River Great Ouse – Felmersham Fishery (Verulam Angling Club)
BackThe Felmersham Fishery on the River Great Ouse stands as a key stretch managed by the Verulam Angling Club, drawing in coarse anglers keen on river fishing. This section offers about a mile of varied water, stretching downstream from the bridge opposite Felmersham Church, where parking sits roadside without access for vehicles along the bankside bridleway. Local reports highlight consistent fishing success, with one nearby resident noting reliable catches that keep regulars returning.
River Features
The water varies in depth and flow, creating diverse conditions across its pegs. Peg one near the bridge benefits from well-oxygenated flow, supporting species like barbel in faster sections. Further along, shallow pipe reed areas challenge access but yield big chub later in the season, while deeper glides up to twelve feet host steady currents ideal for larger catches.
Fast runs of three to six feet on the far bank contrast with slack inside areas, allowing for long-range casts targeting dace, roach, and specimen chub, with tench and perch closer in. A lone bush marks a transition to even pegs perfect for perch over three pounds and quality roach nearing two pounds, alongside occasional large bream.
Species Variety
Anglers encounter massive perch regularly to four pounds, substantial roach, good bags of chub and bream, reflecting the venue's untapped potential. The island point emerges as a prolific match peg, where competitions have succeeded with mixed hauls of roach, perch, chub, and bleak, though weedy swims nearby demand careful approach.
Downstream, the widening river holds shoals of small fish pursued by pike, perch, and big chub, culminating at the old cattle drink where elusive large bream shoals reside, requiring a longer walk from parking. Backwaters below offer chub opportunities in higher water, narrowing to overgrown shallows in low conditions.
Club Context
As part of Verulam Angling Club's portfolio, formed in 1934 and now serving over 2000 members, Felmersham integrates into a broader network of rivers, lakes, and pits focused on coarse and trout pursuits. The club emphasises quality venues with night fishing options at no extra cost on select sites, alongside match calendars and coaching.
This fishery joins nearby Ouse stretches like Carlton Road, just north with thirty pegs for winter pike and summer silvers, and Radwell famed for chub and barbel. Such diversity suits varying skills, from pleasure sessions to specimen hunts.
Strengths for Anglers
Peaceful settings enhance the experience, with mature tree-lined opposite banks and plantation willows providing natural cover for under-far-bank tactics. Reports from club waters praise well-maintained grounds, helpful staff, and welcoming atmospheres, fostering community among members.
Versatile pegs cater to multiple methods, from floatfishing silvers in glides to ledgering predators in deeper pools, with potential for double-figure pike and tench over six pounds noted in adjacent sections. Its underfished status means less pressure, allowing personal exploration of swims.
- Varied depths and flows suit different species and tactics.
- Quality roach, perch, and chub bags consistently reported.
- Proximity to other club fisheries expands options.
Challenges Faced
Access poses hurdles, as roadside parking demands walks to distant pegs like the cattle drink, potentially tiring for those with gear or mobility issues. Overgrown reeds and weeds in shallows or island areas complicate casting and unhooking, especially for novices.
Membership-only entry limits day visitors, requiring commitment to Verulam's structure without guest flexibility seen at commercial spots. Seasonal lows render backwaters nearly unfishable, overgrown and shallow, while high water might flood paths.
Variable flows demand adaptable gear; fast runs challenge light tackle, and deep slacks risk snags under bushes. Limited public feedback, with scant online reviews, leaves reliability somewhat uncertain beyond club circles.
- Foot access only increases effort for remote swims.
- Weedy sections hinder presentation.
- Exclusive to members, no casual visits.
Fishing Tactics
Target barbel and dace in oxygenated bridge pegs with flowing baits like meat or casters. Switch to cage feeders for bream and tench in deeper even pegs, using worm or pellet hooks. Island points favour stick floats for roach and bleak trotting, while predators lurk in wider bays for deadbait or lures.
Far-bank overhanging trees suit quiver tips for chub, with breadflake or cheese paste proving effective. Patience pays in weedy margins for perch on lobworms, but check for snags first. Year-round appeal spans summer silvers to winter big perch.
Member Experiences
Locals affirm good fishing, aligning with club praise for tranquil, well-kept venues across Ouse holdings. Anglers value the maturity of these stretches, where unreported specimens suggest hidden bonuses for dedicated visitors. Yet, physical demands and exclusivity temper broad appeal .
Verulam's maintenance elevates standards, with platforms and paths in sister sites hinting at similar care here. Community events bolster skills, though Felmersham's relative seclusion suits solo or small-group outings over bustling matches.
Potential for Growth
Untapped depths promise bigger rewards as more target its full range, from pike in cools to bream shoals afar. Club expansions like new upper Ouse additions signal ongoing investment. Balanced against access limits, it rewards committed coarse enthusiasts seeking authentic river fishing houses action.
Overall, Felmersham delivers solid coarse fishing on a picturesque Ouse bend, blending variety with quietude for patient anglers within Verulam's fold.
