Land drains are dotted all other the fens and can hold some surprises. They are very mysterious and moody. I really enjoy the challenge of these. I tend to fish these more in the winter for the pike, although they can produce some lovely tench and roach in the summer. Most Land Drains are free, but there are a few that belong to angling clubs.
The key rule is always make sure you check with the farmer whose land they run through, before fishing them first and stick to public footpaths and bridleways.
They range in depth and sizes. Some can only be a few inches deep, and some can be three to four foot. Even the tiniest of drains can hold some surprises.
Safety
Because a lot of land drains are out in the middle of nowhere, you have to be very careful, as some banks can be very steep.
Also make sure you are not trespassing, otherwise you may find yourself locked in the field for the night!
Baits And Methods
For the bream and tench, waggler tactics will do with maggots and hemp.
Going After The Pike
When trying for the pike, I tend to stick with leap frogging tactics. I usually start at the pump basin and work my way down. I only tend to fish for a max of half hour per swim. They tend to do best when there is a bit of flow and some colour caused by the running pumps.
Baits And Methods
If there is a bit of colour, use smelly, oily baits like sardines,herring and mackeral.
As for tackle, I use a standard pike float setup. Sliding ledger tactics can also produce.
Hi,
Do you know if the land drain at the Little Ouse Bridge in Lakenheath is free or part of a club?
Hi Jack,
I have no idea, as not fished that drain before.
Sorry this isn’t much help!
John
Hi I am thinking of fishing the land drains in your area but looking at numerous reports in media I am really put off as it seems that the fishing has been ruined by mass poaching and eating of fish stocks! Although most of reports date back several years I am wondering if I’m wasting my time travelling and booking accommodation.
Can you reassure me all is not lost/or correct.
I was thinking of booking next week but will await your advice!
Thanks
Hi Ray,
There is plenty of waterways in the fens, so plenty to explore. Yes it has it’s problems, but not as bad as everyone says.
I would recommend the KLAA waters and WAA waters, as these are regularly bailiffed, and always produce when I visit them.
I am actually heading to a WAA water this weekend, so keep an eye on my catch reports.
Hope this helps!
John
Hi John,
Sorry for late reply, as website has been down and I have just got round to fixing it. Not fished gravel bank and is on my to-do list this year, so need to find out more about it myself.
All the drains in the fens, are covered by a close season, including gravel bank.
As for fish, I would think you would get the usual stuff like/roach, rudd, pike and perch, so worth a shot.
Hi John,
Amazing website put together bloody good catches as well!!!
Very interested in fishing the drains for some big Pike…its my challenge to catch my first 20lber this winter..
I live in Cottenham.
Where’s my nearest drain to fish for the big crocs?
Hi Jake,
Thanks for the positive feedback. Sorry for the late reply, but work and other stuff has taken over, and my website has taken a back seat.
Anyway you live not that far from me, and the fishing is quite limited in Cottenham. The Old Waet holds some nice surprises, but the Sixteen Foot is your best bet.
Plenty of pike in there, and I have had my pb there aswell.
Hope this helps.