The Mill Stream, Offord Cluny

The lowdown

• This is a proper little stream rather than a big, open Ouse job. The fishable water runs from Black Overfalls Weir Pool to the road bridge, with the Ouse Valley Way alongside it.
• Most of the stream sits around 3–5 ft deep, so there’s enough water to explore without it feeling daunting. Under the road bridge it shallows right off to roughly 10–12 inches.
• Chub are the headline act. Several over 6 lb are caught in most seasons, and clear water can reveal big fish tucked beneath the overhanging trees on the far bank.
• Float and ledger tactics account for most chub catches. Keep things tidy and natural around the crease, tree cover and any quieter bits out of the main flow.
• Fly anglers aren’t left out. Terrestrials, including lead-headed daddies, can be successful when chub are looking up and the conditions are bob on.
• Free-lined bread crust is another cracking option mentioned by the society. It’s a simple, cheeky way to tempt a fish tight to cover or drifting through a slack.
• Barbel add a bit of spice. Around 180 young barbel were released in 2017, with a 2 lb fish believed to be from that stocking caught in 2020. Barbel up to double figures have also reportedly been seen in the shallows.
• Access is via the OBAS Main Car Park off Station Lane. The route passes the Old Flour Mill and crosses the Mill Stream bridge, with anglers entering the field through a gate just beyond the river bridge.
• It’s members only, and OBAS day tickets don’t cover this stream. Night fishing is for members under the society rules, so bring the handbook details and don’t assume a day ticket will do the job.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Float and ledger approaches account for most chub catches, with free-lined bread crust another effective option. Fly fishing with terrestrials, including lead-headed daddies, can also produce when fish are feeding up.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available online or from bailiffs on the bank. Adult tickets are £5, while under-17s fish free; tickets are valid from dawn to dusk.

Fish the club names

chub, barbel

Key rules

• Keepnets are not permitted on the Mill Stream.
• A maximum of three rods per angler is permitted.
• Anglers may occupy only one swim at a time.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Landing nets and suitable unhooking mats are required. Pike and carp anglers must use a minimum 36-inch landing net.
• Pike anglers must use a wire trace.
• No open fires or tents are permitted, although a bivvy may be used.
• Do not block the Ouse Valley pathway, and no magnet fishing is permitted on OBAS waters.

River level

Where it is