Harrold-Odell Country Park Lakes

A former gravel pit transformed into a 144-acre country park, Harrold-Odell offers two lakes and a stretch of the River Great Ouse in the Great Ouse Valley. Grebe Lake (35 acres) is a specimen venue with carp to 35lb and pike to 28lb, while the smaller Kingfisher Lake holds carp to 22lb alongside quality bream and silvers. The park is managed by Bedford Borough Council and has won multiple Green Flag awards.

• A valid EA Rod Licence must be in possession and shown on demand.
• Fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March. Fishing is prohibited during the closed season.
• Season permits only — no single day tickets are available. Apply online via Bedford Borough Council website.
• Anglers under 14 years old do not require a park fishing permit. Anglers aged 14–18 require a junior permit.
• Fishing is not allowed in some areas of the park. Permit holders must check on-site fishing maps for permitted zones.
• Night fishing is available to permit holders with a day/night permit. Anglers under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult for night sessions.
• Only established swims may be fished. Vegetation between swims must not be disturbed or damaged.
• The permit allows up to three rods per angler in the same swim, provided the angler holds two EA rod licences.
• Keepnets are prohibited. All fish must be returned to the water from which they were caught.
• Large landing nets and unhooking mats are essential when handling large fish.
• Barbed hooks and bent hooks are prohibited. Barbless or micro-barbed hooks only.
• When fishing for predators, wire traces and semi-barbed treble hooks must be used. Nylon or nylon-coated traces are forbidden.
• When lure fishing, barbless hooks must be used.
• Dead baiting: only fresh or frozen sea baits are permitted. Use of coarse fish (chemically treated or otherwise) is prohibited. Live baiting and fishing for live bait within the park is an offence.
• Only soluble-type boilies are permitted. Nuts and beans are prohibited.
• No floating baits due to the presence of wildfowl.
• No pre-baiting of any swim. No mass baiting. Bait boats are prohibited.
• Alcohol, fires and BBQs are prohibited in the park.
• Camping is prohibited. Small tents or bivouacs are permitted within the swim area provided they do not obstruct the bankside path.
• No high-powered lanterns (over 100,000 candelas) or flashlights permitted.
• Parking in designated areas only. Where access is via combination padlock, the code must not be shared and gates locked after use.
• Cattle graze the riverside meadow from May to November. Maintain a respectable distance and keep dogs away from livestock. An electric fence operates along part of the river bank during this period.