River Welland at Uffington

River level

The lowdown

• This is the Lower Welland at its more open, meadowy end, with flood-defence embankments shaping the valley. Rural, clean and pleasantly untidy in the best river-fishing way.
• The Uffington water is wider than the club’s Upper Welland beats. The riverbed is gravel, and the river is described as clean and shallow, with a character that’ll feel familiar to chalk-stream anglers.
• There’s a good Mayfly hatch here, which is the obvious date for the diary. Sedges are abundant too, so keep an eye on the surface when the light drops and fish start showing.
• The beat has produced large trout, including fish over 5 lb in recent seasons. That’s a proper incentive to fish the crease carefully rather than charging straight into the obvious water.
• The club describes the water as primarily a wild brown trout and grayling fishery. It’s also classed as a mixed fishery, with coarse fishing allowed during the trout close season.
• For the fly angler, the wider, shallow gravel runs and chalk-stream feel point towards keeping things neat and accurate. Work the glides, seams and any depth changes around the embankments.
• Coarse fishing must stick to Environment Agency-approved methods. Maggots, corn, bread, worms and cheese are permitted, but no groundbaiting and no keep nets.
• Barbless or crushed-barb hooks are compulsory. Handle coarse fish carefully and get them back promptly. Simple stuff, but worth having bob on before you start.
• Fishing is suspended when the water temperature reaches 19°C or higher. The club also says vehicles must stay off the riverside unless using recognised vehicular roadways.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Fly fishing is the main game for the wild trout and grayling, with trotting or feeder-style coarse fishing allowed in the trout close season under the club’s rules. Fish the gravel runs, glides and creases neatly, and keep tackle and handling tidy.

Access & tickets

The Uffington beat is members-only, and day tickets are not available. The club’s published information reports a waiting list of more than 60 prospective members, so joining may involve a fair bit of patience.

Fish the club names

trout, barbel, bream, roach, pike, perch, rudd, chub, crucian, eel, zander, tench, carp, catfish

Key rules

• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Fishing is suspended when water temperature reaches 19°C or higher.
• Coarse fishing is permitted during the trout close season only and must use Environment Agency-approved methods.
• All coarse fish must be handled carefully and returned promptly.
• Barbless or crushed-barb hooks are required.
• No keep nets or groundbaiting are permitted.
• Members must show their ticket when requested by another member or the river keeper.
• Vehicles must not be taken to the riverside except on recognised vehicular roadways.
• Close gates and remove litter and discarded fishing line.
• Dogs are not permitted with anglers on the club’s waters.

Where it is