Cogenhoe Mill to Whiston Lock

River level

The lowdown

• The stretch starts at Cogenhoe Mill Pool and runs through to Whiston Lock. A decent variety of river features is packed into that run.
• Fishing begins from the right-hand bank at Cogenhoe Mill Pool. The backwater beyond the caravan park at Cogenhoe is included too.
• The towpath follows the fishery through multiple sections, with several access points where roads cross by bridge. Handy for getting to different swims without a huge faff.
• At Whiston Lock, both banks are included, along with the inside of the island meadow. That gives this end of the stretch a few extra angles to explore.
• It’s a mixed coarse water, with bream, carp, chub, perch, pike and roach named for the stretch. Dace are also listed among the fish present.
• The mill pool, backwater, towpath and lock island should give you plenty to work with. Think varied water rather than one samey channel all day.
• Whiston Road is the stated parking spot, using the roadside verge. Stick to that arrangement and use the towpath access points from the road-crossing bridges.
• The closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive, so plan your visits outside those dates. Normal Northampton Nene Angling Club rules apply.
• There are no day tickets here. You’ll need the relevant club membership or permission, and night fishing is only for full club members where the individual-water rules allow it.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A flexible coarse approach suits the mix of mill pool, backwater, towpath and lock water. Float tactics, feeder work and sensible predator fishing are the obvious options, with the exact method governed by the club rules for the water.

Access & tickets

You’ll need a Northampton Nene Angling Club membership book to fish Carlton. Contact the club about membership; the fishery page doesn’t give a price.

Fish the club names

carp, bream, pike, perch, chub, roach

Key rules

• The closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Day tickets are not available; fishing requires the relevant club membership or permission.
• Fishing from boats, kayaks and other watercraft is prohibited.
• Crayfish trapping is not allowed on club waters.
• Magnet fishing is not allowed on club waters.
• Removal of fish is not allowed under the club’s general rules.
• A maximum of two rods is permitted where the fishery rules allow it.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required when applicable.

Where it is