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River Witham — Grantham GAAFFS beats

A cracking run of River Witham beats around Grantham, with uncrowded, unspoilt water and naturally sustained brown trout and grayling. It’s proper fly-fishing country, with a notable Mayfly hatch and some brownies pushing 3lb or more.

Run by Grantham Angling Association Fly Fishing Section (GAAFFS) · checked 8 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Saltersford gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • GAAFFS looks after a series of extensive Witham beats north and south of Grantham, in a lovely bit of south-west Lincolnshire.
  • The water has a mix of limestone-river character and more open-river water, so the feel can change between beats. Natural, tranquil and nicely away from the madding crowd.
  • Brown trout and grayling are the main game. Most are sustained naturally, with only light stocking of brown trout. Some brownies reach 3lb-plus, which is a cheeky bonus.
  • This isn’t billed as easy water. The association says the beats can be challenging, so expect to work things out rather than simply march in and catch fish straight away.
  • Wading is widely practised and encouraged across the Witham water. Take care in the flow, though, and make the most of the different runs, glides and likely lies as you move through a beat.
  • The local fly life is described as excellent, with the annual Mayfly hatch a particular highlight. That’s the sort of spell worth getting in the diary.
  • Some beats are best fished earlier in the season, so spring should be high on the list, especially with the trout season opening on 1 April.
  • Later on, Tenkara can be effective, while Euro-nymphing is another useful option. Handy approaches when conditions are lower, clearer or the fish have seen a bit of pressure.
  • The trout season runs from 1 April to 29 October. Grayling fishing can continue to February, giving members extra time on the water after the trout season closes.
  • We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Fly fishing is the game here, with wading widely practised. Tenkara and Euro-nymphing can both be effective later in the season, while the Mayfly hatch is a proper highlight.

Access & tickets

GAAFFS membership

Association membership provides fishing access to the River Witham beats. Membership enquiries are handled through the GAAFFS website.

Environment Agency rod licence

A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to association permission.

Fishing is offered through membership of Grantham Angling Association Fly Fishing Section. Membership enquiries are handled through the GAAFFS website, which has a members area.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

  • Trout season runs from 1 April to 29 October.
  • The season can be extended to February for grayling fishing only.
  • A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to association permission.
  • Fishing access is through GAAFFS membership rather than standard public day tickets.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

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