River Nene – Oundle Stretches

River level

The lowdown

• This is a rural, mixed coarse river with town, meadow and lock-side sections dotted around Oundle. So, plenty of variety rather than one samey run.
• The Plantations section has produced chub to about 6 lb. That’s a cracking stamp of fish, and one to keep in mind when picking a swim.
• Matches on the Oundle stretches can produce strong mixed weights of silver fish. Bream have reportedly made 46 lb match weights, although they move about and aren’t guaranteed.
• Roach are the more regular catch, with a reported match weight of 16 lb. Bream can show well too, while tench are present but not in big numbers.
• Perch run from small fish up to reported specimens of about 3 lb. Bleak are common enough to become a nuisance for some pleasure anglers.
• The river’s silver-fish population supports larger predators. River carp have also been caught occasionally, but they’re described as elusive rather than a banker target.
• There’s plenty of scope for classic mixed-river tactics, with silver fish the main attraction. Think about where the shoals are holding and be ready to move if the swim goes quiet.
• Oundle Mill access is through private land and a locked gate. Use the correct access gate every time, and leave it closed and locked behind you.
• Do not climb gates or fencing. It’s prohibited and can result in loss of membership. The traditional close season runs from 15 March to 15 June.
• Fish numbers have been affected by otter predation and illegal fish movements, so expectations need to stay realistic. Even so, the stretch has genuine mixed-fishing potential.

Methods: A proper mixed-fish river venue, with silver fish the main focus and the chance of perch, chub or an occasional elusive river carp. Match-style thinking should pay off: find the fish, keep things tidy and be ready to adapt.

Access & tickets

This is Wellingborough & District Nene Angling Club water, not a day-ticket fishery. Membership runs from 1 January to 31 December; 2026 adult membership is £60, senior is £45 and junior is £10.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• The traditional close season runs from 15 March to 15 June.
• Fishing access at Oundle Mill is via private land and a locked gate.
• Members must use the correct access gate.
• Leave the access gate closed and locked.
• Climbing gates or fencing is prohibited.
• Climbing gates or fencing can result in loss of membership.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to club membership.

Where it is