Portholme Meadow

The lowdown

• This isn’t a uniform river stretch. You’ve got open main-river water in one part, then smaller associated channels, a brook, confluence and proper feature-filled sections around the weir and mill-pool.
• Portholme itself is England’s largest meadow and has Site of Special Scientific Interest status, so the setting is wide, open and properly picturesque. It’s classic flood-meadow country.
• The meadow can flood quickly, and the landscape changes with the seasons. Keep an eye on the water, especially after rain, as some areas can become inundated during high water.
• It’s a good one for roving anglers rather than sitting tight on one peg all day. There’s plenty of water to explore, with different characters and features spread across the venue.
• Perch and chub are specifically mentioned as target fish. Bream, roach, dace and pike are also present, giving you plenty to go at across the river and connected waters.
• Carp and tench are seen towards the eastern section in summer. That sounds like the area to investigate when the weather’s warm and the fish are moving in the shallower, quieter water.
• The weir and mill-pool sections offer some proper features to work, while the navigation and main river give you more open water and changing flow. Find the crease and fish the conditions.
• Barbel fishing isn’t considered especially productive during floods, so don’t force it when the river is pushing through. A bit of colour can still be useful for other species, but the flow needs respecting.
• Parking is described as ample, with different options depending on the section. There are tackle shops, pubs, bars and shops on The Causeway, and the Pump Station entrance is a short walk from Huntingdon railway station.

Methods: A roving approach makes most sense here: work the creases, weir and mill-pool features, and switch between float or feeder tactics as the flow and water level dictate. Perch, chub and the mixed silver-fish shoals give you plenty of options.

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

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

Key rules

• Anglers fishing non-public-access fisheries must have membership of The London Anglers’ Association.
• Anglers must agree to The London Anglers’ Association’s rules.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Night fishing is permitted at no extra cost.
• Barbel fishing is not considered especially productive during floods.

River level

Where it is