The Roxtons / Roxton Fisheries A–D

River level

The lowdown

• The fishery is split into Roxton A, B, C and D, so there’s a fair bit of water to explore rather than one cookie-cutter stretch.
• Roxton A starts at Great Barford Bridge and runs upstream. The wider Roxton and Barford complex is noted for bridge swims that can be handy for chub.
• Roxton C runs from the LAA notice board to Roxton Lock. Access is via the grass track at the end of the houses, with parking opposite Saxon Close.
• Roxton D carries on from Roxton Lock to Tempsford Bridge and includes Roxton Pool. Its weir pool is the standout feature, with barbel catches common there.
• The river character varies nicely, with slower sections alongside the more structured water around the lock and weir pool. Proper fishy-looking stuff.
• Roach are a principal target across the Roxton and nearby Barford sections. Bream shoals get a particular mention in the colder months, so don’t overlook the slower water.
• There’s a decent spread of named fish here: dace, perch, tench, carp, pike and barbel, alongside the better-known roach, chub and bream.
• Bank walking can be hard work where fields are ploughed right to the river edge. Section D also involves a long walk and is described as unsuitable for disabled anglers.
• For Roxton D, use the parking at the end of Ford Lane without blocking gates. School Lane is also permitted for access towards Tempsford.
• Night fishing is permitted under the LAA handbook. The statutory river season runs from 16 June to 15 March inclusive, so plan around that window.

Methods: There’s enough variety for a few approaches: trot the steadier runs for roach, dace and chub, try feeder tactics in the slower water for bream, and fish the weir pool with barbel in mind. Perch, pike, carp and tench are also named among the fish to target.

Access & tickets

You’ll need London Anglers’ Association membership to fish Roxton A; the holder’s handbook lists no day tickets here. Check with the association for the current membership price and joining arrangements.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, rudd, chub

Named by The London Anglers’ Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• LAA membership is required to fish the association’s non-public-access fisheries.
• No day tickets are available for Roxton C and D.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Fish only during the statutory river season of 16 June to 15 March inclusive.
• Night fishing is permitted under the LAA handbook.
• Do not obstruct gates when parking at the end of Ford Lane.
• Section D requires a long walk and is unsuitable for disabled anglers.

Where it is