The weirpool is a very popular area for barbel anglers and can produce multiple catches of smaller barbel with the odd double figure specimen turning up from time to time. Specimen perch (to 4lbs +) inhabit the pool as well and can be found lurking alongside the metal pilings preying on silver fish. Zander and pike are also present and even the occasional sea trout!
Bream are ever present along with all the silver fish species.
This area is shared with Proteus Canoe Club but this is rarely an issue, although there may be the one weekend a year when fishing is not available due to a canoe regatta. Boat traffic can be heavy in the summer months especially the weekends and anglers are reminded there is no fishing from the lock and associated mooring areas.
Going above the lock on the left bank the fishery extends all the way up to the Bluebell Bridge but it is the lower half that attracts the most anglers. All along the far bank are moored boats and a favoured method is to cast a feeder as close as possible to the boats where the fish shoal using the vessels as cover. Tench frequently turn up amongst mixed bags of bream and silver fish. Please do not bounce feeders off the boat hulls!
A big bream shoal inhabits the area where the last boat is moored and this is a favoured match peg often producing the winning net.
Pole anglers favour the near bank shelf and by applying standard match tactics good nets of silvers including quality roach can be had from here.
Be aware that the upper region is part of a golf course and anglers are advised to keep to the footpath along the river’s edge.
Downstream to Peterborough Town Bridge and the Embankment are prime roach and bream territory, with plenty of accessible and fishable swims ideally suited to pole, feeder and float fishing. Boat traffic can be an issue, especially in the warmer months but all water users must be considerate of each other
1. Fishing of any kind is not permitted on any of the Association’s river waters during the close season, 15th March to 15th June inclusive, with the exception of Ferry Meadows lakes and Thorpe Meadows Basin.
2. No night fishing is permitted on any P&DAA waters. Anglers may commence fishing one hour before sunrise and cease one hour after sunset.
3. The use of live freshwater fish as bait is not allowed, only pre-packed shop bought dead bait.
4. Keepnets are permitted. These must be fish friendly and a minimum of 3 metres long. They must be secured correctly so as not to cause any damage, stress or fatality to the fish. Pleasure anglers at Ferry Meadows are permitted to use keepnets only for the retention of silverfish up to 2lb. Bream, other than in matches, must not be retained and must be released upon capture. For matches at Ferry Meadows a minimum of 2 nets must be used with a limit of 50lb per net. On the river there is a 50lb limit per net. Other than in matches, keep nets may not be used to hold specimen fish such as pike, carp or barbel.
5. No fish may be killed or taken away. All fish (including eels) must be returned to the water alive after they have had sufficient time to recover.
6. Landing nets must be used at all times. Nets must be of a 30” minimum size for all specimen and predator fishing including, but not limited to, pike, zander, carp and barbel.
7. Unhooking mats must always be used for fish on the bank. Do not place fish on the ground even if it appears soft and wet. All photography over an unhooking mat and never when stood up.
8. Lead Ban: The following lead shot sizes are not allowed to be used, Swan to No. 6 inclusive and also leger weights up to 1 oz. The allowable exceptions are Swim Feeders where lead is an integral component.
9. No more than three rods may be used at any one time (rod licence(s) to cover the number of rods in use. However, on ALL BACKWATERS anglers may only use one rod.
10. The use of multiple hooks is not allowed. The exception being when an integral part of a lure or to secure a deadbait when predator fishing. The use of gaffs, gags or lip grippers is not permitted. No trolling on P&DAA waters.
11. Overhead Wires: For your safety, fishing is not allowed within 30 metres of any overhead cables and power lines.
12. Anglers must park with consideration, not block any gateway or entrance when parking their vehicle and respect all signage present.
13. Anglers may take their dogs with them when fishing but must keep them under control at all times. They are also responsible for clearing up their dog’s waste and taking it away.
14. Anglers are expected to remove all litter from the bank side, even though they may not be responsible for its being there. Remember discarded fishing tackle is a danger to wildlife.
15. Anglers are reminded that our waters are shared by other users who must be shown respect at all times.
16. Members of our Bailiff team carry ID badges and patrol regularly to check all anglers who use the Association’s Waters have the appropriate documentation and equipment to meet the conditions laid out in the Rules. They will check for proof of membership, day tickets and rod licences. Any abuse or obstruction to a Bailiff is not acceptable and will lead to a loss of membership of the Association and a ban from fishing any of the Association’s waters. Camping, fires, barbecues and excess alcohol are not allowed at any time. The Association reminds its members that the fishing rights are granted by the generosity of our landowners and damage caused to crops, fences or property could result in the loss of these rights. Members are asked to report any damage or vandalism to a Bailiff or any of the Association’s Officers. Please also be aware that any contravention of the above Rules by an angler could lead to a fishing ban from the Association’s waters.
PLEASE ABIDE BY ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND FOLLOW ALL CURRENT GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE REGARDING COVID-19 SAFETY
