Orton River Nene

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery runs from Orton Lock upstream towards Bluebell Bridge, with the lower section heading towards Peterborough Town Bridge and the Embankment.
• The lower stretch has accessible, fishable swims, so it’s a decent shout for a straightforward pleasure session without loads of faff.
• The Orton weirpool is the headline swim. Barbel live here, with smaller fish sometimes coming in numbers and the odd double-figure fish reported.
• Around the metal pilings is where the specimen perch come into play. Fish over 4lb are present, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on that cover.
• Upstream, moored boats sit along the far bank. Feeder fishing tight to them is described as productive, while the near-bank shelf is a pole line for roach and other silver fish.
• The last moored boat is a recognised bream match area. It’s a good place to think about a feeder or a steady silver-fish approach.
• Bream are found throughout the venue, with tench often turning up in mixed bags alongside bream and silver fish. Zander and pike are also present.
• Boat traffic can be heavy in summer, especially at weekends. Expect the river to get busy, and keep tackle and lines sensible around moving boats.
• The upper bank borders a golf course, so anglers need to stick to the footpath. Fishing is not allowed from the lock or associated mooring areas.
• The venue shares water near Orton Lock with Proteus Canoe Club. An occasional canoe regatta can make fishing unavailable, so it’s worth checking before setting off.

Methods: Feeder fishing tight to the moored boats, pole fishing the near-bank shelf and targeting the weirpool for barbel are the main plays. For a mixed bag, work the bream and silver-fish water, with the pilings worth a proper look for perch.

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

barbel, perch, zander, pike, trout, bream, roach, tench

Key rules

• Fishing is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• No fishing from the lock or associated mooring areas.
• The left bank is available to members and day-ticket holders.
• A short right-bank section is members-only, with no day tickets.
• Anglers on the upper riverbank section must remain on the footpath beside the golf course.
• Fishing may be unavailable during an occasional Proteus Canoe Club regatta.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Boat traffic can be heavy during summer, particularly at weekends.

Where it is