The venue is a shared with British Airways Clubs Angling Society (BACAS) and comes to us thanks to the efforts of our match secretary Simon Hibbert.

Here he tells us a little more about the new beat.

Where?

The stretch runs approximately 750 metres upstream of Wickham Knight Bridge No 30 Grid Reference SU5866 and for about 750 metres downstream to the Salmon Cut. Parking for this venue is at Hillfoot Farm located on Bath Road, Woolhampton, Berkshire nearest post code RG7 5RH.

The water

The section is classed as ‘improved river navigation’ rather than as a true canal and indeed it contains sections of the natural riverbed. The depth is fairly uniform though there are some deeper holes and gullies. Upstream of the bridge is a fairly straight section bordered by reed beds and woodland with overhanging trees and a steady flow more typical of a canal. Downstream contains features more consistent with a traditional stretch of the Kennet such as creases, bends, and slacks.

What will I catch?

All the usual river species can be found in this section and since the arrival of American Signal Crayfish, many fish grow to specimen proportions. In the past BACAS members have caught barbel in excess of 13lb, chub over 6lb and perch over 3lb. In addition to the specimen fishing during the summer and autumn, good sport can be had on the float and the feeder with matches won with over 30lb of bream.

the water is slightly faster. These areas are usually have a firm gravelly bottom as winter flow tends to keep them clear of silt.

Club rules apply.