Old West River, Little Thetford — North Bank

River level

The lowdown

• This is a rural Old West River water, with the sort of open fenland feel that makes for a proper peaceful session.
• The club holds the sole fishing rights, so make sure your paperwork is bob on before settling into a swim.
• The downstream end is where the Old West River meets the Great Ouse. Upstream, the boundary is a fence about 1,000 yards away.
• Access is via a right turn down Holt Fen Drove in Little Thetford. It’s not the place for a rushed arrival, especially in winter.
• The track from the village can get difficult in winter. Give yourself a bit of time and don’t fancy a faff-free drive if conditions are grim.
• Parking is available at Fish and Duck Marina for £5 per day, then it’s across the footbridge to reach the fishery.
• There’s no published peg count, so treat it as a natural river stretch rather than a numbered-peg venue. Pick your swim carefully and keep clear of adjoining land.
• The club hasn’t published a species list for this exact stretch, so it’s best to focus on reading the water rather than arriving with a fixed species plan.
• Fishing is normally tied to the published dawn and dusk times. Night fishing isn’t generally allowed unless you’ve got the right club arrangement.
• Keep every fish wet and return it unharmed. Fires, dogs, guns and radios are banned, apart from fires at official working parties.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify a particular method or target species for this stretch. Read the flow and work the available swim sensibly, with all club and Environment Agency rules followed.

Access & tickets

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.
• All fish caught on club fisheries must be returned unharmed.
• Dogs, guns, radios and fires are prohibited, except fires at official working parties.
• Use notified entrances and parking areas and avoid trespassing on adjoining land.
• Fishing is normally restricted to published dawn and dusk times.
• Night fishing is not generally permitted unless covered by the club’s night-fishing arrangements.

Where it is