
08-09-2009, 12:15
I see ones in the dark :nono2: :norty:
:suspect: :o think it must be something funny on your screen mate! Honest lol
Barney Rubble
08-09-2009, 12:30
Ah yes that must be it then :bonk: :brick: :confused: :p
Not strictly Medway but "Medway therapy" - took myself off to Monk Lakes yesterday for some easier fishing. Whenever I've fished there before have mostly caught tench and bream and just a few carp. Yesterday the carp were up for it even at lunchtime on a cloudless, windless baking-hot sunny day. Best was 13lbs, lots around 6-8lb. Some bream but could not buy a tench and they are usually 10-a-penny. Sometimes this sport is beyond me.
Still it recharged the batteries and restored the confidence - back to the river over the next few days.
Anyone been out in the last 2 weeks? Now that days are getting shorter, I'm planning some more evening expeditions - staying out 'til 10 in summer can get you a lot of grief but with sunset around 8 and sunrise around 6 things are easier.
Barney Rubble
20-09-2009, 21:14
No Spiggy, the river is clearer then it's ever been, what little rain we do have isn't making any difference at all :rolleyes:
Short session yesterday afternoon - hoped that the cloud cover might encourage some fish to feed. Decided that chub would probably be best hope and roamed along the Hartlake stretch fishing several swims with cheesepaste. River was moving slowly, clear but not noticeably low. A dredger arrived about 200 yds upstream halfway through the session and did a bit of scraping the bottom but I decided to continue as any additional colour might have helped. Unfortunately, no bites at all. Never known the river to fish as badly as this season.
I concur. (Mind you it was my first season)
niknak8888
29-09-2009, 22:12
unlucky on the season guys, hasnt been the worst season for me by a long way!! was out trotting worms on sat evening and managed a small chub then a very long 3lber with the biggest mouth ive ever seen on a chub! was nice sport on the speedia pin! then on sunday i was out again and took a small perch and small chub, then i "hooked" into what i thought was a massive perch. i saw the "big perch" surge out of the water and it then became apparent that it was not a perch when it started going off upstream and stripping line!! eventually it came closer in and the line went slack and i thought i had lost it, i hadn't, i'd obviously originally hooked into a small chub (which was very mangled by the time it had come in) and a great big pike had obviously grabbed it. i dangled the chub in the water for a bit and sure enough a dark shadow came up and took it again and eventually i spooked it. was a bit of a laugh but i felt sorry for the poor chub! didnt have a chance. looked a good pike around 13-15lb, will bear that in mind for this winter!
Nick
Well done again NikNak. Bet you were fishing your Penshurst stretch. Maybe the big difference this year is between your free-flowing section and mine downstream of Tonbridge and in the middle of all those locks? Impressed that you're using a pin (pin and trotting also ain't an option on my beat).
Carp Man Cogger
30-09-2009, 23:04
hello medway anglers
im 15 years old and have fished the medway on my own since i was 6. i live right next to it and have carefully watched it for years! ive had roach, possibly medway record, to 3lb 5oz, perch to over 4lb, and am going to start capin' down there now i'm old enough to night fish by myself. I've seen several fish near the maidstone stretch (thats where i had all my fish btw) to well over 30 lb, most noticaby a few kois and a mirror which i know as Mr. Meaty.
any tips on the carping, and anyone know medway roach bigger than mine?
also new to the forum
Hey Carp Man, welcome to the forum. The big carp are in the river and lots of them. The main problem is that they move around so much, even through the lock gates - I have seen the same Koi in sections 2 locks apart on the same day. So I guess the best bit of advice is to prebait for a week or so to get them used to looking for food in your chosen swim. Also worth bearing in mind that the large bream shoals will mop up the feed that is small. That said putting in a kilo of 20 mm boilies every day is too expensive. I'd probably start with something cheap in bulk (vitalin, corn, particles) to generally get fish into the area and that will include the carp and then gradually start including increasing amounts of large boilies. 20 mm won't deter the bigger bream but skimmers will leave you alone. Then a simple hair rigged boilie on a safe bolt rig should do the trick.
Okay that's my thoughts but mybe Medway Carper can add to this or disagree with me if he's about?
Managed to grab about 90 min on the river yesterday late afternoon. Trotting lobworm beneath a loafer close to chubby-looking spots on the far-bank produced several quick (and missed) bites plus one nice chub hooked and landed. Maybe things are looking up.
At the risk of stating the obvious - we have rain! And more due on Tuesday and Wednesday; I'm beginning to get excited.
Barney Rubble
05-10-2009, 19:55
Looking promising Spiggy :norty:
Barney Rubble
06-10-2009, 23:25
If anyones near the river over the next couple of days can you give us a river report after all this rain please, it would be interesting to know if the rain has made any difference to it or not ;)
Guess you don't need that answer as of tonight, Barney. But River now well up at Tonbridge and downstream, flowing and coloured. We had 8mm of rain on Monday, slightly less yesterday and god knows how much we'll have overnight tonight but its due to keep going into the early hours. So the big question is Friday, Saturday or Sunday for that trip.
Barney Rubble
07-10-2009, 19:58
Thanks for that Spiggy :thumbs:
Well at least this lot will wash out all the rubbish that's been sitting there for the last 3 months ;)
May try Sunday, looking like we might get a bit more rain or showers over the weekend,, so hopefully it will still be up and flowing :)
My guess is that with this amount of rain draining in from upstream we'll have a flow for a few days and it'll be pretty strong up to the Leigh barrier. The Muck Stream will see off a lot of it from below the barrier until downstream of Tonbridge town. Then we'll have flow but not too pacey in the locked-up section beyond. But for me, fishing between the locks, its the colour thats important - I'm thinking of chub with some really stinky cheesepaste on one rod and then after those tench (with maybe a dream bonus carp) on the other. Am I excited? - you bet - in my section this is probably the best time to get out there since the season started .
Barney Rubble
07-10-2009, 23:01
It's looking to be dry tomorrow, very wet again on Friday, dry Saturday, could be wet again Sunday ?, so the river looks like it will have some flow and colour still in it come weekend Spiggy :thumbs:
I always find that chub don't seem to like coloured water so much when feeding and would rather have just a tinge of colour for better results .
Okay Barney and folks, have taken a look at the river this evening from the bridges at Tonbridge and downstream. All along, the river is full but not high, flow is steady but not pacey or fast and the water is coloured. My guess is that it will start fining down now and, unless we have a lot of rain tomorrow (some is forecast), it'll continue to lose colour over the coming days.
niknak8888
08-10-2009, 23:12
looking very promising for sunday then! hopefully be able to come back with a good report!
Barney Rubble
08-10-2009, 23:20
Thanks again Spiggy :thumbs:
Yes forecast is for more rain tomorrow, some heavy in the afternoon :norty:
Trouble is the temperature is dropping also :cry:
niknak8888
12-10-2009, 22:47
Was out on sunday for a match on penshurst. River looked nice - had a bit more colour, but didn't appear to be massively higher. Managed a nice perch and then a few bits and pieces ended up with a total of 1lb5oz!! Yay lol. as always seems to be the way with the matches it was going quite well for the first 2 hrs then just dropped dead. still, nice not to have blanked and at least i got a ay on the bank! Anyone else been out recently since all of last weeks rain?
Nick
niknak8888
17-10-2009, 21:04
No One been out recently or last weekend!?
Not been able to find time to get out. Really suffering as I left for work at 7 this morning as the weather looked just right - mild night, dense cloud with light rain, warm light wind. Some lucky sod will hammer them today. Still, I'm looking forward to getting a travel spinning rod this week to leave in the car boot so that I can spend a few snatched hours after pike and perch next month.
niknak8888
21-10-2009, 22:08
You'll find the time eventually Spiggy, and will land a biggie;) ! Any luck with the tench this season then? Should hopefully get out tomorrow so will report back...
No mate, no sign of the tench this season in the swims that I got them from in the past two seasons. May be the weather this year, but the chub and bream fishing has also changed, so not quite sure what is going on. But I'll try and have a few more goes while the weather holds up.
On the plus side, the rod arrived and it feels the part - its a Daiwa Wilderness 9'/11' travel spin and came with a free reel - all for £89. Should do for the perch and pike and the odd sea fishing jaunt. It has good reviews on a bunch of sites so I can't wait to try it out.
Speaking of new tackle, the clear water conditions this year finally made my mind up to get a pole (MAP TKS30) so that I can use really fine tackle when we get these conditions next year. So lots of new stuff to start trying out.
niknak8888
21-10-2009, 23:42
Ye Travel rod seems a good idea may get the odd chub on lures as well. Will be typical that when you get ur pole, next year will be completely different!! haha
Got the pole a few weeks ago but will wait for the Close Season to get used to it on some noddy commercial lakes.
Well done - be good to see the pics. Was it on worm like your others?
Barney Rubble
26-10-2009, 06:45
Well done Niknak :thumbs: that's a nice fish mate :notworthy:
Beautiful fish mate. You really seem to have got those barbel taped this year.
niknak8888
27-10-2009, 11:06
Cheers Spiggy! I wasn't even expecting to catch a barbel this season! Wasn't particularly targeting them either, but low and behold i go and get 4!! Hopefully with more to come! I still cant get over the power of them and they are beautiful! The pic doesnt really do that fish justice - got mud on its tail and its nose looks blunt, but it was scale and fin perfect! Think there has definitely been varying success on the river this season aswell.
Nick
Barney Rubble
27-10-2009, 11:33
What makes that a good catch Niknak is it's during daylight hours, so with the river being low and clear you done well mate :notworthy:
niknak8888
27-10-2009, 20:16
Cheers barney, 3 out of the 4 I had have been so far, Also lost another one last season in daylight at about 12! U been out recently?
Well Barney and Niknak - I think that this is a first for us, I am posting live from the river. Have been itching to get out this week as the weather conditions have looked great. Got my chance today as I was home waiting for a workman who cancelled.
I'm in the Hartlake section in one of my favourite tench and bream swims. Weather is just right warm and overcast. Fishing two rods, both on feeder. One down the middle with groundbait, a few pellets, caster and hemp - this has worked for the bream and tench before. The other hard to some tall far bank bushes with liquidised bread and a little hemp to try for chub.
Put in several feeders full into both and now resting the swim for 40 min or so before putting in my hookbaits.
Air is very still, would have preferred a bit of a ripple but fish are topping. Pretty much by myself although a kid came past a while ago and had had a small pike from further downstream.
Anyway, better tie on the hooklengths. Will update in an hour or so if anything has happened.
Well guys first hour is up and nothing to show for it. Getting small taps on both rods and missed one steady pull around of the tip on the bream rod. Beginning to think about ringing the changes
Well it's not looking good right now some signs of activity on the chub line. Switched from pellet to caster on the tench line but started catching gudgeon and small roach. So have switched to an 8mm Ringers shellfish boilie on that one. Will alternate that with pellet for the last hour or so of daylight. May swap paste for a lob on the other rod and give myself a chance of a perch as well.
Okay, packed up after dark. Great bite on the worm......felt like a good fish..... started thinking 5lb chub..........result was a 6lb jack pike. That pretty much sums up my day and my season so far on the river. And I was planning to start some predator sessions next week.
niknak8888
28-10-2009, 21:15
Oh well saved a blank at least! How are you posting from the bank? Phone or sumin?
Blimey Nick thats a cracking fish!!! Well done mate
Putting aside yesterday afternoon's poor session (although doing a "live" feed from the bank was fun), if anyone is interested I saw that the EA has lowered the river below Town Lock today as I drove past at 8am. Chance to get a feel for the contours and identify features such as where the gravel sections are.
Niknak - yep I was posting from my phone
Markrv - just took a look at your blog at www.pikeandperch.co.uk. Really enjoyed it and useful too as I've decided that November is predator month for me on the Medway. Also, thought that Medway carp was great!
niknak8888
29-10-2009, 18:20
Cheers Mark, decided on joining RTWAS yet?
@Spiggy - glad you liked it mate!
@niknak8888 i haven't looked at it much to be honest as work has been so crazy, but hopefully first trip back out on the medway this weekend! I cannot flippin wait. What were the membership costs for rtwas?
niknak8888
04-11-2009, 13:42
pm mark
and a PM back for ya! damn i'm looking forward to getting back out this weekend... its seemed like ages since i've fished the river!
niknak8888
04-11-2009, 22:17
haha good luck let us know how u get on mate! go and get urself another nice carp lol!
niknak8888
08-11-2009, 22:39
River up a bit and pushing through with a LOT of debris (leaves mainly:mad: :brick: ) and a nice colour to it. Would have been good conditions but tip was whacking round literally the moment I cast due to leaves out so it was IM-possible!!! Managed a small chub so it saved a blank but still very frustrating!
Nick
Same for me at the weekend mainly small chub, but managed a few perch just over a 1lb. Fingers crossed it will improve this weekend, and hopefully no more open locks so the levels will be back up again.
niknak8888
12-11-2009, 22:42
Cant seem to get in touch with any more perch over 1lb now, the first 2 i had were, then they were all tiddlers!
Barney Rubble
13-11-2009, 23:35
Just thought i would give a river report for those thinking of going out over the weekend ;) it's in flood and with anymore rain over night it will be out in the fields come morning :thumbs:
Flippin great! Sunday looks like a wash out then - oops!
Barney Rubble
14-11-2009, 19:31
River report, river didn't look to bad today, still very high but hasn't gone over the banks, this was around midday but after seeing the rain we've had after that time it could be very close to going over :thumbs:
Barney Rubble
19-11-2009, 00:04
Anyone been out and seen the river ?
Is it still up and coloured ?
Tonbridge and downstream through the locks is still coloured and with reasonable flow but not motoring through any more. The bad news is we are due heavy rain on both Sat and Sun so its likely to be up again quickly.
Barney Rubble
19-11-2009, 10:36
Thanks Spiggy :thumbs:
Don't mind a bit of heavy rain when the rivers back down to normal levels, don't really want any when it's already bank high :rolleyes:
Barney Rubble
20-11-2009, 17:38
Latest river report, river maybe up by a few inches with a tinge of colour still very good flow and pace, hopefully the rain which is forecast over the weekend should just come in handy if anyones out sunday :norty:
Barney Rubble
25-11-2009, 00:24
Anyone been out, seen the river ?
Early in the week it's been very close to the top of the banks but hadn't gone over, just wondering if it had dropped or not ?
niknak8888
25-11-2009, 23:10
Still pretty high this evening. Might try this weekend if its not too bad!
Barney Rubble
26-11-2009, 00:08
Where was that Niknak your stretch ?
Barney Rubble
26-11-2009, 09:55
Niknak when you say high, how high are you saying ?
niknak8888
27-11-2009, 22:27
ye my stretch was about 2/3 ft under top of bank probably will have dropped a bit now tho.
Out on the river below Tonbridge yesterday. Pushing thro' fast and hard and very coloured but decided to give it a go for a few hours after lunch. Tried legered lob in the wierpool below one of the locks where a barbel or two had been reported to come from at the start of the season but nothing.
Had pre-baited a few possible chub swims with cheesepaste on way to wierpool (slacks where the current was less). So much rubbish coming through below the surface that far bank proved impossible to fish. Spent final hour on a nearside pool - a couple of knocks could have been fish or just rubbish hitting the line but nothing to show for it.
More heavy rain tonight means that it probably won't be worth going out on this section for a few more days.
Barney Rubble
28-11-2009, 19:20
River is very high right now, it's only a matter of time before it goes over the top in to the fields, that's before tonights river and tomorrows
qualityfishing
28-11-2009, 20:43
anyone got any info on the section between penshurst place and i think its called ensfield bridge or something like that as it is fishable on my orpington district membership, had a walk along there today, river was flooding the fields and running very fast and coloured, saw a few barbel looking areas, any info much apreciated
Qualityfishing, can't help with the stretch you are asking about but NikNak fishes nearby - on the Penshurst AC strech I think, so he'll have some ideas.
Barney Rubble
02-12-2009, 10:29
I also don't know anything about that stretch Qualityfishing, have a word with Niknak :thumbs:
Barney Rubble
03-12-2009, 00:06
If anyones out on Friday or early Saturday can you give us a river report, not sure with all the rain then no rain what the river is doing at the moment :rolleyes: thanks ;)
Mr Rubble, I took a look at the river at Hartlake Bridge below Tonbridge just now and it is thundering through that section and obviously very coloured. No different to a week ago I'm afraid.
Barney Rubble
05-12-2009, 18:54
Top man Spiggy :thumbs: the rain we got now should just help to warm the water up from the sudden drop in the week from the cold nights ;)
A look at the river today shows no change since the weekend on the Tonbridge section. Still thundering through from the flood barrier, through the town and at Hartlake Bridge.
Barney Rubble
09-12-2009, 16:56
Thanks again Spiggy :thumbs:
River should have time to drop now with the weather changing
niknak8888
11-12-2009, 15:02
rivers looking like it is almost fishable now or over the next few days. level dropped quite a bit, still plenty of colour but a smelly bait could work?
Agree with NikNak. Through Tonbridge and the lock system below, the river is flowing but the pace has dropped a lot. River is coloured but with no more rain things will look good over the weekend.
So, I'm going out on Sunday. The thread has recently become a pretty boring set of river flow updates (yeah I know that I posted them as well!). It would be great to replace these with something more interesting (sessions and catches) before the season ends.
So there's the challenge - lets see who gets the best day on the river before New Year - regardless of the River conditions.
Cheers Guys
Barney Rubble
12-12-2009, 11:08
rivers looking like it is almost fishable now or over the next few days. level dropped quite a bit, still plenty of colour but a smelly bait could work?
That is true Niknak, but the water is now cold so if your after barbel you may find it very hard to find them, i would switch to chub or even pike fishing now the weather turned cold ;)
River is still up by a foot but dropping, pace and colour is good
niknak8888
12-12-2009, 11:20
Ye last year I had a few nice winter chub so will definitely be after them. also earlier in the season was playing a long mean pike, as i said in an earlier report, so will probably have a go for them now and get my 2nd ever! also agree with spiggy it would be nice to have some CATCH reports! havent caught a fish for at least a month now and am going slightly mad!!
niknak8888
14-12-2009, 00:40
finally got out today. River looked mint, colour has dropped out lots but it is still pushing through a bit, and 1.5ft - 2ft higher than normal. Was put for about an hour and a half and just as i was about to reel in, the rod hooped over and after a nice fight in the flow landed a 3lb7oz chub. was very happy as its the first fish ive seen in ages!!
Barney Rubble
14-12-2009, 11:05
Well done Niknak :thumbs:
Got out as promised, but found a Tonbridge AC match pegged down above and below Hartlake Bridge. Decided to rove a few swims well away from the match and had half a dozen chub and a few roach on bread. Happy with this as all my favoured swims were taken and think it was a good return for two and a half hours in the unknown. Was interested to see how the match went but it was packed up and gone when I wandered back to the car.
Am thinking about piking this coming weekend - down hartlake. Work a deadbait along. Anybody with any results down that stretch?
Barney Rubble
14-12-2009, 17:44
Got out as promised, but found a Tonbridge AC match pegged down above and below Hartlake Bridge. Decided to rove a few swims well away from the match and had half a dozen chub and a few roach on bread. Happy with this as all my favoured swims were taken and think it was a good return for two and a half hours in the unknown. Interesting to see how the match went but is was packed up and gone when I wandered back to the car.
Well done Spiggy :thumbs:
Hi Rez, haven't been piking at Hartlake yet this season. Intended to last month but the high river stopped it. However last season, roving with deadbait on the float leger worked well. There are a lot around and my keepnet has been attacked by high doubles twice this season. Last season I gave it 20-30 min per swim before moving on - the slacker water is pretty obvious but near bank is easier for control.
niknak8888
14-12-2009, 23:57
ye nice one spiggy! were the chub any size?
Nothing spectacular but nice fish up to about 2lb and the roach were 8-12 oz
Barney Rubble
15-12-2009, 10:44
Nice roach Spiggy :thumbs:
niknak8888
15-12-2009, 21:08
agreed ;) nice to actually catch something aswell!!
Was gonna give Hartlake a go Sunday, but am guessing several inches of melting snow isnt going to be a ideal - any idea if it will be fishable?
Hi Rez, sorry for late reply. Did you go? Sunday might have been okay as there wasn't much melt-water but its looking like the thaw started in the Tonbridge area yesterday so the river temperature will be down and the river will be rising and coloured. I'm guessing that the fishing won't be up to much for the next few days. Maybe a session on Boxing Day with all the new kit that we'll get for Christmas (joking here - the wife refuses to buy me "any more fishing stuff" as I take up too much of the garage already)
No, I got a report that the area was really snowy and a lot of the roads were still bad, so gave it a miss.
Might go down xmas morning - but I cant see it really.
Barney Rubble
22-12-2009, 10:46
Hi Rez, sorry for late reply. Did you go? Sunday might have been okay as there wasn't much melt-water but its looking like the thaw started in the Tonbridge area yesterday so the river temperature will be down and the river will be rising and coloured. I'm guessing that the fishing won't be up to much for the next few days. Maybe a session on Boxing Day with all the new kit that we'll get for Christmas (joking here - the wife refuses to buy me "any more fishing stuff" as I take up too much of the garage already)
Not forgetting the salt off the roads that will get washed into the river won't help either Spiggy :rolleyes: it may take more then a few days for the river to be fishable after all that's gone in.
I wouldn't even bother fishing it until at least the weekend or early mid week
Interesting point Barney and we hear lots about salt going into our waterways but I'd be interested to know where the drains discharge directly into the Medway. They would be places to avoid for a few days. But, from what I understand most of the discharge is into farmland and, with salt being at a premium for plants and animals and they actively remove it, I do wonder how much reaches the rivers. As far as Tonbridge goes, only the A roads were gritted and that only twice, so even given what I've said above not sure that we need to worry too much about salt. But I may be wrong.
niknak8888
22-12-2009, 23:50
rivers a funny dark browny colour and up a few foot. not loads of flow but a bit more thn usual. doesnt look great i have to say!
Merry Christmas to all you Medway fishers - lets hope the New Year brings better fishing conditions than we've had for the past few months.
niknak8888
26-12-2009, 23:58
Just to report conditions: River is milky brown up a few foot from normal and a reasonably strong flow. Think it will be a good few days before it is really worth it:cry:
Barney Rubble
27-12-2009, 00:27
Merry Christmas to all you Medway fishers - lets hope the New Year brings better fishing conditions than we've had for the past few months.
Last few months Spiggy, some of them months were the best conidtions to fish in, specially when the rivers up and coloured ( 6-7ft ) :norty:
Barney Rubble
27-12-2009, 00:43
Interesting point Barney and we hear lots about salt going into our waterways but I'd be interested to know where the drains discharge directly into the Medway. They would be places to avoid for a few days. But, from what I understand most of the discharge is into farmland and, with salt being at a premium for plants and animals and they actively remove it, I do wonder how much reaches the rivers. As far as Tonbridge goes, only the A roads were gritted and that only twice, so even given what I've said above not sure that we need to worry too much about salt. But I may be wrong.
Well i don't know where the drains are on the Medway Spiggy but all i know is that salt will enter the river all along it, whether or not the roads have or haven't been gritted it will find it's way into the Medway across fields , so it would take at least to mid week before i think it would be fishable again but now the new forecast is for more cold weather it could take longer if they decide to grit again :rolleyes: not looking good :cry:
Am thinking of goin tomorrow morning. Travelling from Sth London so - hopeful I'll be able to work a deadbait around if I can find some slacks.
niknak8888
27-12-2009, 18:21
Have to say Rez, the rivers not looking great, and as barney has said there is bound to have been salt washed into it. Not sure about conditions for pike in general so dont know if colour is good or not, but it is fairly coloured atm. i guess there will always be fish needing to eat something though.
Not been up there in months. So am thinking of taking a wander anyway.
Sure there will be some slacks. whats the island and oak weir like? Will the locks all be fully open?
Regarding the salt. I'm sort of have an open mind about it. To affect the fishing that would have to be a huge salt intake... And the speed it could be washed away.
Barney Rubble
27-12-2009, 23:34
Not been up there in months. So am thinking of taking a wander anyway.
Sure there will be some slacks. whats the island and oak weir like? Will the locks all be fully open?
Regarding the salt. I'm sort of have an open mind about it. To affect the fishing that would have to be a huge salt intake... And the speed it could be washed away.
Rez, what club runs the Oak Weir section ?, i've heard of it but have only seen that part of the river when i have past by.
Its still tdafps, although it is on the outer edge of the stretch they run. The very edge runs about 400 yards past the weir.
Barney Rubble
28-12-2009, 12:44
Just had a look at they web site Rez very easy to pick out the sections on the maps ;) who has the opposite side to you at Hartlake ?
Nobody. It's hardly fishable, and even if you can you might get shot trepassing on the farmers land. Prior to the hartlake stretch its CEMEX, afterhartlake no idea.
River was a few foot up, quite coloured and bombing through in places. Plenty of small eddies and stuff though. I fished up by the island in amongst the sheep and their poo. Bait wasnt fresh at all, and had a pick up first cast but it dropped it. Then by 10am it was dead bright. Not ideal at all.
Barney Rubble
29-12-2009, 13:03
Ok Rez ;) i've never fished that part of the Medway, just wondering who actually run that section of the river.
The Hartlake stretch controlled by TDAFPS continues past East Lock (at Golden Green) but along the opposite bank to the weirpool - it goes through a few fields (usually full of sheep) for perhaps 1/4 to 1/2 mile and ends at an iron bridge over the river. Alders AC have a short stretch here at Golden Green but I'm not sure precisely where it is. I think that the stretch immediately beyond the TDAFPS water belongs to Paddock Wood AC. Cranbrook AC then have a short stretch at East Peckham and the Civil Service Angling club have about half a mile plus a short section of the River Bourne where it enters the Medway near East Peckham.
Further to last post. This link to an EA booklet pdf seems to cover the Medway pretty comprehensively:
http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0309BOXX-e-e.pdf
Barney Rubble
30-12-2009, 15:46
Link doesn't work Spiggy :confused:
Did for me when I clicked on it in my post just now - if you do that it'll work.
When I posted it on the Cemex site, the site abbreviated it so it won't work by copy and paste. So here is the link minus "Http://" so it won't be shortened just add the http etc to the front if you are pasting
publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0309BOXX-e-e.pdf
Barney Rubble
30-12-2009, 18:57
For some reason i can't get it to work never mind, thanks for trying Spiggy :thumbs:
One last try:
http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/pdf/GEHO0309BOXX-e-e.pdf
Just copied and pasted it into my browser and it worked. But if your internet connection is slow it might take a while to download as it a big document.
I've also split it into 2 lines so that the Cemex site cant abbreviate the middle bit:
http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk
/pdf/GEHO0309BOXX-e-e.pdf
Join both lines together
Barney Rubble
30-12-2009, 23:03
I've tried everything Spiggy still can't get it to work :cry: no matter what i do it won't allow me to veiw that page :rolleyes:
Barney, I have it downloaded as a pdf but am not allowed to post attachments by the Cemex PM route.
If you PM me an email address I'll send it to you. Same for anyone else that is having problems.
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