Dick Walkers — downstream Thornton Bridge

The lowdown

• This is proper countryside angling, with meadows, farm tracks, stiles and woodland around Thornton Bridge.
• BDAA controls about five miles of the Great Ouse centred around Buckingham, and Dick Walkers is one of those waters.
• The fishing rights downstream of Thornton Bridge are on the right-hand bank. The upstream-facing bank is the left-hand bank as far as the end of Horses Field.
• Access is over a fence and stile to the downstream water. There’s also an alternative route along the farm track from the A422 to Littlehill Farm.
• Parking is on the grass at Littlehill Farm where permitted. Leave vehicles well clear of access routes, then walk across the meadows to the river.
• The stretch has produced chub, including a reported 3 lb fish from the second field. A proper cheeky Great Ouse chub, that.
• The club describes its Great Ouse as a specimen-fish river system. Its wider records include chub, dace, perch, pike, roach, bream, tench and eel.
• Day tickets run from 16 June to 14 March. The close season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive, so check the dates before setting off.
• There’s no stated night-fishing permission. Also, entering the water is prohibited unless you’re taking part in an organised, risk-assessed working party.
• The facts supplied don’t give named pegs, a measured length, or specific float, feeder or lure tactics. Best stick to the association’s access and safety rules and fish the available swims sensibly.

Methods: Specific methods aren’t stated in the checked information. The stretch is described as a specimen-fish river system, with chub noted from the second field.

Access & tickets

River day tickets must be bought in advance. Email the BDAA Membership Secretary for payment instructions, or buy one from Tingewick Post Office, Gone Fishin, Jakeman Sports or Tackle Tavern.

Fish the club names

chub

Key rules

• River day tickets are available from 16 June to 14 March only.
• The river close season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Day tickets must be purchased in advance.
• Anglers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult under the association’s junior-fishing rules.
• Anglers under 13 do not need an Environment Agency rod licence according to the association’s information.
• Entering the water is prohibited except during an organised, risk-assessed working party.
• Follow the water-safety rule warning of drowning risk.
• Do not leave vehicles obstructing access.

River level

Where it is