Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire is one of England’s largest reservoirs and one of the best-known trout fisheries in the country. Covering approximately 1,600 acres (650 hectares) west of Huntingdon, it is managed by Anglian Water Fisheries and has been a flagship trout reservoir since it opened to fishing in 1966. The International fly fishing competition, inter-club competitions, and Grafham Water Fly Fishers Club make it one of the most organised trout fisheries in England.
Grafham is predominantly a rainbow trout fishery but also holds brown trout. It is also notable for producing large pike and good coarse fishing including perch, bream, and roach through the winter months when the trout season is closed.
[Image placeholder: A fly angler casting from a boat on Grafham Water on an overcast day, the large reservoir stretching to the horizon with no land visible beyond the boat, a fly rod arcing through a false cast]
Access and Overview
Location: Grafham Water, Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 0BH Managed by: Anglian Water Fisheries Season: Typically late March/early April to late October for trout. Pike season from November onwards. Check current season dates with Anglian Water Fisheries as these change. Day ticket: Available for bank and boat fishing. Boat hire includes motor options. Facilities: Fishing lodge, tackle shop, cafe, boat hire, car parking.
Trout Fishing at Grafham
Grafham’s trout fishing reputation is built on consistent returns of quality rainbow trout. The reservoir is stocked regularly throughout the season with fish in the 1.5-3lb range as standard, with larger specimens to 5lb+ stocked periodically. Brown trout are present and can reach double figures, though they are less numerous than rainbows.
Bank fishing: Grafham has extensive bank fishing access around the western arm of the reservoir. The car park areas provide easiest access; the dam wall and B660 road bank are productive. Bank fishing is best in spring and autumn when trout feed close to the margins.
Boat fishing: The majority of serious Grafham fishing is from boats. Anglian Water Fisheries operates a large fleet. Boat fishing allows access to the open water and deeper mid-reservoir areas where the largest concentrations of fish are often found.
Methods:
Buzzer fishing (early season): In spring, midge pupae (buzzers) hatching in the surface film are the primary trout food. A team of three buzzers (Black Buzzer, Diawl Bach, CDC Buzzer) fished on a floating line under a small indicator (bung) or on a very slow retrieve is the standard approach. Grafham is renowned for excellent spring buzzer fishing.
Intermediate line: As the season progresses and water warms, an intermediate line with small lures or nymphs produces throughout. The midge and damselfly seasons (June-July) are particularly productive.
Lure fishing: A sinking line with a large lure (Appetizer, Viva, Cat’s Whisker, Booby) searches deep water in summer and produces large browns in autumn.
Dry fly: During sedge (caddis fly) hatches in summer evenings, dry fly fishing to rising trout is spectacular. Elk Hair Caddis, G&H Sedge, and Foam Hoppers work well.
Catch limits: Grafham operates a bag limit system – typically 4-8 fish per session depending on ticket type. Check current limits with Anglian Water Fisheries. Any trout killed counts toward the bag limit. Catch-and-release is practised by many Grafham anglers and is actively encouraged, though fish once killed cannot be returned.
Pike Fishing at Grafham
Grafham holds a significant pike population that feeds on the abundant roach, bream, and smaller trout. Once the trout season closes (typically late October), pike fishing begins and runs through the winter.
Grafham pike fishing is boat-based. The reservoir’s depth (up to 18m in the main basin) and size make bank-only pike fishing less productive. Deadbaiting at anchor with a sea fish deadbait (smelt, sardine, roach) or trolling with large soft plastics or jerkbaits covers the water.
Pike to 30lb+ have been recorded at Grafham. Permits are required from Anglian Water Fisheries.
Coarse Fishing at Grafham
When the pike season is open, the reservoir also offers good coarse fishing. Large perch (to 4lb+), bream, and roach are present in significant numbers. These fish are targeted by boat anglers using feeder and float methods during autumn and winter. Grafham bream shoals can be very large and weigh-ins of 30lb+ in a session are achievable.
Seasonal Tactics Summary
| Season | Primary Target | Best Method |
|---|---|---|
| April-May | Rainbow trout | Buzzer on floating line, team of nymphs |
| June-July | Rainbow and brown trout | Intermediate line, damsel nymphs, dry fly evenings |
| August-September | Brown trout, large rainbows | Lure on sinking line, surface sedge |
| October | Brown trout (end of season) | Large lures at depth |
| November-March | Pike | Deadbait at anchor, boat lure fishing |
Local Knowledge
- The north arm (Perry area) and west bank often fish better in easterly winds; the dam area produces in westerly winds
- Morning sessions in spring are often more productive than afternoons on buzzer
- The “Plum Tree” area and “Savages Creek” are well-known features favoured by local anglers
- In summer, the deeper water (8-12m) holds larger trout seeking cooler temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a trout ticket to fish Grafham Water?
Yes. You need a day ticket from Anglian Water Fisheries for all fishing at Grafham. You also need a valid EA rod licence. Book in advance where possible, particularly for boat sessions on popular spring weekends.
Is fly fishing the only method allowed at Grafham for trout?
Fly fishing only is the rule for trout fishing at Grafham, as is the case at almost all English reservoir trout fisheries. Spinning, bait fishing, and lure fishing with spinning gear are not permitted during the trout season. Pike fishing after the trout season may use different methods – check with Anglian Water Fisheries.
What fly line should I use at Grafham?
For most Grafham fishing, carry three lines: a floating line (essential for spring buzzer fishing and dry fly), an intermediate line (most versatile all-season option), and a fast-sinking line (for summer deep work and autumn lure fishing). On a bank-only visit, an intermediate line is the best single choice for covering most situations.
Are there toilets and facilities at Grafham?
Yes. Grafham has a fishing lodge with toilets, tackle shop, and a cafe. Car parking is available at the main Lodge car park. Some more remote bank sections require a walk from the nearest car park.
Can I take children fishing at Grafham?
Junior fishing is available at Grafham with appropriately priced junior permits. Children aged 13-16 can fish with a free junior EA rod licence but still need a Grafham day ticket. Supervision by an adult is expected for younger anglers.