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QUICK LINKS: MEMBERSHIP OUR WATERS RULES CONTACT GALLERY
History
In 1949, a group of local anglers came together to establish the Houghton and Wyton Angling Society. They leased the banks of Hemingford’s Meadow from a local farmer to encourage fishing along the River Great Ouse and to organise regular competitions. In 1953, the society’s name was updated to incorporate the Hemingfords.
Match weigh in. Date unknown but possibly late 50s.
The club holds fishing rights along approximately four miles of the River Great Ouse and its associated backwaters.
Maps
Main River
The main river stretch begins above the Four Gate sluice (known as the JB’s section) and runs downstream to Houghton Lock. Below the lock are the Sluice and Jap sections.
During the Summer months this stretch experiences some boat traffic. However, it can offer some excellent coarse fishing, with species including Roach, Rudd, Bream, Tench, Dace as well as Perch and Pike.
Hemingford’s Backwater
Below the Four Gate sluice, the Hemingford’s backwater begins at the California section and runs to the Bailey Bridge (also known as the Black Bridge). Continuing downstream are the Days and Church sections which join up with the Jap section.
This section has a stronger natural flow and minimal boat traffic. Here you will catch all the usual coarse fish plus Chub and possibly Barbel and Carp.
Trout Stream
The Trout Stream backwater is accessible via Thicket Road, Houghton, or from Houghton Mill. Although weedy in places, it is a classic Chub stream, flowing from the weir down to the main river below Hemingford Lock.
The Trout Stream contains quality chub and many silver fish. Around 2015, the Environment Agency stocked the stream with several hundred juvenile Barbel as part of an improvement project. While few have been reported caught since, members are encouraged to notify the club if they land one.
In 2026, the Environment Agency further enhanced stocks by introducing 3,000 juvenile Chub into both the Trout Stream and the California section.
Access & Parking
Parking is available at:
- The National Trust car park, Mill Street, Houghton
- Meadow Lane, Hemingford Abbots
For access to the Trout Stream, parking is available at:
- The junction of Thicket Road and Meadow Lane
- The National Trust car park, Houghton
All anglers must purchase a valid club ticket before fishing.
Tickets are available from:
- Houghton Post Office, The Green, Houghton, PE28 2AX
- Hemingford Stores, 14 High Street, Hemingford Grey, PE28 9DR
- St Ives Tackle, Unit 6, Houghton Hill Industries, Houghton, PE28 2DH
Alternatively, season and weekly tickets can be purchased online via Clubmate:
https://houghtonwytonhemingfordsanglingsociety.clubmate.co.uk/register
The Clubmate app can be downloaded at:
https://clubmate.fish/clubmate-app/
Instructions for renewing membership:
http://support.clubmate.co.uk/en/articles/5081066-online-member-renewal-process
Current Ticket Prices
- Annual Membership (18-64): £15
- Annual Membership (OAPs): £10
- Juniors (Under 18): Free
- Weekly Membership: £8
- No Day Tickets Available
Membership and visitor tickets are issued on the understanding that all fish caught must be returned to the water.
All anglers must follow the Countryside Code and ensure no litter is left on the banks.
Anglers aged 13 and over must hold a valid rod licence issued by the Environment Agency or available from a Post Office. A free junior licence is available for anglers aged 13–16.
Illegal fishing should be reported to the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060.
Further information can be obtained from the Club Secretary on 07907 824374 or by email to HandWandHas@gmail.com
Bob Walker is responsible for the content on this page.