Fishery guide · Lincolnshire
River Welland
The River Welland at Spalding is a proper flowing-water coarse venue under P&DAA control, with several miles of river to explore. Expect classic river species, night-fishing options and a fair bit more water than a standard commercial day-ticket lake.
“6.9/10 — A proper flowing coarse river with bream, roach, perch, pike and tench reported.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Fancy a change from commercials? The Welland around Spalding gives you proper running water, public riverbank fishing and miles to go hunting for a decent swim. P&DAA controls several miles of the river, with the nearby Town Welland and Coronation Channel also part of the local picture.
- 3 lakes: River Welland at Spalding, Town Welland at Spalding, Coronation Channel
- Fish: bream, roach, perch, pike, tench, carp
- Tickets from: Adult 2026 general membership — £15
- Find it: Spalding · PE11 2AG
Plan your session
Fishery map of River Welland
Pick a pin or venue to see live bank-side conditions.
Community reported
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How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Photos courtesy of Photo: River Welland (official website). Catch dates not confirmed.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on River Welland
Fancy a change from commercials? The Welland around Spalding gives you proper running water, public riverbank fishing and miles to go hunting for a decent swim. P&DAA controls several miles of the river, with the nearby Town Welland and Coronation Channel also part of the local picture.
This is coarse fishing rather than sit-behind-the-alarms carp bashing. Bream, roach, perch, pike and tench are reported from the River Welland, so there’s enough variety to keep things interesting. Other local reports mention carp on the Coronation Channel too.
The flowing water is the big draw. Look for steadier edges, creases, deeper bends and features where food gets held up. Roach and perch can make a cracking session on lighter tackle, while bream are the obvious target if you fancy building a bag. Pike add a cheeky predator option when the conditions line up.
The venue is controlled through P&DAA permits, with adult 2026 membership at £15 and advance adult day tickets at £5. Seniors pay £3 in advance, while juniors under 18 can fish free on the listed 2026 arrangements. Booking on the day adds a £2 surcharge, so sorting it online before heading out is the bob-on move.
There’s night fishing on the River Welland, Town Welland and Coronation Channel. Normal fishing hours are one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, but the night option gives you extra flexibility. Coronation Channel night fishing needs a day ticket for each night, so don’t assume one ticket covers the lot.
A few rules matter here. All fish must go back alive, unhooking mats and landing nets are compulsory, and specimen or predator fishing needs a minimum 30-inch net. Live freshwater fish bait is banned, with only pre-packed shop-bought dead bait allowed. Keep it tidy, respect footpaths and other river users, and you’ll be fishing it the right way.
The river close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. You’ll also need an Environment Agency rod licence alongside your P&DAA permit or ticket. With roughly 6.44 km listed as the fishing length, there’s plenty of water to explore rather than just one fixed peg line.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
River Welland FAQs
How much is an adult day ticket?
An advance adult day ticket costs £5. Booking on the day adds a £2 surcharge.
Is membership available?
Yes. Adult 2026 general membership costs £15, and junior 2026 membership is free for anglers under 18.
Where can tickets be booked?
Booking is available online through the P&DAA ticket system and app.
Are tickets refundable?
No. Tickets and membership are non-refundable.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at River Welland. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Spalding.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
PE11 2AG.
How much is a ticket?
Adult 2026 general membership: £15; Junior 2026 membership, under 18: Free; Advance adult day ticket: £5; Advance senior day ticket: £3; Advance junior day ticket: Free; Booking on the day surcharge: £2; Fishing without a booked ticket: £10 adult or £6 senior. Prices last checked 2026-10-08 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on River Welland at Spalding, Town Welland at Spalding, Coronation Channel. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find bream, roach, perch, pike, tench, carp. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — River Welland at Spalding (Not published), Town Welland at Spalding (Not published), Coronation Channel (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Unhooking mats are mandatory.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Unhooking mats are mandatory.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
River Welland at Spalding: several miles of proper flowing-water coarse fishing around spalding.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- bream, roach, perch, pike, tench
The main venue is the River Welland at Spalding, controlled for several miles by P&DAA. It’s a river fishery rather than a commercial lake complex, with roughly 6.44 km listed as the fishing length.
Expect reported bream, roach, perch, pike and tench, with the current and changing river conditions adding plenty of variety to the session.
Lake photographs
A look around River Welland at Spalding
River Welland
River Welland at Spalding
We’re checking the fishery’s River Welland at Spalding pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers who enjoy exploring flowing water and targeting mixed coarse species
- Roach, bream, perch and pike anglers happy to read the river
Maybe not for
- Anglers after a tightly managed commercial lake or guaranteed carp action
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish River Welland at Spalding
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
River Welland at Spalding FAQs
Can you night fish the River Welland?
Yes, night fishing is permitted on the River Welland.
What is the river close season?
15 March to 15 June inclusive.
What's the lake record on River Welland at Spalding?
The fishery hasn't published a record for River Welland at Spalding that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in River Welland at Spalding?
bream, roach, perch, pike, tench.
How big is River Welland at Spalding and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Several miles of proper flowing-water coarse fishing around Spalding..
Which baits work well on River Welland at Spalding?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for River Welland at Spalding further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does River Welland at Spalding get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on River Welland at Spalding?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Welland before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on River Welland at Spalding?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish River Welland at Spalding on a day ticket?
Yes — River Welland at Spalding is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult 2026 general membership £15; Junior 2026 membership, under 18 Free; Advance adult day ticket £5; Advance senior day ticket £3; Advance junior day ticket Free; Booking on the day surcharge £2; Fishing without a booked ticket £10 adult or £6 senior (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on River Welland at Spalding?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does River Welland at Spalding suit?
Good for: Anglers who enjoy exploring flowing water and targeting mixed coarse species; Roach, bream, perch and pike anglers happy to read the river. Less suited to: Anglers after a tightly managed commercial lake or guaranteed carp action.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Town Welland at Spalding: an associated p&daa venue in the town.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The nearby Town Welland at Spalding is also a P&DAA venue. It forms part of the local canal-and-river fishing options around Spalding.
The checked details confirm night fishing is permitted here, but no separate species list or water size is published.
Lake photographs
A look around Town Welland at Spalding
River Welland
Town Welland at Spalding
We’re checking the fishery’s Town Welland at Spalding pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers wanting a local P&DAA water around Spalding
- Those looking for an option that permits night fishing
Maybe not for
- Anyone needing detailed published lake dimensions or a confirmed species breakdown
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Town Welland at Spalding
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Town Welland at Spalding FAQs
Is night fishing allowed?
Yes, night fishing is permitted on the Town Welland at Spalding.
Are separate lake details published?
No separate size or species details are listed in the checked facts.
What's the lake record on Town Welland at Spalding?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Town Welland at Spalding that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Town Welland at Spalding?
carp.
How big is Town Welland at Spalding and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. An associated P&DAA venue in the town..
Which baits work well on Town Welland at Spalding?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Town Welland at Spalding further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Town Welland at Spalding get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Town Welland at Spalding?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Welland before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Town Welland at Spalding?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Town Welland at Spalding on a day ticket?
Yes — Town Welland at Spalding is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult 2026 general membership £15; Junior 2026 membership, under 18 Free; Advance adult day ticket £5; Advance senior day ticket £3; Advance junior day ticket Free; Booking on the day surcharge £2; Fishing without a booked ticket £10 adult or £6 senior (last checked 2026-10-08).
Who does Town Welland at Spalding suit?
Good for: Anglers wanting a local P&DAA water around Spalding; Those looking for an option that permits night fishing. Less suited to: Anyone needing detailed published lake dimensions or a confirmed species breakdown.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Coronation Channel: a spalding channel with general coarse fishing and reported carp.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Coronation Channel surrounds Spalding and is another associated P&DAA venue. It offers general coarse fishing, with local reports also mentioning carp.
Night fishing is permitted, but a day ticket must be purchased for each day of Coronation Channel night fishing. That’s one to get sorted before setting up.
Lake photographs
A look around Coronation Channel
River Welland
Coronation Channel
We’re checking the fishery’s Coronation Channel pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Coarse anglers after an associated Spalding venue with night-fishing potential
- Anglers interested in reported carp alongside general coarse fishing
Maybe not for
- Anyone expecting published stock details or a guaranteed carp result
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Coronation Channel
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Coronation Channel FAQs
Can you night fish the Coronation Channel?
Yes, but a day ticket must be purchased for each day of night fishing.
Are carp reported?
Other local reports mention carp on the Coronation Channel.
What's the lake record on Coronation Channel?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Coronation Channel that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Coronation Channel?
carp.
How big is Coronation Channel and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A Spalding channel with general coarse fishing and reported carp..
Which baits work well on Coronation Channel?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Coronation Channel further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Coronation Channel get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Coronation Channel?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for River Welland before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Coronation Channel?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Coronation Channel on a day ticket?
Yes — Coronation Channel is on the day ticket. Tickets: Adult 2026 general membership £15; Junior 2026 membership, under 18 Free; Advance adult day ticket £5; Advance senior day ticket £3; Advance junior day ticket Free; Booking on the day surcharge £2; Fishing without a booked ticket £10 adult or £6 senior (last checked 2026-10-08).
Is night fishing allowed on Coronation Channel?
We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule for this lake. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Who does Coronation Channel suit?
Good for: Coarse anglers after an associated Spalding venue with night-fishing potential; Anglers interested in reported carp alongside general coarse fishing. Less suited to: Anyone expecting published stock details or a guaranteed carp result.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Is an Environment Agency rod licence needed?
It is required in addition to the P&DAA ticket or membership.
- Seasonal
Is there a river close season?
The close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
- Must
Must fish be returned alive?
All fish must be returned alive.
- Must
Are unhooking mats required?
Unhooking mats are mandatory.
- Must
Is a landing net required?
Landing nets are mandatory; specimen and predator fishing requires a minimum 30-inch net.
- No
Can live freshwater fish bait be used?
Only pre-packed shop-bought dead bait is allowed.
- No
Can more than three rods be used?
No more than three rods may be used at once, subject to rod-licence cover.
- No
Are camping, fires and barbecues allowed?
Camping, fires, barbecues and excess alcohol are prohibited.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 8 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
River Welland at Spalding
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
perch
Worm or small lure for the perch
Perch hang round cover, boats and drop-offs. A lobworm on a light float, or a small lure worked along the features, will find them.
- Fish lobworm under a float tight to cover.
- On lures, try a small drop shot or soft shad near features.
- Feed chopped worm to keep them in the swim.
pike
Lure fishing for the pike
Lures let you cover water and find active pike fast.
- Spinners, jerkbaits and 4–6in soft shads on a 20–30g rod.
- Always use a wire trace — pike bite through mono and fluoro.
- Move every 10–15 casts till you find them; work drop-offs and edges.
Town Welland at Spalding
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Coronation Channel
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
6.9/10 from Tackle Index: A proper flowing coarse river with bream, roach, perch, pike and tench reported.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “The River Welland at Spalding is a proper flowing-water coarse venue under P&DAA control, with several miles of river to explore. Expect classic river species, night-fishing options and a fair bit more water than a standard commercial day-ticket lake.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate River Welland
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed River Welland here. Be the first and get the score started.