Fishing Focus: Grafham Water | Dallaswear

Grafham Water Reservoir, Cambridgeshire

Grafham Water Centre
Perry, Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 0GW

Tel: 01480 810 521

Laying north of Perry, Huntingdonshire, the reservoir was built in 1965 and in 1986 was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) . The site, along with Rutland Water, Alton Water, Pitsford Water, Ravensthorpe Reservoir, Taverham Mill and Hollowell is part of Anglian Water and is the third largest reservoir in England by surface area m².

Grafham Water is a great destination for all the family, bird watchers, cyclists and outdoor fans alike. Nestled in 1500 acres of beautiful countryside, there is a 280 acre nature reserve at the western end which provides a variety of habitats including ancient woodlands, reed beds and important populations of birds and amphibians. The site originally gained it’s SSSI status due to nationally important numbers of wintering Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck and Coot. The site is of huge importance due to the diversity of passage migrants and wintering species of birds. There is also a population of nationally uncommon warty newts. If you are very lucky you may even see Osprey, a wonderful bird of prey who’s speciality is fishing. The Osprey migrate from Africa in the summer to nest and raise their chicks.

There are nine miles of well- maintained tracks around the reservoir plus a number of nature trails. For cyclists, you can either bring your own bikes along or you can hire everything you need, including helmets from Rutland Cycling in the Marlow car park and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Cycles for hire range from hybrid and mountain bike to the latest electric bikes, tandems, children’s bikes, tag-alongs and buggies. They are all new bikes and replaced every year. Hire can be arranged for the whole day or a more leisurely 2 hours.

For walkers there are hard-surfaced tracks that follow the banks around the reservoir and are accessible to pushchairs and wheelchair users. There are benches positioned around the water park where you can rest and enjoy your surroundings at your leisure.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead at all times.

There is a visitor centre and café on one side of the reservoir and The Harbour View Restaurant on the other, both of which are lovely. The Harbour View is raised up so you have stunning views across the reservoir and looks down on the harbour where fishermen can hire boats for a days fishing. Underneath the restaurant is the well-stocked tackle shop.

Grafham Water hosts national and international fly fishing competitions and is one of the UK’s premier fisheries. It attracts both very experienced fishermen and beginners. The trout fishing season at Grafham Water runs from 6^th March until 31^st January. Trout range in size from 2lbs to a whopping 15lbs. Prices ar available at the Grafham Water’s website.

There are courses available to those wishing to learn how to fly fish which cover everything from tackle, technique, safety and boat handling.

In addition to trout fishing, predator fishing on the fly is also available. Species available to catch include pike, perch and zander. Grafham Water is becoming one of the UK’s best predator waters. Size of fish are impressive with pike up to 40lbs, 20lb zander and 4lb perch.

Ticket prices and details regarding permits are all available from the website.

It should be noted that Grafham Waters reopened on 2^nd June 2020, following lockdown due to coronavirus. There are still social distancing measures in place for all activities, details being available on their website.