The Drift

This stretch of the middle Ouse is some 600 yards long and is little fished by members so finding a swim is never a problem. Much of the stretch is tree lined and, as such, can offer some excellent protection from the wind on blustery days. Cars can be parked within a few yards of the swims in several designated parking areas so you can bring your home comforts with you. Night fishing is permitted.

Roach are the dominant species with fish to over 1.5lbs and weights over 20lbs not uncommon. Some large catches were made in 2004 by anglers using stewed wheat as bait fished tight against the near margins. There is a monster shoal of bream that resides on the stretch with specimens to 7lbs present. In the winter months, Chub to 6lbs have been caught on ledgered bread flake and cheese paste. Pike, Perch, Dace, Zander, Tench, Bleak, Eels and Gudgeon can also be caught along the whole length of the stretch.

Over the years, some monster Carp have been taken including a 33lb mirror by Alan Wilkie from Stotfold and a 32lb mirror by Robert Livock also from Stotfold. It is known that large carp regularly patrol from Eaton Socon weir up to the outflow from Little Barford Power Station that is located near the top of the stretch. Very few anglers are prepared to put in the time and effort to catch these fish some of which weigh well over 30lbs and have lived in the river for many years.