The Top Stream, Offord Cluny

The lowdown

• This stream links the River Great Ouse to the D Section end of the boat channel, sitting on the south side of Car Park Pool.
• Willow Island keeps it separate from D Section. The boats use Willow Island’s far south side, so this bit is free from boat traffic. Bob on for a quieter session.
• There’s almost always some flow, making it a natural fit for trotting a float through the crease and searching the glides for roach, dace and chub.
• The water is up to roughly 10 metres wide. Most swims are around 2.5 to 3 metres deep, so there’s a fair bit of water to work rather than just a shallow edge.
• Float fishing is the obvious starting point. Hemp, maggots, casters, wheat and sweetcorn are all suggested baits or feed, with plenty of scope to keep things simple.
• Chub, dace, perch and roach are the named fish here. Perch over 3lb are reported, so a worm or dead bait is well worth having tucked away for a cheeky change of plan.
• The stream joins the boat channel above Black Overfalls Weir. That gives the stretch a proper bit of river character, with the flow doing much of the work.
• Day tickets run from dawn to dusk. Night fishing is members only, so this is mainly a daylight water unless you’re in the club.
• The car park is off Station Lane, but watch the barrier: the entrance is limited to vehicles about 6ft 4in, or 1.9 metres, high. Non-members get the combination with their day ticket.

Methods: Start with a float, feeding little and often with maggots, hemp or casters as you trot the flow. Worm or dead bait can bring a better perch, while sweetcorn and wheat give you extra options.

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, perch, roach

Key rules

• You must hold an Environment Agency rod licence.
• A maximum of three rods per angler is allowed, and you may occupy only one swim at a time.
• Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
• Unhooking mats are required when putting large fish on the bank.
• Carry a suitable landing net. Pike and carp anglers must use a minimum 36-inch net.
• Pike anglers must use a wire trace.
• No open fires. Tents are prohibited, although bivvies may be used.
• Do not block the Ouse Valley pathway, and remove all litter from the bankside.

River level

Where it is