Fishery guide · Bedfordshire
Felmersham Pits
Felmersham Pits is a quiet Wildlife Trust-permit fishery beside the River Great Ouse, made up of shallow former gravel pits between Felmersham and Sharnbrook. It looks like a proper natural-water option for anglers happy to sort permit details before heading down.
“5.3/10 — Carp, tench and silver fish are reported, though there is no official species list or specimen information.”
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The lowdown
Felmersham Pits, generally known as Felmersham Gravel Pits, sits beside the River Great Ouse in Bedfordshire, between Felmersham and Sharnbrook. It’s a proper natural-looking setting, covering roughly 21 hectares and made up of flooded former gravel workings rather than one big, tidy commercial lake. The reserve has a cracking mix of wetland, grassland, scrub and broadleaved woodland around the water.
- 1 lake: Felmersham Pits
- Fish: carp, tench
- Find it: Felmersham · MK44 1JW
Plan your session
Fishery map of Felmersham Pits
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: Felmersham Pits (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Felmersham Pits
Felmersham Pits, generally known as Felmersham Gravel Pits, sits beside the River Great Ouse in Bedfordshire, between Felmersham and Sharnbrook. It’s a proper natural-looking setting, covering roughly 21 hectares and made up of flooded former gravel workings rather than one big, tidy commercial lake. The reserve has a cracking mix of wetland, grassland, scrub and broadleaved woodland around the water.
Gravel extraction finished around 1945, leaving a series of shallow finger lakes and ponds. That gives the place a wild-water feel, with plenty to look at before you even unpack the gear. Reed and common bulrush grow along the shallow margins, while whorled water-milfoil and bladderwort are found in deeper areas. Those are the sort of features worth studying carefully when choosing a swim.
Reported fish include carp, tench and silver fish. There’s no official species list or published specimen information, though, so it’s best not to arrive expecting guaranteed lumps or a bagging-up session. Treat it as a natural venue. Walk the bank first, watch for signs of fish, and keep the opening approach tidy. A light margin set-up, float gear and a few simple bait options would be sensible things to have in the kit, with the final choice guided by what you can actually see.
Angling is permitted only with a Wildlife Trust permit. Enquiries should be made by email to bedfordshire@wildlifebcn.org, with the fishery also published as the contact number. Permit arrangements need confirming directly before travelling. The official page does not publish a day-ticket price, fishing season dates, fishing opening hours or night-fishing permission, so this is one venue where a quick email first saves a proper wasted journey. Ask about the permitted areas, current rules, bait restrictions and whether any extra access guidance applies.
Access is through the reserve car park about 450 yards north of Felmersham on the Causeway. Overnight parking isn’t permitted, and there are no published toilets or on-site angler facilities, so bring what you need for a straightforward day session. Dogs must be kept on leads, while some less-used paths may be overgrown. Sensible footwear and a compact amount of tackle should make getting around less of a faff.
There’s plenty of wildlife around the pits too. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with at least 18 breeding dragonfly and damselfly species recorded. Great crested grebe, teal, tufted duck, grey heron, kingfisher, reed bunting and warblers have also been recorded, while cattle graze parts of the meadows. So, once the permit and access details are bob on, Felmersham Pits looks suited to anglers who enjoy patient fishing, careful feature-finding and a proper quiet reserve atmosphere rather than a guaranteed commercial-style haul.
We're not sure on ticket prices here — we couldn't find reliable, up-to-date prices online, so give the fishery a ring or check their own site before you go.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Felmersham Pits FAQs
Where is Felmersham Pits?
It is beside the River Great Ouse, between Felmersham and Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire.
Is there a published fishing price?
No official day-ticket price is published on the checked official page.
Are there toilets or angler facilities?
The official page does not publish toilets or on-site angler facilities.
What should I confirm before travelling?
Check the Wildlife Trust permit, fishing dates, opening arrangements and whether night fishing is allowed.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Felmersham Pits. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Felmersham.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — reserve car park about 450 yards north of felmersham on the causeway. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
MK44 1JW.
How much is a ticket?
We haven't got current prices. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Felmersham Pits isn't day-ticket water — Felmersham Pits is members or syndicate only.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, tench. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
1 — Felmersham Pits (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — No official night-fishing permission or rules were found on the checked official page.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's required — Dogs must be kept on leads.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Syndicate · invite only
Felmersham Pits: shallow former gravel pits with carp, tench and silver fish reported.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp, tench
This is a series of flooded former gravel pits rather than a single named lake. The waters are described as shallow finger lakes, with reed and common bulrush along the margins and aquatic plants in the deeper areas.
There is no published individual lake size, official species list or specimen information. The venue therefore suits a measured, feature-finding approach rather than turning up expecting a known head of big fish.
Lake photographs
A look around Felmersham Pits
Felmersham Pits
Felmersham Pits
We’re checking the fishery’s Felmersham Pits pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy quiet natural waters and working out a swim
- Margin and shallow-water anglers happy to fish patiently
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting guaranteed facilities, published weights or a simple day-ticket outing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Felmersham Pits
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the reed lines and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench near the cover
Tench love reed lines. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Felmersham Pits FAQs
What fish are reported from Felmersham Pits?
Reported fish include carp, tench and silver fish, but no official species list is published.
How do I arrange fishing access?
Angling is permitted only with a Wildlife Trust permit. Enquiries should be made by email to bedfordshire@wildlifebcn.org.
What's the lake record on Felmersham Pits?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Felmersham Pits that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Felmersham Pits?
carp, tench.
How big is Felmersham Pits and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Shallow former gravel pits with carp, tench and silver fish reported..
Which baits work well on Felmersham Pits?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Felmersham Pits further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Felmersham Pits get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. Booking ahead is the safe bet.
What weather suits bigger catches on Felmersham Pits?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Felmersham Pits before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Felmersham Pits?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Felmersham Pits on a day ticket?
No — Felmersham Pits is syndicate or members only, so you'll need to sort a ticket direct with the fishery.
Is night fishing allowed on Felmersham Pits?
It depends — No official night-fishing permission or rules were found on the checked official page.
Who does Felmersham Pits suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy quiet natural waters and working out a swim; Margin and shallow-water anglers happy to fish patiently. Less suited to: Anyone wanting guaranteed facilities, published weights or a simple day-ticket outing.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is a Wildlife Trust permit required?
Angling is permitted only with a Wildlife Trust permit.
- Only if
Can I buy a day ticket on the bank?
No official day-ticket price is published; confirm permit arrangements directly with the Wildlife Trust.
- Only if
Is night fishing allowed?
No official night-fishing permission or rules were found on the checked official page.
- Only if
Are fishing season dates published?
No official season dates for fishing were published.
- No
Can I stay overnight in the car park?
Overnight parking is not permitted in vehicles or camping facilities.
- Must
Do dogs need to be on leads?
Dogs must be kept on leads.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 11 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Felmersham Pits
carp
Solid PVA bag over the snaggy bits
With the reed lines and a busy bottom, a solid bag keeps the hook point masked on the drop and sat neatly in a little pile of bait however rough the lakebed is.
- Tie a short, stiff hooklink (4–6in) so it packs into the bag without kinking.
- Fill the bag with a damp crumb mix and pack it tight — loose bags spill on the cast.
- Nick a wafter or small pop-up on the hair so it settles over the mix, not under it.
- Cast a few yards short of the feature, recast every couple of hours with a fresh bag.
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
tench
Method or maggot feeder for tench near the cover
Tench love reed lines. A feeder puts a small, tight patch of bait right by the hookbait.
- Fish 10–20 yards out, or tight to the cover where it's safe to land fish.
- Recast every 10–15 minutes early on to build the swim.
- Short hooklink with a dead red maggot, corn or a 8mm wafter.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
5.3/10 from Tackle Index: Carp, tench and silver fish are reported, though there is no official species list or specimen information.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Felmersham Pits is a quiet Wildlife Trust-permit fishery beside the River Great Ouse, made up of shallow former gravel pits between Felmersham and Sharnbrook. It looks like a proper natural-water option for anglers happy to sort permit details before heading down.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Felmersham Pits
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