Water Stratford — River Great Ouse

The lowdown

• This is a fresh BDAA venue, confirmed in the association’s 2025 AGM minutes. So, a proper new option if you fancy having a look at a less familiar bit of river.
• The stretch sits beside Water Stratford, with the river crossed by Water Stratford Road. Fields, the village and the road give it a classic rural Great Ouse feel.
• BDAA controls around five miles of Great Ouse centred around Buckingham, described as several miles of river water. Water Stratford is one of the newer additions to that run.
• The association has a map for the Water Stratford venue on its website. Worth checking that before setting off, especially as no specific peg count or stretch length is published.
• There’s no venue-specific fish list on the checked details, so no species are claimed here. The association does say its general Great Ouse waters have produced specimen fish reported in the angling press.
• The venue details don’t set out particular swims, depths, features or flow patterns. Have a proper look at the water on arrival and fish what’s in front of you rather than forcing a set plan.
• For methods, the checked information doesn’t name a preferred approach. The river is available during the open season, so your usual Ouse playbook can be guided by the conditions on the day.
• The statutory close season applies from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Fishing is available from 16 June to 14 March, giving plenty of scope across the warmer and colder parts of the season.
• It’s a day-ticket venue for non-members, but tickets must be sorted in advance. No official parking spot or postcode is published, so don’t assume roadside parking is okay.

Methods: The checked venue information doesn’t specify methods, swims, depths or features. Have a look at the flow and available water on the day, then choose your approach accordingly.

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

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• All fish must be returned unharmed.
• Keep your swim free of litter.
• Specimen fish must be weighed on association scales at the place of capture.
• The statutory river close season applies from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required when fishing association waters, subject to legal age exemptions.

River level

Where it is