Welney (Old Bedford River / River Delph)

River level

The lowdown

• This is very much a quiet, controlled Fenland river rather than a pushy, fast-flowing stream. Both rivers are non-tidal and have very little flow, so lighter tackle and careful presentation should come into their own.
• The Old Bedford stretch originally ran from about a mile above Old Bedford Bridge to Double Lift Mill at Cock Fen, with both banks included. The downstream section was later extended to roughly three miles, finishing near the pylons.
• On the River Delph, the club controls just over four miles from Delph Bridge down to Welmore Sluice. Handy bit of water, but remember: the east bank is out of bounds for fishing.
• The pool below Delph Bridge is the standout feature mentioned. It opens out from around 15 metres to about 30 metres wide, then drops from roughly 2 metres to more than 6 metres.
• That deeper pool sounds bob on for a proper pike or zander ambush. The Delph is specifically noted as a pike and zander water, with pike reported to reach about 28 lb.
• There are decent coarse options as well. Large carp are present in the Delph, alongside roach, bream, perch, rudd and other named club-water species.
• Margin fishing is described as productive, with redworm or sweetcorn. On a low-flow river, that gives you a simple, low-faff way to pick apart the edges and quieter-looking swims.
• For the predator angler, the deeper water and slow pace should be worth a look, particularly around the Delph pool. For coarse fishing, keep an eye on the margins and any crease or slight depth change.
• Access needs a bit of planning. Parking on roads and bridges is prohibited, with limited parking available on Bedford Bank East by courtesy of Welney Parish Council. Extra parking is available at the Lamb & Flag pub car park by courtesy of the brewery.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: A versatile low-flow venue for margin fishing with redworm or sweetcorn, plus pike and zander work on the deeper River Delph pool. Roach, bream, perch, rudd and carp give the coarse angler plenty to aim at.

Access & tickets

The water is controlled by Welney Angling Club. Anglers need club membership or a club day ticket, but current ticket prices were not checkable from the accessible official pages.

Fish the club names

pike, zander, roach, bream, perch, rudd, carp

Named by Welney Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Anglers must also have Welney Angling Club membership or a club day ticket.
• Fishing is not allowed on the east bank of the River Delph.
• Parking on roads and bridges is prohibited.
• Night-fishing terms were not checkable from the accessible club pages.

Where it is