River Thames, Duxford (AOAA)

River level

The lowdown

• The Duxford water runs from the first notice board below Duxford ford upstream to above Shifford Lock.
• It’s approximately 1.8 km long, so there’s a fair bit of bank to explore. The Alliance advises walking the full stretch before settling into a swim.
• The river has high banks, plus overhanging bushes and trees in places. Expect a tucked-away, natural feel rather than a wide-open canal-style venue.
• There’s also a Thames backwater in the stretch. Nice and quiet too, with no boat traffic on it — bob on if you fancy a more peaceful bit of water.
• This is described as suitable for specimen anglers. Large barbel, carp and chub have been produced here, with barbel specifically highlighted around 200 yards below the ford.
• The water isn’t recommended for novice anglers, so it’s one for people happy dealing with proper river banks and changing conditions.
• The Alliance lists carp, tench, bream, pike, perch, chub, barbel, roach and brown trout among the fish found across its waters. Duxford is particularly noted for barbel, carp and chub.
• The stretch is accessed via Hinton Waldrist. Parking is in the layby on the left opposite the Fordwell Farm entrance. Don’t block farm entrances, and keep vehicles on the public road unless permission has been granted.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead. You’ll also need a suitable unhooking mat or cradle and a landing net of at least 36 inches. All fish must go back alive, apart from permitted livebaits.
• Night fishing is banned unless a special notice allows it. Carp, barbel and pike must not go in keepnets, and carp sacks aren’t allowed. A maximum of three rods applies where covered by the relevant EA rod licence.

Methods: This is a specimen-style river water, with the main focus on barbel, carp and chub. The barbel area around 200 yards below the ford is the obvious feature flagged by the Alliance.

Access & tickets

Get an Alliance coarse-fishing permit through its online shop, and carry the official digital permit as proof of membership. The checked shop does not list a public one-day ticket.

Fish the club names

carp, tench, bream, pike, perch, barbel, chub, roach

Key rules

• All fish must be returned alive, apart from permitted livebaits.
• A maximum of three rods is allowed where covered by the relevant EA rod licence.
• Carp, barbel and pike must not be retained in keepnets.
• Carp sacks are not allowed.
• Anglers must carry a suitable unhooking mat or cradle.
• Anglers must carry a landing net of at least 36 inches.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead.
• Night fishing is banned unless a special notice permits it.

Where it is