Brackley to Westbury / Water Stratford — River Great Ouse

River level

The lowdown

• The Water Stratford reach is roughly 7 metres wide, so this is more intimate river fishing than big-water chucking.
• Much of the stretch meanders through pasture, with both banks largely grazed down to the water. That should make spotting the glides, crease and nearside cover fairly straightforward.
• The river venues cover several miles around Buckingham, with the named area running around Westbury, Water Stratford and Tingewick.
• The Roman Bridge area gets a specific mention as productive winter water, especially upstream and downstream when the river has a fresh bit of colour.
• That fresh colour is a big clue for winter sessions. Chub and dace are the obvious targets from the named fish, with brown trout also associated with the reach.
• Trotting looks the natural starting point on a river of this width. Keep a float moving through the crease and search the steady glides rather than hammering one line all day.
• A light feeder should cover deeper runs or coloured-up winter water, while a small waggler or stick float will keep things tidy when the river settles.
• There are no official peg numbers for this Brackley-to-Water-Stratford section, so treat it as a walk-and-find sort of ticket rather than a numbered-peg venue.
• The association says its river fisheries have produced specimen fish over the years. There is enough variety here to keep a roving approach worthwhile.
• The river close season runs from 15 March to 15 June, and anglers must stay out of the water except during formally risk-assessed working parties. Night fishing and dedicated parking are not confirmed.

Methods: Start with trotting through the glides and crease, then switch to a light feeder if the river is carrying colour or the deeper runs look fishier. A mobile approach should help you pick off chub and dace across the meandering water.

Access & tickets

River day tickets must be bought in advance. Email the BDAA Membership Secretary for payment instructions, or buy one from Tingewick Post Office, Gone Fishin, Jakeman Sports or Tackle Tavern.

Fish the club names

trout, chub, roach

Named by Buckingham & District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• No fishing during the river close season, from 15 March to 15 June.
• Anglers must keep out of the water, except during formally risk-assessed working parties.
• River day tickets must be purchased in advance.
• River day tickets are available from 16 June to 14 March.

Where it is