Leasey Bridge Fishery — River Lea

River level

The lowdown

• This is a small, friendly-looking bit of the upper River Lea rather than a big, open river. Expect shallow water, tighter swims and a few deeper runs and glides to pick apart.
• The main river has barbel to around 9 lb and chub to about 5 lb, with roach, dace, gudgeon and perch adding plenty of sport. A bit of colour in the water should make the deeper bits worth a look.
• The mature backwater is the real cheeky extra. It is connected to the Lea and has 10 comfortable swims, giving you a more settled option when the main river is pushing through.
• Backwater fish include roach over 2 lb, perch to roughly 3 lb, tench from 8 oz to 3 lb and carp that can reach double figures. Proper mixed coarse fare.
• Float fishing and trotting look bob on for the shallower river, especially when the pace is steady. Keep the bait moving naturally through the crease and deeper glides.
• Feeder fishing and legering are also suitable, giving you options when the river is carrying a bit more pace or the fish are tucked into the deeper runs.
• The backwater can become heavily weeded in summer. Members can use the available weed rakes, which should help keep swims fishable without too much faff.
• Fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March. Times are 4am to midnight from June to September, then 6am to midnight from October to March.
• There is a small on-site car park, overflow parking nearby and a members’ toilet. Access is from Leasey Bridge Lane and the Lower Luton Road area, on the B653.
• The opposite bank is a public bridleway and is not a fishing bank. Fishing from that side is prohibited, so stick to the club’s side and keep things tidy.

Methods: Trotting and float fishing suit the shallow river, while feeder fishing and legering cover the deeper runs and glides. In the backwater, target clear gaps between the summer weed and make use of a weed rake if needed.

Access & tickets

Apply through Verulam Angling Club’s 2026–27 new-member form; the published membership season is June 16, 2026 to June 15, 2027, subject to availability. Members arranging guest tickets online must allow at least 48 hours for processing, payment and membership verification; more than one guest ticket per member is permitted on the Great Ouse.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, carp, tench, perch, rudd

Key rules

• Fishing is from 16 June to 14 March.
• Fishing times are 4am to midnight from June to September.
• Fishing times are 6am to midnight from October to March.
• An 18-inch minimum landing-net size applies.
• An unhooking mat at least 36 by 18 by 1 inch must be ready for use.
• Keepnets may be used unless the fishery noticeboard says otherwise.
• The opposite bank is a public bridleway and is not a fishing bank.
• Fishing from the opposite bank is prohibited.

Where it is