LEE ANGLERS' CONSORTIUM

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St.Margarets

 

Location

 

 

St.Margarets is to the east of the A10 about 7 miles north of the M25. There is a public car-park in Station Road or at week-ends there may be space in the station car-park. This area is now better known as Stanstead Abbotts. Crayfish are also present along this stretch. (see Rye House).

Looking downstream from roadbridge

Description

This is a deep slow moving fishery that receives a sweetening flow from the Rivers Lea and Ash. It can be very weedy in the height of the summer. It is very popular with boats in the summer months which can make fishing difficult. However in the winter there is very little boat traffic. The only draw-back is that at times the fish do shoal up very tightly which can make it very ‘peggy’ especially close to the bridge.

 

The main species in this section are roach, perch, skimmers and, in the winter, many pike with the odd large rainbow trout. When the water is coloured there are also shoals of bleak especially near the road bridge. The section above the road is very wide and in the summer produces some very large carp as well as good bream and chub. In the winter this is a good area for some of the larger pike.

Just upstream of roadbridge

 

Unfortunately, the most popular area for fishing was the promenade in front of the ‘Jolly Fisherman’ but BW have stopped fishing in this area by installing railings and allowing moored boats. Under the motorway bridge is an area that is inhabited by large shoals of big bream. This is also one of the best areas on the river for large pike and they are regularly caught in excess of 20lbs.

 

                                                                          Below is upstream of A414

 

Further downstream is the famed ‘October Hole’ which is a very wide deep part of the river holding large bream and roach shoals. These fish are hardly fished for but big summer bags can be had for those prepared to get up early in the morning. It is a long walk but can be well worth the effort. This also marks the downstream boundary of our fishery and for the next 1000 yards the fishing is controlled by the London Anglers Association.

Downstream of A414

Section Tips

• Without doubt bread punch is the best bait on this section of the river so don’t bother with expensive baits but have a really cheap days fishing.
• For summer months do not leave your hemp at home.
• Above the road bridge ledgering with sweetcorn under the far bank trees will produce large carp while a feeder with caster will be better for the chub and bream.
• Also chopped worm feeder with casters can be good.
• This area is well worth a winter day's pike fishing.

If you are prepared to make the journey you should have most of the section to yourself.