Goosey, Olney (Weston Road)

River level

The lowdown

• Pensioner’s is the narrow section and generally holds smaller fish, so it’s a handy bit of water for a lighter session rather than a specimen bash.
• There’s parking for roughly six cars close to Pensioner’s. The other options are the Weston Road lay-by or Goosey track.
• Pike are present around Pensioner’s, while perch shoals gather beneath Goosey Bridge and in the pool. Lovely spots for a cheeky predator session.
• The main river sits opposite the weir and separates Goosey Island from Emberton Park. It’s the deeper, more serious-looking water, reaching at least 12 feet in places.
• OCFA specifically notes the main river for predator fishing. Expect depth and flow to be the main things to work out before choosing a swim.
• Rushie links the main river with the backwater. Chub live in it, although parts are currently overgrown and unfishable, so don’t bank on every bit being accessible.
• The backwater was once the main river before the weir was built. It contains tench and perch, giving you a quieter-looking alternative to the deeper main channel.
• A landing net is compulsory, and specimen fishing means carrying an unhooking mat. Tackle sensibly for the depth and any proper pike you might meet.
• The track-side parking can turn muddy and bumpy, especially in winter. Use the designated parking and don’t take cars through meadow gates without permission.
• Night fishing is allowed, but tickets must be sorted in advance. There’s no turning up on the bank and hoping to buy one — a bit of faff, but easy enough if planned.

Methods: The main river looks the job for predator fishing, while lighter tackle suits Pensioner’s and the perch features. Rushie and the backwater are the places to look at for chub, tench and quieter perch work.

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

pike, perch, chub, tench

Key rules

• Day tickets must be obtained in advance and are not sold on the bank.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required. Follow Environment Agency rules and applicable local by-laws.
• Coarse, trout and eel fishing is prohibited from 15 March to 15 June.
• Specimen fishing requires an unhooking mat, and all anglers must carry a landing net.
• Coarse fish must not be killed or removed, except alien species specifically identified by OCFA as zander and red signal crayfish.
• Camping, swimming and boating are prohibited.
• No open fires or barbecues; camping stoves are permitted. No dogs without prior committee agreement.

Where it is