Petworth and Bognor Angling Club

Quick Menu   Hardham Watersfield Coultershaw Shopham Coates Castle Fittleworth

This one and half mile stretch of the Tidal Arun contains Roach, Dace, Chub, Perch, Pike, Gudgeon, Bleak and Eels and is notable for its occasional bumper bags of Bream with individual fish to over 6lb. The odd Tench and Carp are also possible, and Barbel are also now showing throughout the tidal stretches of the Arun. The river also enjoys a seasonal bonus of numerous Mullet and Sea Trout with large specimens of both species possible.


The stretch starts in open pasture land before entering a section with a tree lined far bank, this runs into a section with trees on both sides of the water and then to the final section which is heavily reed lined.There are a number of noted bream pegs along the Hardham stretch and the fish seem to frequent the same areas year after year.

Groundbait feeder tactics account for most of the big bags of Bream but a good mixed bag of fish is always likely. The Roach and Dace can be found virtually anywhere and a big stick or Avon float fished on a long rod is the most enjoyable way to find them. The fish respond better to a little and often approach rather than an initial bombardment of feed.

For those more interested in specimen fish there are big Barbel, Carp into double figures, good Chub and of course Pike in excess of 20lb. Hardham has plenty to offer any river angler and the results are well worth the walk. The river is best fished on an outflowing tide. High water at Hardham is approximately 3 hours after high water at Littlehampton Harbour. Fishing is from 7am to 9pm only.