Brief description of fishery:
King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) is an artificial drainage channel which diverts the River Cary in Somerset, England along the southern flank of the Polden Hills, to discharge into the River Parrett at Dunball near Bridgwater. As the name suggests, the channel is used to help drain the peat moors of King’s Sedgemoor. There was opposition to drainage schemes from the local inhabitants, who feared that they would lose their common grazing rights. However, the main channel was constructed between 1791 and 1795.
The drain was upgraded during the Second World War, to provide a backup water supply for an armaments factory at Puriton, and again in 1972, when the Sowy River flood relief channel was built. The drain has hosted the National Fishing Championships, as it is well-stocked with fish, and is also an important haven for birds.
This drain is a vast piece of water containing some wonderful rewards for those putting in the effort. An early morning walk is a great way to start your pursuit.
There are some large shoals of Bream where >100lb nets can be caught. Hard fighting Tench, Carp over 30lbs and Perch to almost 4lb. The Pike fishing can be prolific and Pike in the 10lb to 20 lbs bracket are there in reasonable numbers.
Recently there has been a larger number of anglers using a light lure set up and searching for the Larger Perch, don’t forget a traditional worm when you find their preferred areas.
The Drain can get weedy towards the middle of the summer although with this being identified a main drainage channel for flood protection it is more regularly cut.
In the Autumn the Roach fishing can be great hemp, Tares and Caster tend to get the fish going.
This venue suits a multitude of techniques, be your preferred style a feeder, Waggler, Long Pole or whip, there is something for you.
See Rules, 11, 23, 26 & 29
Address
The Drain starts at a narrow sluice at Henley Corner, near Henley, which diverts most of the flow of the River Cary into it. The drain heads north-west, passing under a minor road at Cradle Bridge, it then heads to Greylake Bridge, which carries the A361 over it. Greylake Sluice is situated immediately after the bridge, and the three drains KSD, Langacre Rhyne and Sowy River join about 1 mile (1.6 km) further on near Westonzoyland Airfield, which was formerly RAF Weston Zoyland.[26] Just to the north of the bridge is the RSPB reserve, while to the south of the bridge there is an area of Pleistocene Burtle Beds, which have been a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1987.
Westonzoyland village is a little further to the west, The drain passes close to the village, and then turns to follow a more northerly course, with minor roads and access at Parchey Bridge, and at Bawdrip Bradney Bridge. At Crandon (Silver Fish) Bridge the A39 road crosses the Drain to a ‘T’-junction with the old course of the A39 to Glastonbury and the newer A39 spur to the M5 motorway. As the KSD passes Puriton, it passes under the M5 motorway, the Railway, and the A38 road in quick succession, ending at the River Parrett at Dunball clyse.
The fishing extends from the junction of the Cary River and the 18ft Rhyne, about ¾s of a mile above Greylake Bridge on the main Taunton to Glastonbury road, to the A38 road bridge at Dunball. (About 8 miles of Fishing).
Access & Parking
Entrance to the banks of this water are only to be made at road bridges.
This water has many access points.
- The A38 Near the Dunball Round about and Junction 23 of the M5.
- A39 Cradon Bridge (Silver Fish) junction to Glastonbury or the M5.
- Bawdrip, Bradney Bridge, Near the Environment Agencies depot.
- Chedzoy, Parchey Bridge,
- Greylake Bridge, A361 with Greylake Sluice is situated immediately after the bridge.
Most of the access points have some parking. Please be considerate if there is no space in the car park and don’t block any gates.
No fishing allowed from Cradle Bridge upstream on Bridgwater bank to Greylake Bridge.
Height Restrictions 1.6m at Silver Fish car park.
Species
- Bream
- Carp
- Common Carp
- Eel
- Mirror Carp
- Perch
- Pike
- Roach
- Rudd
- Tench
- Gudgeon
- Ruffe
