Fishery of the Week We head to the Thames’ ‘Monster’s Playground’
Thames club stretch where everything grows big...
THE River Thames, voted River of the Year by Angling Times readers, has a reputation for producing very big fish but often the location of them is shrouded in mystery. This week, however, Angling Times can lift the lid on a ‘monster’ stretch which has been a closely-guarded secret... until now!
The stretch is at Romney Island in Windsor, where captures of barbel over 19lb, chub over 8lb and large carp have sent local big-fish anglers into overdrive.
Keen to find out more, Ian
Jones and Chris Haydon headed down to Berkshire to investigate. Chris shares their findings…
A HISTORIC WATER
“On arrival, we were greeted by fishery managers Mark Barclay and Chris Thomas for a guided tour of the fishery. As the name suggests, the fishery is cut off from the rest of Windsor on an island. Access is possible only via a small bridge across a canalised section of the Thames.
“The first thing you notice as you walk on to the island is the work that Mark and Chris have put into making the river accessible to anglers since opening the club owned by Stillwater Leisure last year.
“With the impressive Eton College building and stunning stretch of river in front of us, it was easy to forget that the historic Windsor Castle was set just off our back.”
TWO SECTIONS
“It was time to talk about the fishing, and Chris stepped in to give a comprehensive guide to each of the swims. The island can be split into two sections, as it is separated in the middle by the lock-keeper’s house. “The top section runs down from a large weir pool which features hydro-power turbines used to power Windsor Castle.
“Despite the chaotic foaming water, it is a hotspot for the stretch’s barbel and chub, with a cast in between the third pillars landing you on firm gravel. “The fast water then features
in several swims below the weir pool, where a large gravel plateau has been created in the middle of the river. This can be a real night-time hotspot.
“The water then begins to slow up and deepen in front of Eton College, before you reach the second section, known as ‘The Meadows’.
“This section is in a league of its own for tranquillity and wild fishing. You will find big bream, carp, chub, pike and barbel. Heavy baiting with stinky baits and then fishing over the top is a great tactic.
“The section culminates in a swim most anglers would never want to leave – the point of the island. Here the river splits, creating an array of features to target. The area is noted for big carp over 30lb, bream and double-figure barbel.
A QUICK EVENING
“After the tour of the stretch we decided to have a couple of hours’ fishing until dark. Ian and I set up in the weir pool, where we thought the barbel and chub would be located.
“Never before have I been filled with so much anticipation watching the rod-tip, as Chris told us it won’t always happen on here but when it does it will always be a big fish.
“Unfortunately the time flew by and on this occasion we couldn’t tempt any monsters out of their lairs. I have already began planning my return visit, and if river monsters are something that interest you then I recommend you do too – I’m sure you won’t regret it.”