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Old West River, Little Thetford

A cracking rural fenland stretch on the north bank of the Old West River at Little Thetford. Saffron Walden Angling Club holds the sole fishing rights, with around 1,000 yards running upstream from the Great Ouse junction to a fence.

Run by Saffron Walden Angling Club · checked 10 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Soham Lode 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 is proper open fenland water, with the river running alongside floodbank access and flat agricultural land nearby.
  • The stretch starts right at the junction with the Great Ouse at Little Thetford. Handy landmark, and the club gives grid reference TL531736.
  • From there, the club water runs approximately 1,000 yards upstream. The top end is marked by a fence.
  • Access is via a right turn down Holt Fen Drove in Little Thetford. The track from the village can get difficult in winter, so expect a bit of faff when conditions turn wet.
  • Parking is available at Fish and Duck Marina for £5 per day. From the marina, you reach the fishery via the footbridge.
  • There are no named swims, depths, features or flow details published for this exact stretch. You’re looking at a rural fenland river rather than a tightly pegged venue.
  • The checked details don’t give a specific approach such as trotting, feeder or float fishing, so choose your attack around the conditions on the day and keep within the club boundaries.
  • Fishing is normally limited to the club’s published dawn and dusk times. Standard members cannot generally fish at night, although limited one-night permits are available.
  • All fish must go back unharmed. Bring a decent landing net and unhooking mat, plus proof of membership and your Environment Agency rod licence.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify a particular method for this stretch. Tackle up for the river conditions on the day, and make sure you have an adequate landing net and unhooking mat.

Access & tickets

Standard adult membership

Normal club fishing access.

£50 (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Student membership

For ages 12–18.

£20 (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Member guest river day ticket

Per day.

£5 (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

One-night permit

For members only; maximum two per season, Monday–Thursday nights only, maximum 18 hours.

£25 per night (as listed 10 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Saffron Walden Angling Club leases the sole fishing rights. The club may sell day tickets to casual visitors on the bank at the Old West River; members’ guests can buy river day tickets, subject to the club’s arrangements.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

  • Carry proof of club membership and an Environment Agency rod licence.
  • Environment Agency by-laws apply as club rules.
  • Return all fish unharmed.
  • Use notified entrances and parking areas.
  • Remain within the club water boundaries.
  • Dogs, guns, radios and fires are prohibited on club fisheries.
  • Fishing is normally restricted to published dawn and dusk times.
  • Use an adequate landing net and unhooking mat.
  • Pike fishing is specifically covered for the Ouse stretches in the club regulations.

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 fish

Where 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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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.

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