Houghton, Wyton & Hemingford - Backwaters
A proper flowing Great Ouse backwater from below Four Gate sluice at California down to the Bailey Bridge, or Black Bridge. It’s coarse fishing with very little boat traffic — bob on for a quieter session around Houghton and the Hemingfords.
Run by Houghton & Wyton & Hemingfords Angling Society · checked 10 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club
River Great Ouse
Houghton, Wyton & Hemingford - Backwaters
River level
Measured — Environment Agency
Houghton gauge
Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.
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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready
The lowdown
- This backwater has stronger natural flow than the society’s main-river sections, so expect a bit more pace and some lively water to work out.
- The fishery starts below the Four Gate sluice at the California section and runs downstream to the Bailey Bridge, also known as the Black Bridge.
- Downstream, the Days and Church sections join the Jap section, giving the wider society water a handy spread of connected spots.
- There’s minimal boat traffic here, which is a proper bonus. Less faff from passing boats means your float and feeder can settle nicely.
- The surrounding water sits through flood-meadow and backwater country near Houghton, Hemingford Abbots and Hemingford Grey.
- It’s described as coarse fishing, with roach, rudd, bream, tench and dace among the likely species across the fishery.
- Chub are specifically reported in the Hemingford backwater. Barbel and carp are also possible, so keep an eye on the crease and any deeper, steadier water.
- Trotting is the obvious shout where the flow suits, while a feeder can cover the deeper or more settled parts. Keep things tidy and fish to the conditions.
- For a seasonal approach, look for a bit of colour and pace when the river is up. In steadier conditions, lighter float work and careful presentation should come into their own.
- Access is listed via Meadow Lane in Hemingford Abbots, with the National Trust car park on Mill Street, Houghton, also noted.
Methods: Trotting and feeder work both fit the stronger backwater flow. Pick apart the crease, steadier glides and any deeper-looking water, with a few different depths tried before settling in.
Access & tickets
Annual membership, ages 18-64
Club membership
£15 (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Annual membership, OAPs
Club membership
£10 (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Weekly membership
Club membership
£8 (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)
Tickets can be bought from Houghton Post Office, Hemingford Stores and St Ives Tackle. Season and weekly tickets are also available through the society’s Clubmate portal.
Fish the club names
carp, tench, bream, roach, barbel, chub, rudd
Key rules
- All anglers must purchase a valid club ticket before fishing.
- All fish caught must be returned to the water.
- Anglers must follow the Countryside Code.
- Leave no litter on the banks.
- Anglers aged 13 and over must hold an Environment Agency rod licence.
- Night-fishing permission or rules are not stated.
Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.
GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fishWhere it is
Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.
Community reported
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