River Ouse Widdington

The lowdown

• This is roughly three-quarters of a mile of right-bank fishing, close to Linton Lock and with the river looking every inch a proper Yorkshire Ouse stretch.
• Access is through a locked gate. Follow the track to Linton Weir, then walk downstream along the bank to the bottom of the fish ladder. Bit of a stroll, but fairly straightforward.
• The river averages around 6–8 feet in places, although summer conditions can leave some sections noticeably shallower. Keep an eye on the flow and look for the crease.
• Dace, chub, barbel and bream are the main named species. The stretch has potential for some of the biggest chub and barbel in Yorkshire, plus large pike and the occasional trout.
• Feeder fishing with caster or pellet is a productive starting point. Strong line and stout rods make sense here, especially when a proper barbel grabs you in the flow.
• For bigger fish, static ledgered baits are the ticket. Meat, cheese paste and pellets are all identified options, with the deeper water worth a close look.
• It fishes best from early season through to autumn. Later on, plenty of fish push downstream into deeper water, so the lower parts can become increasingly interesting.
• Summer boating can be a nuisance, with large numbers of boats using the river. Pick your timing if you fancy a quieter session and keep tackle tidy around passing traffic.
• There are no platforms, toilets or listed disabled access. A small parking area beside a bungalow is mentioned in the directions, but no on-site parking facility is listed.
• It is also used as a match venue, so expect a well-known bit of water rather than a hidden-away nook. Night fishing is banned and the gate is locked at 10pm each evening.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Feeder with caster or pellet is a productive approach. For the bigger chub and barbel, try static ledgered meat, cheese paste or pellets on strong tackle.

Access & tickets

This is a YDAA members-only water. Day tickets are not available, so fishing access is through YDAA membership.

Fish the club names

chub, barbel, bream, pike, trout, roach

Key rules

• Members-only water; day tickets are not available.
• Night fishing is not allowed.
• The access gate is locked at 10pm each evening.
• Fishing is on the right bank controlled by YDAA.
• There are no fishing platforms.
• There is no disabled access listed.
• There are no toilet facilities.

River level

Where it is