The River Rother is a component of the Rother Fishery Association, which was established in 1872 and is made up of over 20 local angling clubs. The association's goal is to provide affordable, high-quality local fishing in the Kent and East Sussex region.

At the higher reaches of the Rother, fishing is available in little streams in a natural setting. At Blackwall Bridge, close to Wittersham, Kent, fishing is available in broad, fen-like waters with noticeable near and far side ledges. The green RFA signals are present in all of their waterways.

The River Rother is a winding, shallow river with excellent populations of chub, roach, dace, and the sporadic trout. (The Rother does contain a run of sea trout, as well as mullet farther down.)

The River is relatively narrow above Bodiam, at times measuring barely 25 feet wide. Chub, roach, and dace, as well as the occasional sea trout, are also common in certain portions. The fact that the roach 2-05 1/2 and the chub record 5-09 were both captured recently demonstrates the river's increased quality. Favorite baits include meat, bread flakes, maggots, and worms.

For those who are willing to put in the effort, carp are available in the lower portions of the river, where the width may spread to 25 yards in some spots and the depths reach 10 feet. In the winter, pike are a popular target, and fish up to 20 pounds can be captured. The most popular way with all the typical baits producing is the pole, float, and feeder. The river is often run off, and the flow may sometimes make fishing more difficult. After a lot of rain in the winter, the river may be impassable for a day or two until it clears up.

There are several spots along the river where access may be acquired, with very little walking necessary to get to the water's edge or unlimited options for those up for a hike. In the lower parts, there aren't many trees on the bank, and the banks themselves are relatively flat.