Fishing On the River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal

The canalised River Kennet runs through the centre of Reading and joins the Thames to the east of the town centre. Built in 1737 to link Bristol and Reading, the Kennet and Avon Canal has played a significant part in Reading's development and now provides some excellent coarse fishing being especially notable as one of the best barbel rivers in the country.

Most of the fishing on the river is available only to members of the Reading arid District Angling Association, but the council provides free fishing at Waterloo Meadows. This is only a few minutes upstream of the town centre on the edge of the open countryside of the Kennet Meadows.

Waterloo Meadows

This area provides free fishing on the Kennet within an attractive riverside park. The park ranges from grassland to thorny woodland and is consequently rich in wildlife. The site also contains Waterloo Meadows Childrens Centre which is a popular venue with local young people. Two fishing platforms provide easy access for people with disabilities whilst a river dipping platform is used for educational work with the children. The banks are generally raised well above the water and the river is immediately deep with a strong current.

Car Parking

• In small car park attached to Childrens Centre off Elgar Road North at the junction with Waterloo Road (please do not park on the road)

Public Transport

• By Train - Reading Station is 25 mins walk
• By Bus - Nos 24 and 44 to Elgar Road in with Berkeley Avenue (10 minute walk from bus stop)

People with disabilities

• Platform for wheelchairs near Childrens Centre (close to car park)
• Access elsewhere is fair but the river banks are steep and unsupported

Restrictions

• NO FISHING from river dipping platform

Fishing

• Good for most coarse fish