Tidal River Close season appliesWQ: Poor Free fishing availableNavigable
About River Stour
The Stour is a 42km lowland river holding barbel, bream, chub, roach, pike and trout among other coarse species, though poor water quality can affect fish populations and success rates. Most fishing rights are controlled by clubs or private owners; a rod licence is essential and day-ticket access is limited.
The statutory close season on River Stour runs 15 March – 15 June (rivers). No coarse fishing is permitted during this period. Free fishing is available on sections of River Stour — a valid EA rod licence is still required. Multiple River Stour locations exist (Kent, Suffolk, Warwickshire, Dorset). This response covers the Kent locations with confirmed free stretches requiring only EA rod licence. Always verify current access status with local sources as fishing rights can change. Close season applies 15 March - 15 June. Children under 12 exempt from licence requirement.
River Stour is a navigable waterway managed by Environment Agency covering Brundon Mill (Sudbury) to Cattawade (tidal). Rod licence required. Shallow river — much fishing from bank along 24 miles of navigation. Portage platforms free to all at weirs and mills. Contact River Stour Trust for lock operations.
Trout fishing on River Stour may be subject to season restrictions set by the local club or riparian owner — always confirm before your session.
Pike fishing is a highlight on River Stour — both lure and deadbait tactics are effective, particularly through autumn and winter.
An EA rod licence is required by law to fish River Stour, even on free fishing stretches.
Free Fishing on River Stour
Multiple River Stour locations exist (Kent, Suffolk, Warwickshire, Dorset). This response covers the Kent locations with confirmed free stretches requiring only EA rod licence. Always verify current access status with local sources as fishing rights can change. Close season applies 15 March - 15 June. Children under 12 exempt from licence requirement.
Known free fishing stretches:
Canterbury to Vauxhall Bridge, Kent: Free fishing from train viaduct bridge at Canterbury Park through whole of Canterbury town and downstream for several miles up to Vauxhall Bridge (off Sturry Road). EA rod licence only required
Thanington to Sturry, Kent: Free fishing on River Stour between Thanington and Sturry passing through Canterbury city centre. EA rod licence only required
Plucks Gutter, Kent: Short stretch of free fishing at Plucks Gutter before it becomes Wantsum Angling Association controlled water. EA rod licence only required
Grove Ferry downstream to Sandwich, Kent: Mostly free fishing from Grove Ferry heading towards Sandwich with full tidal conditions. EA rod licence only required
Ashford area, Kent: Free fishing on upper reaches of Kentish Stour and East Stour at Ashford for several miles. Ashford Borough Council owns much riverside land and allows free fishing in these areas. EA rod licence only required
A valid EA rod licence is still required on all free fishing stretches. You can buy your licence online before your visit.
Navigation & Boating on River Stour
River Stour is a navigable waterway managed by Environment Agency (Brundon Mill (Sudbury) to Cattawade (tidal)).
Rod licence required. Shallow river — much fishing from bank along 24 miles of navigation. Portage platforms free to all at weirs and mills. Contact River Stour Trust for lock operations.
Registration required: EA registration for powered craft (Ballingdon Bridge to Henny St Weir only).
The tidal river holds Barbel, Bream, Chub, Roach, Rudd, Tench, Dace, Perch, Pike, Gudgeon, Trout, Eel, Bleak, Ruffe. Trout fishing on River Stour may be subject to season restrictions — check local byelaws.
What is the close season on River Stour?+
15 March – 15 June (rivers) Always confirm with the landowner or club before fishing out of normal season.
Do I need a licence to fish River Stour?+
Yes — a valid Environment Agency (EA) rod licence is required by law to fish River Stour. Licences are available online from gov.uk. Some stretches of River Stour offer free fishing (beyond the rod licence).
What is the water quality like in River Stour?+
The Environment Agency classifies River Stour as having Poor water quality. Fish status is rated as Moderate. Water quality can affect fishing conditions — check the EA's Catchment Data Explorer for up-to-date information.
Where is free fishing available on River Stour?+
Free fishing stretches on River Stour include: Canterbury to Vauxhall Bridge, Kent: Free fishing from train viaduct bridge at Canterbury Park through whole of Canterbury town and downstream for several miles up to Vauxhall Bridge (off Sturry Road). EA rod licence only required; Thanington to Sturry, Kent: Free fishing on River Stour between Thanington and Sturry passing through Canterbury city centre. EA rod licence only required; Plucks Gutter, Kent: Short stretch of free fishing at Plucks Gutter before it becomes Wantsum Angling Association controlled water. EA rod licence only required. A valid EA rod licence is still required on all stretches.
Who manages navigation on River Stour?+
River Stour is managed by Environment Agency from Brundon Mill (Sudbury) to Cattawade (tidal). Navigation registration: EA registration for powered craft (Ballingdon Bridge to Henny St Weir only). Speed limit: 4mph. Rod licence required. Shallow river — much fishing from bank along 24 miles of navigation. Portage platforms free to all at weirs and mills. Contact River Stour Trust for lock operations.
Planning a Trip to River Stour
To fish River Stour, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. Some stretches of River Stour offer free fishing — a rod licence is still required.
Always check conditions before you visit. Water quality, access and rules can change seasonally. The EA's Catchment Data Explorer provides up-to-date water quality information for River Stour.
Nearby Rivers & Canals
Other UK fishing waters near River Stour on PiscaMaps:
