River Welland around Crowland — Wards Farm to Four Mile Bar

River level

The lowdown

• This is classic lowland Welland: wide, steady and very fenland in feel. Don’t expect a tight little chalkstream job — it’s all about finding the right depth and crease.
• The fishery starts at Wards Farm and runs downstream to Four Mile Bar, marked by the first footbridge across the river. The approximate fishable length is that whole section.
• Both banks are available, which gives you a bit of choice when wind, light or bank access makes one side more comfortable than the other.
• The banks and river can be overgrown, as there’s no maintenance along this section. Proper useful gear, sturdy footwear and a bit of patience will save a lot of faff.
• Big bream shoals are the headline attraction. Once you locate them, feeder work or a well-fed bottom line could be bob on, especially when the river has a touch of colour.
• Roach, perch, chub, tench, carp, rudd, eels and pike are also named for the water. That gives you plenty to aim at, from a quiet float session to a more deliberate feeder or predator approach.
• The Crowland section is lowland and slow-flowing. Look for changes in depth, the crease, steadier water and any clearer gaps in the weed rather than simply plonking in the middle.
• Summer can bring weed and algae problems during warm, low-flow spells with high nutrient levels. Keep an eye on conditions and be ready to move if the swim looks too choked.
• Parking is along Welland Bank, but take care when parking off road. River fishing is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive, so plan around the close season.

Methods: Feeder fishing for bream is the obvious starting point, with float tackle worth a go for roach, perch and mixed coarse fish. In slower water, fish the crease and any cleaner gaps around the weed; pike can be targeted separately where conditions suit.

Access & tickets

The venue page provides a day-ticket purchase option. The club’s general river day ticket costs £5.

Fish the club names

bream, roach, perch, chub, tench, carp, rudd, pike, eel

Key rules

• River fishing is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• The River Welland day ticket is non-transferable.
• The ticket allows fishing at any DSJAC Welland or Nene river venue on the chosen day.
• Anglers must produce a valid day ticket or membership card when requested by a bailiff or club officer.
• Litter must be removed from the fishery.
• Live-fish baiting is not permitted.
• Unattended baited rods or poles are not permitted. Fish must be handled safely and returned to the water.

Where it is