River Great Ouse — Stony Stratford / Upper Great Ouse

River level

The lowdown

• This is classic riverbank fishing rather than a tidy commercial fishery, with the Great Ouse winding through a well-known riverside setting beside historic Stony Stratford.
• The stretch covers river around Stony Stratford and nearby Old Stratford, with fishing access generally from banks and adjoining parkland or meadow areas.
• There’s plenty of variety in the water. Pools, steady glides, deeper holes and shallow runs all feature, so have a wander and find where the fish are sitting.
• It’s mixed coarse water and suits both a relaxed pleasure session and match-style fishing. A few swims might be proper handy, while others will reward a bit of exploring.
• On a normal river day, trotting a float through the crease is the obvious starting point on the steadier runs. Keep the tackle light and let the flow do the work.
• The deeper swims and slower edges look more suited to feeder work, especially when the river has a bit of colour. Fish tight to cover, crease lines and the nearside shelf.
• Chub, perch, pike, roach and bream are named among MKAA’s waters, with chub to 8 lb and perch over 4 lb mentioned. Barbel are also available on the wider ticket.
• The river sits close to Stony Stratford’s historic crossing and continues north towards Wolverton, giving the stretch a cracking town-and-riverside feel.
• Passenham has a free car park identified as an access option for nearby river fishing. Parking may also be available around Old Stratford and Brush Mill, but there are no toilets identified on the riverbank.
• The statutory river close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Night-fishing permission isn’t stated, so check with MKAA before setting up after dark.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A bob-on stretch for trotting the glides, working a feeder into deeper water and fishing the creases, shelves and cover. Mix up the pace and depth until you find where the shoal is on the munch.

Access & tickets

MKAA day tickets are available from bailiffs. Annual membership is also available through Milton Keynes Angling Association.

Fish the club names

chub, perch, pike, roach, bream, barbel

Named by Milton Keynes Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A rod licence is required in addition to the MKAA fishing permit.
• The statutory river close season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Fishing is from riverbanks and adjacent parkland or meadow areas.
• Night-fishing permission is not stated; confirm with MKAA before fishing at night.

Where it is