The Quay, St Ives

River level

The lowdown

• This is run by St Ives Fish Preservation and Angling Society, which holds fishing rights along adjoining River Ouse waters. The society’s match reports specifically mention a member fishing on the quay.
• You’re fishing from a paved riverside promenade, right beside the town centre. Handy access, but expect people about and a bit of bustle around the water.
• The river is used by passing boats and tourist riverboats. That means boat traffic is a key feature, with the flow and surface likely changing as they pass — keep an eye on the crease and any slack water pushed into the edge.
• There’s no separate peg count published for The Quay, so treat it as promenade-style fishing rather than a numbered-peg venue. Pick a safe, considerate spot and leave room for pedestrians.
• Roach and bream are named as important Great Ouse species by the society. Match reports from the St Ives waters also mention dace, perch, tench and eels.
• Trotting or a light feeder would be the obvious starting points where the depth and flow allow. Keep things tidy and mobile, especially with boats and town users nearby.
• A bit of colour and extra movement after rain could be worth a look for bream and roach. In steadier conditions, work the crease and any quieter water tight to the promenade.
• Fishing is available to society members and on advance day tickets. The close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive, so plan around the open season.
• Central St Ives is the stated access and parking area. The Quay postcode used by the official riverboat operator is PE27 5AR, but don’t obstruct the Priory Road farm gate.

Methods: Try trotting with a float when the river has a steady push, or a neat feeder approach for roach and bream. Keep gear compact and watch for passing boats — this is town-centre fishing with a bit going on.

Access & tickets

Day tickets and memberships must be purchased in advance from St Ives Fish Preservation and Angling Society. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is also required for anglers over 12.

Fish the club names

roach, bream, perch, tench, eel, chub

Named by St Ives Fish Preservation and Angling Society across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is by fair rod and line only.
• No more than two rods may be used at one time.
• The close season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Catch and release applies on society waters. Fish must not be killed or removed from club waters.
• Fish must be retained in a regulation keepnet when retained temporarily. Do not keep fish in buckets.
• Remove litter from the swims used.
• Fires, swimming and cutting trees or branches are prohibited.
• Camping is prohibited, and wildlife and nests must not be disturbed.

Where it is