UPPER WEAVER HUNTING BRIDGE
Open From JUNE 16th to MARCH 14th 
no marked pegs

No Night Fishing Allowed
postcode CW5 6ED 

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Click above for What 3 words directions to the parking area for these lengths

Access is from Lea Green lane and parking is at the side of the lane at the bottom taking care not to obstruct the farmers access to the fields. Walk down the track then turn left  (downhill) and through the gate.  Close all gates.

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The Upper Weaver – Hunting Bridge

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Situated at the end of Lea Green Lane on the road towards Church Minshull, this stretch of the River Weaver is probably one of the most under-utilised Association venues and probably for understandable reasons. It is not the easiest to access and more suited to the roving angler who enjoys to travel light with a rod, bag and net searching for the fish rather than sit out a session in the same swim. During the summer months banksides are covered in undergrowth which can make access to the water’s edge more difficult and being a spate river levels can rise significantly during the winter months causing the banks to change constantly from year to year. It is not uncommon during periods of heavy rain for the water levels to rise several feet onto the surrounding farmland.

Despite the challenges of access to this venue it must be the most picturesque stretch of the Weaver under WDAA control, strongly resembling a traditional old English river winding across open farmland with a mixture of shallow runs over a stony river bed and deeper spots along the stretch. In the shallower areas, patches of streamer weed can be seen trailing in the flow of clear waters that run over stone. Plenty of overhanging trees provide shade for fish to seek shelter and natural obstructions like fallen branches create fish holding areas in the slack water. In many parts the river is quite narrow which helps to create a variety of water flow rates.  

Species of fish resident in this stretch are Chub, Dace, Roach, Perch, Bream with the odd natural Brown Trout and Barbel. Stocks of Chub, Dace and Barbel taken from the Rivers Kennet and Avon were stocked during the 1990’s have thrived well producing Chub to over 4lbs, Dace to half a pound and decent Barbel reported although this species has proved to be quiet difficult to locate. The slack water out of the main flow is capable of producing some nice Bream up to 5-6lb and there are plenty of smaller Roach as found throughout other stretches of the river.

It is possible to find or create pegs for a static fishing session of a few hours but better results would more likely be achieved by moving around searching for holding areas. Either trotting a float of using a tip-rod will produce fish with most baits, although during the summertime there tends to be a lot of small fish such as Chub taking maggots, so if targeting larger specimens it may be advisable to use alternative baits. 

When accessing the river banks care should be taken when visibility is obscured by plant growth, sections can be high with steep drops to the water’s edge but is much improved during the autumn and winter when plant growth dies away. Please always approach with caution when creating fishing swims and be considerate with parking at the end of Lea Green lane. Although this leads to a public right of way, the farmer should have clear access to land at all times so gateways should not be obstructed. Drive with care and attention along the lane, farm animals and traffic use this road frequently. Take care when pulling out of Lea Green onto the main road as other road vehicles can travel fast along here.

 

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