PORTHOLME MEADOW LONDON ANGLERS ASSOCIATION FISHERY

The London Anglers Association - Last Updated 23/03/2007
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RIVER GREAT OUSE - PORTHOLME MEADOW. GODMANCHESTER/HUNTINGDON AND BRAMPTON.
MEMBERS ONLY
This the largest meadow in England is almost completely surrounded by water.. Excellent year round fishery suitable for everyone. The ‘Association’ owns this fishery and all the land which is designated as a S.S.S.I. for conservation purposes. We are helped and advised on the management of this property by ‘English Nature’ and by using traditional farming methods without the use of chemical assistance have developed a large area of land as grazing and a source of hay for the farming community. At the same time by working this way we have ensured the survival of many insects, wild flowers and grasses on the site. This vast area of land is also a huge natural reservoir for holding excess water in times of flood enabling the river to be run of more slowly. Thereby helping to prevent flooding of nearby towns. The meadow has a vast history going back many years (see HOME Page) . We allow the public to use this meadow for walking and a path extends all round the bank. Three footpaths are provided forming a triangle in the centre of the meadow these extend from each of the three entrances and are each 1 mile in length.
	DOGS HOWEVER MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD DUE TO GRAZING ANIMALS. FARMERS ARE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO PROTECT THEIR SHEEP AND CATTLE AS IS USUAL ON GRAZING LAND RENTED OUT FOR THIS PURPOSE.
	Anglers have such a choice of water to fish, the land is 1 mile across in every direction and is surrounded by water. This consists of the main river flowing down under the railway bridge to a lock. This is the first entrance reached by passing over the Chinese Bridge. Wide and slow in this area to expect bream to be dominant. At the lock the river splits and flows down though a lock cutting. This is joined from the far bank by several small weirs giving additional flow until the main weir also feeds from the far bank into the river bringing the flow and depth back. However, being slightly narrow at this point the flow increases as it passes the spinney good holding area for chub. Then as the river bends sharply to the left the width increases from opposite the marina another good chub holding spot. Until the point at which the Alconbury Brook runs in this area again gives another increase chance of bream with some known swims being found. Tench also seem to prefer this part of the river, our fishing then goes upstream on the Alconbury Brook to a point just short of the railway. In this small stream can be found chub to good size. To be expected all round the fishery are good shoals of roach and bream along with chub, dace, perch, pike along with a few carp reported last year was a barbel caught at Portholme Meadow. Disabled swims are provided at the gas works entrance.
ROUTE - From London take the A10T to Royston, pass through on the A10 then at roundabout just beyond turn left onto A505. Then to the next roundabout junction with A1198 turn right. Continue on A1198 until ‘Wood Green Animal Shelter’ is seen on the right hand side of the road then turn right into Godmanchester on minor road. Follow this into town until the river is seen on left this is the Chinese Bridge.
Entrance - Godmanchester - Vehicles can unload at the town hall and members cross over the Chinese Bridge to the recreation ground then follow the footpath bearing left to the lock and cross the footbridge to Portholme. The fishery on the river to the left extends up to the back-stream by the railway embankment and to the right downstream opposite Godmanchester and round to the back-stream in Huntingdon.	ENTRANCE - Huntingdon - Proceed through Godmanchester into Huntingdon crossing the bridge over the river and turn left into Sst Mary’s Street, at the end of which is the free car park. Turn left and down to the river and the old gas works on the right and the entrance to Portholme is just ahead over bridge. Turn left downstream along Alconbury Brook to the junction with the main river. Or right upstream to the weir and straight over the public footpaths for either Godmanchester or Brampton.
DISABLED ANGLERS ACCESS -- At Portholme Meadow (Huntingdon entrance) there are 12 disabled swims created for disabled anglers who have priority, and these swims must be vacated by able bodied anglers if they are needed. Disabled anglers requiring the gate to be opened in order to make use of these swims will need to obtain a special key from the office. A small deposit will be required to cover costs.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS APPLYING TO PORTHOLME The public have a right of way access over the three footpaths only, but they have no right to be on or, to walk over the grass which is required for hay. Notice boards at entrances clearly show this requirement and members should assist to prevent anyone doing so. Members are requested to keep to the river bank, when passing from one part to another, or use public footpaths. No dogs permitted without a lead from September to February or when cattle or sheep are grazing. If the grass is not cut when the season opens care must be taken not to walk on it, as when it is trodden it becomes useless as hay. No vehicles permitted to be taken on to the meadow and gates are kept locked (farm vehicles excepted).
How to Apply For Annual Membership?	CLICK HERE
Anyone above the age of 5 years may join. Children below that age may be taken, but may not fish and must be controlled completely by their parents. Children below the age of 11 years MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT and the application form must be countersigned by a parent/guardian.
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