The Kennet is a productive chalk stream offering excellent coarse and game fishing for carp, barbel, chub, bream, pike, grayling and trout across its modest 4km stretch. Fishing rights are predominantly club or private with a rod licence required; water quality is moderate, making it ideal for mixed-species angling throughout the year.
River Kennet holds common carp, carp, barbel, bream, chub, roach, rudd, tench, dace, perch, pike, gudgeon, grayling, trout, salmon, eel, bleak, ruffe. Carp are particularly popular with specimen anglers — handle all fish with care and return them promptly.
An Environment Agency rod licence is required alongside a Canal & River Trust day or annual fishing licence. Both available online.
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To fish River Kennet, you need a valid Environment Agency rod licence, available from gov.uk, plus a Canal & River Trust fishing licence or day permit. Both can be purchased online before your visit. Day tickets, weekly and annual CRT licences are all available.
The towpath alongside River Kennet provides bank access for most of its length. Some stretches may be managed by local angling clubs — check for club-only water before setting up. Always leave gates as you find them and take all litter home.