Leckhampstead Bridge Fisheries

River level

The lowdown

• Leckhampstead is made up of the Straight Field and Horses Field sections, so there’s a fair bit of countryside water to explore.
• BDAA holds the right-hand bank downstream from Leckhampstead Bridge to the wood.
• Upstream, the association controls the left-hand bank from the bridge to the end of Horses Field.
• It’s rural farmland water around Leckhampstead Bridge and Thornborough. No urban river faff here.
• Parking is available on both sides of Leckhampstead Bridge, but stick to designated car parks or permitted areas.
• Access is from the A422, taking the lane towards Thornborough. Nice and straightforward on paper.
• The river season runs from 16 June to 14 March. From 15 March to 15 June, river fishing is shut.
• There’s a cap of eight anglers between Thornborough Mill and Leckhampstead Bridge at one time, at the riparian owner’s request.
• BDAA says its Great Ouse waters can produce specimen fish, with bream, carp, chub, dace, eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd and tench among the association’s recorded species.
• The checked details don’t pin down individual pegs, depths, swims or named features, so have a good look at the flow and crease when you arrive. Keep it tidy and return every fish alive.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify a particular winning method for this stretch. Trotting, feeder work or other approaches may suit the river, but the exact watercraft is left open here.

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

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

Named by Buckingham & District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• River fishing is allowed from 16 June to 14 March only; no fishing from 15 March to 15 June.
• A maximum of eight anglers may fish between Thornborough Mill and Leckhampstead Bridge at one time, at the riparian owner’s request.
• All fish must be returned alive at the place of capture, subject to the association’s live-bait rules.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required where applicable.
• Anglers must carry proof of membership or other recognised fishing authority.
• A maximum of two rods may be used simultaneously. Rods must not be left unattended or be more than two metres apart.
• Tethering fish, bright lights, fires, digging the banks, fixed-lead bolt rigs, bent-hook rigs, self-hooking devices and radio-controlled craft are prohibited.

Where it is