Shopham

River Rother – Shopham

This stretch of river contains a very good head of Chub to over 5lb along with Dace, Roach, Grayling, Perch, Pike, Gudgeon and Barbel. There have been several double figure Barbel reported in recent seasons along with smaller ones and the odd Carp. It is also capable of turning up a few surprises with a 2lb Roach, 3lb Perch and some good Bream to over 6lb reported in recent seasons. Like our other stretches of the Rother it also enjoys a very good run of Sea Trout most years. Any Member wishing to fish for these must have the appropriate Licence.
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The river upstream of Shopham Bridge

Anglers have frequently reported being smashed up by large fish in recent seasons, the large Carp that inhabit this stretch are thought to be responsible but they could also be big Barbel which have moved downstream from Coultershaw since the Shopham Loop Restoration project carried out by the Environment agency in 2004. The fish pass at Fittleworth mill was completed in 2016 and this will allow much more movement of fish upstream from the lower stretches. It will be interesting to see how this affects the fishing at Shopham.
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One of the deeper bends downstream

For an archived report from Sept 2005 of the Shopham Loop Restoration please click HERE

Closed Seasons:
Coarse: 15th March to 15th June inclusive
Fly: 1st November to 2nd April inclusive