Fen Drayton / Holywell — River Great Ouse

River level

The lowdown

• This is a club-run fishery in partnership with the RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes site, so access is tied up with both club rules and site conditions.
• The River Ouse stretch sits alongside Holywell Pond, but don’t assume the pond’s fish list applies to the river. The club specifically says the river’s stock isn’t well known.
• Holywell Pond is noted for tench, bream and occasional carp. Those fish are not confirmed for this River Ouse stretch, so the river remains a bit of an unknown quantity.
• There’s no published stretch length or peg count. In other words, check the arrangement with the club before setting off rather than turning up expecting a numbered peg.
• Vehicles can only use specified access routes and must be left in designated parking areas. Get tackle to the swim, then move the vehicle — proper simple, but easy to miss.
• Keep a vehicle permit displayed while on site. Access can shut during Environment Agency flood alerts or warnings, Met Office severe-wind warnings, or an RSPB site closure.
• The rules are tidy and fish-care focused: carry a suitable landing net, wet unhooking mat or cradle, plus forceps or disgorgers and antiseptic treatment.
• Use micro-barbed or barbless hooks. Long-shank and bent hooks are banned, as are fixed lead rigs and plastic or artificial baits, apart from maggots, casters and predator lures.
• The club rules allow night fishing for pike, with rods reeled in while sleeping, although the published wording doesn’t specifically separate the river from the other club waters.

Methods: The facts don’t set out a confirmed river species list or recommend a specific approach, so keep tactics flexible and check the club’s current guidance before choosing between float, feeder or predator work.

Access & tickets

Apply to Fen Drayton Lakes Angling Club with your name, address, contact number and preferred water so availability can be checked. The published annual ticket for River Ouse/Holywell Pond is £25 and runs from April to April; permits are not transferable.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Carry the club permit and required Environment Agency rod licence.
• Comply with Environment Agency rod-fishing rules and East Anglia local byelaws.
• Fishing is prohibited during an Environment Agency flood alert, warning or severe flood warning, and access is prohibited during an applicable Met Office severe-wind warning or RSPB site closure.
• Do not leave cast rods unattended.
• A suitable landing net, wet unhooking mat or cradle, and fish-care equipment including forceps or disgorgers and antiseptic treatment are required.
• Use micro-barbed or barbless hooks only. Long-shank and bent hooks are prohibited.
• Fixed lead rigs and plastic or artificial baits are prohibited, except maggots, casters and predator lures.
• No swimming, open fires or littering. Small contained stoves or barbecues may be used discreetly; dogs are allowed for members only and must be kept on a lead.
• Do not remove fish between club waters or damage wildlife, habitats or vegetation.

Where it is