Castor Backwater
Castor Weir to Waternewton Lock
This open water will contain silver fish and bream in warmer months along with the predators that follow them. Chub will be present in the winter but will need searching out by roving. On you reaching the spinney you enter prime chub territory where overhanging trees provide cover. Downstream from here there is another open field before reaching the next wooded area. A concrete post next to the path marks the boundary beyond which the land is private.
P&DAA water commences again once you have passed the boat mooring area downstream of the lock.
Castor Backwater and Main River
Upstream of the bridge the left hand bank is where the prime barbel swims are to be found. As well as the barbel there are specimen chub and roach along with almost every other species you can think of. On entry to the fishery if you turn left and through the pedestrian gate at the water’s edge there are only a few hundred yards of the backwater remaining before its confluence with the main river. The fishery continues for one meadow where it becomes Splash Lane Meadows Fishery, a section historically famed for its large catches of bream.
Getting there
Castor Weir to Waternewton Lock
Once at Castor Weir commences the main river takes a sharp turn to the right and you will need to take the bridge over the weir. This is open grazed pasture land and following a left hand bend the river continues until a spinney.
Castor Backwater and Main River
This fishery is accessed from the bottom of Station Road, Ailsworth PE5 7AH where parking is available on the roadside. Once parked, cross the Nene Valley Railway line using the pedestrian gate and then through the green metal entrance gate. At this point the backwater is a few hundred yards in front of you and offers a number of choices. Turn to the right and you can fish either bank of the backwater going upstream. If crossing the bridge you also have the option of fishing the right bank down to the point where the backwater rejoins the main river or fishing the main river from there up to the mill pool below the lock.