Fenland – where to start? Try the River Cam!

Fenland – where to start? Try the River Cam!

By Denis Moules, Liaison Officer, Anglian Area

During the Pike fishing season, I receive many calls from novice (and experienced) Pikers asking where to fish in Fenland. Fenland Piking is very predictable and years of experience are necessary to fish consistently and effectively.

An old Fen Boy will not pass on his hard-earned knowledge just like that. He will point you in the right direction – yes, but not divulge his best swims and waters. After all, I had to learn the Fenland Area on my own. I always advise Pikers to select a water and fish it and get a feel for Fenland for yourself.

One such water ideal for Pikers to start on is our very own River Cam. I have fished the River for some 35 years throughout its length, although I have never captured a 20 from the River. I have captured many doubles, topped by 2 fish of 19-07, one from the Upper Reaches and one from the Lower Reaches.

So if you want a 20 – is this the water to fish? Probably not. But the purpose of this article is to point you to a water where you can catch a good Pike and then move on to a harder water, using the knowledge you have gleaned by fishing a relatively easy water.

I will split the River into 3 sections (o/s map 154 refers).

1. Upper Reaches (above Byron’s Pool)

2. Middle Reaches (Byron’s Pool to Bottisham Lock)

3. Lower Reaches (below Bottisham Lock)

Upper Reaches

Above Cambridge the Cam splits into 4 Waterways - but only 2 are of value to the Pike Fisherman. The Granta that flows from the Saffron Walden area and the Rhee from the Barrington area. These merge adjacent to the M11 Motorway and flow on to Byron’s Pool at Granchester where they merge with the Bourn Brook, to form the River Cam.

The Upper Reaches are typical Upper Rivers with reasonable flows through arable fields and meadows, with bends and deep holes. Much of the fishing is private and trout orientated. In summer I have known the Granta to almost dry up, but the fish soon move back when the autumn rains arrive.

If you find an area you are allowed to fish, look for bends, bottlenecks, deeper holes and trees hanging in the water. Most features contain a good resident Pike. In winter, flows can be extremely fast and water coloured. This makes Pike fishing extremely difficult.

Angling Club

USSC Angling http://usscangling.cjb.net

Middle Reaches

From Byrons Pool the River flows through Grantchester Meadows, and into the City of Cambridge. At Jesus Lock the River becomes navigable and flows to Baitsbite Lock, then Bottisham Lock, gaining width and depth slowly as it goes.

At Bottisham Lock the River enters the Cambridgeshire Fens (ie land below sea level) and you can get the true atmosphere of Fenland.

Grantchester Meadows contain some free stretches but much is private. The centre of Cambridge can be fished from small boats (no engines allowed), as many of the banks are owned by the colleges (no fishing allowed) Cambridge Commons, Midsummer and Stourbridge can be fished for £1/annum for residents within 15 miles radius of Cambridge (administered by CFPAS).

Below the Elizabeth Way Bridge, the River is fenced, but I know of Pikers who fish it from boats or use drop nets to land Pike. Good fish can be caught throughout this area but few Pikers tend to fish there. From Chesterton to Bottisham Lock the river is Pike fished more than any other part, as it is generally accessible.

The current record (October 2002) a 29-01 came from the Middle Reaches. Access is easy - depth is consistent (7 feet) and once the weed has diminished, Pike fishing is relatively easy, but you have to contend with the University Rowers.

Clubs

Cambridge Fish Preservation AS (www.cambridge-fpas.co.uk)

Waterbeach AC

Bishops Stortford AC

Lower Reaches

From Bottisham Locks the River flows towards Ely, merging with the Old West River at the Fish & Duck Pub at Stretham, to become the Great Ouse (a 29-08 was captured there several years ago). On route it receives water from the Bottisham, Swaffham, Burwell, Reach Lodes, and several small Land Drains. It becomes wider and deeper (9 feet) and less accessible. Again several of the Washes are private, but the keen Pikers have boats and this is no problem. This year a 25+ Pike was found dead near Dimmocks Cote Bridge. It had choked on a Zander of about 71b.

Clubs

London AA

Cambridge Albion

Waterbeach AC

Methods

Pike fishing on the Cam is basic. Elaborate methods are not required. Float, legered dead baits score heavily, such as Herring, sardine, smelt and half mackerel. Sprats are also successful bait for me. Live baiting tends to attract Jacks and small Zander.

The river below Bottisham Lock holds Zander to 12lb+ and if I have Zander in mind I use Eel and dead Roach.

General Comments

The Cam always has a gentle flow hence it rarely freezes unless there is a prolonged spell of sub-zero weather. It generally has colour but after a sustained rain-free spell it will become clear. It is weedy and boat traffic can be heavy at times, although the boats do chop the weed about a bit. By December most of the weed has gone.

After heavy rain the River is very soon in flood and flowing hard. In times like this the River still fishes, but the Pike tend to move into sheltered areas, such as the Lode entrances and marinas.

Many areas of the Cam are isolated and un-fished. If you don’t have a boat, consider a long walk, it could be worthwhile.

Conclusion

I hope this small article goes some way to assist your Pike fishing. If any locals or visitors to this site have any observations or potential additions, these would be welcome, as are photographs of yours, or any Cam fish. Please contact the Webmaster.

Good Fishing

Denis Moules

Upper Reaches

Angling Club

Middle Reaches

Clubs

Lower Reaches

Clubs

Methods

General Comments

Conclusion

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