Before you go
Fishing the Medway at Aylesford — FAQ
Licences, close season, tides and where you can fish around Aylesford and Allington Lock.
Do I need a day ticket to fish at Aylesford?
Below Allington Lock the tidal Medway around Aylesford is generally open with an EA rod licence. From Allington toward Maidstone and East Farleigh the river is widely treated as licence-only free fishing. Club day tickets matter further upstream — Barming, Teston, Yalding — where Maidstone Victory Angling Society controls long beats. Always check bank signs.
Do I need an EA rod licence?
Yes. An Environment Agency rod licence is required for coarse fish and eels in England. Buy a 1-day, 8-day or 12-month licence before you fish — on GOV.UK.
When is the river close season?
English rivers close to coarse fishing from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Estuary visitors below Allington (bass, mullet, flounder) can still be fair game — check the current EA byelaws and bank signs.
Where does the tide stop on the Medway?
Allington Lock is the tidal limit. Below the lock the river rises and falls twice a day; above the lock the Medway turns freshwater, deeper and slower.
When is the best time to fish at Aylesford?
Bite peaks either side of the tide change — especially the last of the flood and the first of the ebb. Use the live conditions board and 7-day tide table on this site to time the session before you leave.
Where can I park for Aylesford Bridge?
Village parking is close to the medieval bridge, with a short walk to the water. The swim is busy with walkers and the Friary crowd — keep rods off the path.