Overview
The Rivers Welland and Nene sit within adjacent valleys within the counties of Northamptonshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. The rivers wind their way through rolling countryside and a number of historic towns and villages including Market Harborough, Stamford, Oakham, Uppingham, Oundle and Market Deeping. The two cities of Northampton and Peterborough lie along the banks of the River Nene. The lower reaches of both rivers flow through open fenland before existing into the Wash.
There are outdoor pursuits galore with superb walking, watersports and a host of parks and gardens to explore. The area is noted for its wide variety of river and stillwater angling for both the coarse and game fisherman.
Accommodation
Puddle Cottage - Rutland, Welland Valley
From £51 / night
From £355 / week
Lower Farm - Northamptonshire, Nene Valley
From £65 / night
Angling
What's on offer
There is a huge variety of angling on offer from the inland reservoirs of Rutland and Eye Brook renowned for trout and predator fishing, to the extensive network of gravel pits with top class coarse fishing.
The Rivers Nene and Welland offer something for all angling pursuits. The upper river and its tributaries offer coarse and game fishing whilst the middle and lower reaches are noted for the coarse fishing with barbel on the River Nene and huge shoals of chub and silver fish on the both the Welland and Nene.
The wider lower sections of both rivers are winter favourites for anglers travelling from far and wide to catch the large shoals of silverfish and specimen sized predators.
Angling
Where and how to get fishing
A number of angling clubs, country parks and fishing complexes operate day tickets for river sections and stillwaters. For the club waters most can be pre booked online at the below sites:
- Deeping St James Angling Club – Nene and Welland Valley
- Peterborough and District Angling Club – Nene and Welland Valley
- Whittlesey Angling association – Nene Valley
For those looking to visit on a regular basis or for longer stays you could look at purchasing a season ticket (typically £10-£50) for one of the many clubs in the area. Some of the larger clubs (in addition to those listed above) include:
You will need to contact the clubs well in advance of your trip to understand availability and joining rules.
Free fishing is also available at several locations on both rivers, some are listed below:
- Stamford meadows, Stamford Town Centre
- Maxey Cut, nr Stamford
- River Welland, Spalding Town Centre
For the stillwater angler your also spoilt for choice with gravel pits, ponds and of course the renowned reservoirs of Rutland Water and Eye Brook.
Stillwaters are available through many of the listed clubs but also at a range of country parks and private waters on a day ticket basis. Some of the most popular include:
Angling
Tackle and Guiding
Some of the main tackle shops in the region are listed below:
Nene Tackle Shops
There are a number of local guiding services including:
Itineraries
See our tried and tested itineraries
Top 10 things to see and do
Other than fishing!
Here’s a list of some of our favourites:
- Take a walk in one of the ancient woodlands (for stunning spring bluebells, autumn fungi spotting or maybe hear a nightingale).
- Cycle around Rutland Water, trying some of the pubs and cafes along the way.
- Take a cruise out on the Rutland Belle to look for the Ospreys.
- Visit one of the many historic market towns in the area including Stamford, Oundle, Uppingham, Market Harborough and Market Deeping.
- Explore the variety of country parks such as Barnwell, Sywell, Stanwick, Irchester, Fineshade, and Welland Park.
- Take a picnic to Burghley Park and explore the estate and gardens of surprise.
- Take a trip on the Nene Valley Railway.
- Hire a boat or canoe for a trip down the River Nene.
- Take a walk in the Welland Valley to see the Harringworth Viaduct and its 82 arches (and find a country pub along the way!).
- Visit the cathedral and museum at Peterborough.
