Newport Pagnell – Riverside Meadows and Castle Meadows, River Great Ouse

River level

The lowdown

• These two town stretches have been under NPFA control since the 2020/2021 season and sit on the River Great Ouse.
• It sounds like a quiet bit of river rather than a manic, built-up venue. NPFA describes the stretches as scenic, secluded and tranquil.
• Access is bank-only, and the islands are out of bounds. Keep that in mind when planning your swim and don’t be tempted to wade or wander across.
• The river sections generally have no tarmac roads or paths and little public access, so expect access points to vary. NPFA doesn’t list every location.
• There’s no parking on the river downstream of the sluice weir at the B526 Northampton Road. Worth sorting your approach before lugging a barrow and kit.
• The standard club ticket covers both stretches. Day tickets are available too, but only for Riverside Meadows and Castle Meadows.
• The water can be tackled with sensible river methods: trotting, feeder work or a quiet bait on the crease, depending on the flow and what the swim offers.
• NPFA names carp, pike, barbel, chub, bream, tench, roach, perch and rudd among the fish in its waters. Plenty to keep a session interesting.
• Bank fishing only, with all fish returned alive. Landing nets are compulsory, and an unhooking mat is needed when you’re after larger fish.
• Members need their club book on site — no book means no access. The association is affiliated to Milton Keynes Angling Association, and the club books run from 1 April to 31 March.

Methods: Match the approach to the river in front of you: trot the steady water for roach, perch and chub, or use a feeder and work the crease for bigger fish. A patient, tidy approach should suit these quieter-looking meadows.

Access & tickets

Day tickets cost £5 and can be bought on the bank from a patrolling NPFA bailiff. The stretches are also covered by the standard NPFA club ticket; members must carry their club book on site.

Fish the club names

carp, pike, barbel, chub, bream, tench, roach, perch, rudd

Named by Newport Pagnell Fishing Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is permitted from the bank only.
• Access to islands is not allowed.
• All fish must be returned alive.
• Fixed lead rigs that cannot release when snagged are banned for carp fishing.
• Carp other than crucians and barbel must not be kept in keepnets.
• Landing nets are compulsory.
• An unhooking mat is required when fishing for larger fish.
• Boats, dinghies and bait boats are prohibited except for official work parties.
• No fires are allowed on the banks except during official work parties.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required. The river normally allows two rods, subject to the required additional permit; a maximum of three rods applies elsewhere under the general rules.

Where it is