Wolverton Ouse (The Whitings and Wolverton Mill)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper varied bit of river rather than one steady run. Pools, glides, deeps and shallow water all feature, so there’s plenty to explore.
• The stretch starts at the railway viaduct and heads upstream for roughly two miles, finishing just beyond the Iron Trunk aqueduct. The River Tove joins the Ouse just below the aqueduct.
• Roach, perch, pike and chub are all named here. Chub over 7lb have been caught, so don’t assume every quiet-looking glide is only a small-fish swim.
• Bream can clearly get on the munch too. One four-hour match produced 78lb of large bream, which is a pretty tasty result by any standards.
• Barbel have been caught, although MKAA describes them as rare these days. Worth keeping in mind, but don’t build the whole session around finding one.
• For silver-fish sport, trotting the glides or working a feeder through deeper water should give you options. Roach and perch are named residents, while the mixed character means a change of swim can pay.
• The deeper pools and quieter edges are the obvious places to look for pike and bigger perch. Keep an eye on the water and move if a swim isn’t showing signs of life.
• There are overhead cables around the fishery. MKAA says never to fish within 30 metres of electric power lines, so check above you before setting up or casting.
• The annual river close season runs from 15 March through 15 June inclusive. The nearest supplied postcode is MK12 5NL, with the location also given as OS grid reference 480135E 241890N.

Methods: Keep it flexible: trot the shallower glides for roach and perch, then switch to feeder work in the deeps and pools. Pike are named here, while the occasional chub or rare barbel gives the mixed-up water a cheeky bonus.

Access & tickets

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

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• The annual river close season runs from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• Never fish within 30 metres of electric power lines.
• Anglers must hold the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence.
• Close gates behind you where applicable.
• Take all litter home.
• Use appropriate fish-care equipment, including a knotless landing net and unhooking mat.
• Wet hands, sacks, slings and mats before handling fish.
• Under-13s may fish free with a responsible adult aged 17 or over, using one rod only. A day ticket permits a maximum of three rods under MKAA’s published terms.

Where it is