Wyre Forest District Council allows free fishing on all stretches of the Stour through Kidderminster, except on Puxton Marsh: around 3 miles of fishing on the former milling channels.

The Stour’s wild trout population is increasing steadily, with specimens up to a couple of pounds in weight. The river is now recognised as a healthy mixed fishery, with trophy barbel, chub, dace and roach nourished by large numbers of freshwater shrimp, and several species of cased and caseless caddis. Grayling, perch and pike are also present.

The urban Stour is still largely unexplored as a fly-fishery, so carry a range of shrimp, caddis and midge imitations, and be prepared to match the hatch.