LEE ANGLERS' CONSORTIUM

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Old Ford to Bow and Bow Back Rivers

Location

This complex river system is situated to the east of London between Stratford and Bow. It is easy to reach and there is some parking near the access points. This area is subject to the development of the Olympic village by year 2012 and as a consequence our tenure is somewhat uncertain.

Description

Most of this section has been included in the Olympic Village site. Although I recently had an organised tour of the site I was completely lost to recognise the Lee, I am part of the ‘Legacy’ consultation process and will endeavour to see that angling can return to this area post 2012.

From Old Ford downstream the river is no longer semi-tidal. That is to say that up to a few years ago it was only affected when the pressure of the tide at Bow Lock exceeded that coming down the river. It then forced the gates open and the tide came in. This had the benefit of livening up a slow spell but did bring in Chinese mitten crabs and small smelt on the tide. It also had the benefit of the salt water killing off the floating duck weed and in winter keeping the stretch ice free. Now Bow Lock is permanently shut to prevent the tide surging upstream and fishing conditions have changed as a result.

The section of the river suffers badly from summer floating duck weed which our landlords, British Waterways, cannot control. The main channel and the City Mill River contains most freshwater species. One of the most popular areas is known as 'Galor Gas' which is situated at Global Approach. Another area is the section opposite Tesco's. The City Mill River is home of a large shoal of bream (up to 6 lbs plus). In some places the towpath is some 12 feet vertically above the water so please do take care when fishing here.

The river beside Thee Mills

Section Tips

• The bream respond well to ground bait with bread flake or large punch bread. Sweetcorn, caster, maggots and worm will also work.
• Make sure you have a long handled landing net.
• The main channel of the Lee fishes to coloured maggot or pinkie and caster as a change bait over a little groundbait preferably dark/black if water is clear.

If you bring up a mitten crab do not touch with bare hands as they are covered with fine hairs that can irritate the skin.