Harrold Upper and Harrold Lower

River level

The lowdown

• The river here is described by the association as having a proper mix of water — deep pools, fast-flowing shallows and wider open stretches.
• That variety should give you plenty to look at when picking a swim. Hunt out the crease, watch the pace change and don’t ignore quieter edges.
• The association says its Great Ouse stretches offer a range of species and the potential for good weights, though there’s no Harrold-specific species list published.
• Nearby Harrold-Odell Country Park records barbel, chub, pike and perch in the Great Ouse, but those fish aren’t confirmed as a list for these exact association sections.
• Both Upper and Lower allow night fishing, which adds a different feel altogether. Keep things tidy and be considerate around the river and surrounding land.
• There’s no published length or peg count for either section, so expect to spend a bit of time learning the water rather than following a numbered-peg plan.
• With deep water and quicker shallows in the wider fishery description, sensible options could include trotting or feeder work where conditions suit — keep it simple and read the flow.
• The coarse-fishing close season runs from 15 March to 15 June, covering coarse, trout and eel fishing. The season reopens on 16 June.
• Use designated parking where provided and don’t drive through meadow gates without permission. The nearby country park also warns that cattle graze the riverside meadow from May to November.

Methods: The mixed river character points towards adaptable fishing: try trotting the quicker water or a feeder in deeper pools, then move on if the swim isn’t showing signs of life. Night sessions are permitted, so keep your kit organised and your landing net ready.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available online from Olney & Clifton Fishing Association. The official price is £5 for 18 hours; check the marked night-fishing conditions before fishing after dark.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required, and anglers must follow Environment Agency rules plus applicable local rules or by-laws.
• No day tickets may be purchased on the bank; Harrold Upper and Harrold Lower are explicitly unavailable for day tickets.
• Coarse, trout and eel fishing is prohibited from 15 March to 15 June during the coarse-fishing close season.
• Members must carry and show their membership book when requested.
• Keep gateways clear and do not damage banks, fences or vegetation.
• Camping, swimming and boating are prohibited on club waters.
• Coarse fish must not be killed or removed, except specified alien species including zander and red signal crayfish.
• Landing nets are required. Dogs need prior committee agreement, and gags or gaffs are not allowed when pike fishing.

Where it is