Odell (Harrold-Odell Country Park river stretch)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a parkland river stretch, with river meadows, managed habitats and a nature reserve alongside the Great Ouse. Proper pleasant surroundings, then.
• Only established swims can be fished. Check the maps carefully, as some marked areas are out of bounds and the permitted zones are clearly identified.
• The river is officially noted for barbel, chub, pike and perch. Recorded river catches include barbel to 14lb 11oz and chub to 6lb — handy fish, no doubt.
• The season runs from 16 June to 14 March. Fishing during the closed season is prohibited, so don’t get caught out on the dates.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is needed, and permit holders must show their permit to park staff or the bailiff if asked.
• Night fishing is allowed under the season-ticket rules. Anglers under 16 using night permits must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Up to three rods are allowed in one swim when the angler holds two rod licences. Keepnets are banned, and all fish must go straight back into the water they came from.
• There are a few cattle-related wrinkles. The riverside meadow is grazed from May to November, and an electric fence may run along part of the bank. Give it space, bob on.
• For bigger fish, large landing nets and unhooking mats are required. Barbed and bent hooks are banned, while predator anglers need wire traces and semi-barbed trebles; lures must be barbless.
• Parking is in designated areas only. The main car park stays open 24 hours, while the overspill car park shuts at 5pm. Small tents or bivvies are allowed, but keep them inside the swim and clear of the bank path.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The rules suit tidy, fish-friendly approaches from the established swims. For predators, stick to the stated trace, hook and deadbait rules; for coarse fishing, keep things controlled and avoid prohibited baiting methods.

Access & tickets

Permits are issued by Bedford Borough Council for the 2026–27 season. The listed permit period is 16 June 2026 to 14 March 2027, and no single-day tickets are available.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, pike, perch

Key rules

• Fishing is available by season ticket only and a current Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Fishing is allowed from 16 June to 14 March only; it is prohibited during the closed season.
• Only established swims may be fished, and marked prohibited areas must be avoided.
• Guest anglers are not permitted. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, with a photograph of the permit holder attached.
• All fish must be returned to the water from which they were caught. Keepnets are prohibited.
• Up to three rods per angler are allowed in the same swim when the angler has two rod licences.
• Barbed hooks, bent hooks, live baiting, fishing for live bait, coarse fish deadbaits, nuts, beans, floating baits, pre-baiting, mass baiting and bait boats are prohibited.
• Predator fishing requires wire traces and semi-barbed treble hooks; lure fishing must use barbless hooks. Only fresh or frozen sea deadbaits are allowed.
• Large landing nets and unhooking mats are required when handling large fish. Small tents or bivouacs must stay within the swim and clear of the bank path.

Where it is