Ferry Meadows – River Nene, Overton and Gunwade

River level

The lowdown

• This is a managed country-park fishery, so expect a blend of river channels, lakes and varied features rather than one uniform bit of water.
• The association controls around 12 miles of the River Nene overall, with Ferry Meadows forming part of that wider water. Overton and Gunwade lakes are connected to the river.
• The big draw is bream. Match weights over 100 lb are possible, which tells you the shoals can really get on the munch when conditions line up.
• There are 120 numbered swims across Overton and Gunwade lakes. For the best Gunwade access, head for the Watersports Centre; Overton is reached from the Visitor Centre side.
• The lakes stay open during the river close season, from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Handy if you still fancy a bend in the rod while the river is shut.
• Pleasure anglers must release bream immediately outside matches. All fish must go back alive after recovery, so have your unhooking kit sorted before you start.
• A three-rod limit applies, subject to rod-licence coverage. Ordinary hours run from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset unless you hold a valid night permit.
• The fishery has bream, silverfish, tench, pike, zander and carp, including specimen carp over 40 lb. Predator anglers can use only pre-packed shop-bought dead bait; live freshwater bait is banned.
• It’s a busy public park with footpaths and shared recreational use, so anglers do not get preferential rights. Parking is available at the Visitor Centre and Watersports Centre, with Nene Park Trust charges applying.

Methods: For bream and silverfish, feeder work and float fishing suit the lake setting and shoal fishing. Carp and predators need properly prepared specimen or dead-bait gear, with the compulsory landing and unhooking kit close to hand.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available online through Peterborough & District Angling Association. The 2026 adult advance ticket is £5, senior is £3 for anglers aged 65 and over, and juniors under 18 are free; booking on the day adds a £2 surcharge. Annual night permits need to be arranged by contacting the association directly.

Fish the club names

bream, tench, pike, zander, carp, roach

Key rules

• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• River fishing is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive; Ferry Meadows lakes remain open.
• Ordinary fishing hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset unless a valid night permit applies.
• Live freshwater bait is prohibited; only pre-packed shop-bought dead bait may be used.
• All fish must be returned alive after recovery, and unhooking mats are compulsory.
• Landing nets are compulsory, with a minimum 30-inch net for specimen and predator fishing.
• Keepnets must be fish-friendly and at least 3 metres long. Pleasure anglers may use them at Ferry Meadows only for silverfish up to 2 lb.
• No more than three rods may be used at one time, subject to rod-licence coverage. Bream must be released immediately by pleasure anglers outside matches.

Where it is