Chalk Stream · Limestone · Oxfordshire / Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

River Windrush

No photos yet for this water.

The Windrush flows from the Cotswold escarpment through Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Witney to join the Thames at Newbridge — 60 miles of Cotswold limestone-influenced chalk stream with strong character.

Species

A proper day on the water

Low and clear — careful approach country. Stay small, stay accurate.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for brown trout
Cool — slow
9°C est.ideal 10–16°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for brown trout
  • Temperature7828% weight
  • Flow6022% weight
  • Clarity9518% weight
  • Feeding Time4513% weight
  • Pressure807% weight
  • Prey Activity4412% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
8.8°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
9°C
Wind
SW 15 km/h
Gentle breeze
Pressure
1008 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
8.8 mm
Light rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for brown trout
When
Nymphing can work through most of the day.
Where
Cover mixed depths.
Method
Start with tight-line nymphs and adjust if fish rise or drift higher.
Kit
9 ft #4 rod, floating line, 12 ft tapered leader to 4–5 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Good conditions. Clarity is favourable (95), Prey activity is weakest (44).
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
1
Brown SedgeHatch
2
3
2
Freshwater ShrimpHatch
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
Blue Winged OliveHatch
2
3
3
3
3
2
Mayfly (Green Drake)Hatch
2
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • Private; Cotswold fishery hotels offer access.
Directions
Apple MapsGoogle Maps
About this water

The Windrush flows from the Cotswold escarpment through Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Witney to join the Thames at Newbridge — 60 miles of Cotswold limestone-influenced chalk stream with strong character. Wild and stocked brown trout, grayling. Mostly private but with various Cotswold fishery hotels offering managed access.

  • Limestone
Seasons & zones
  • Trout1 April → 30 September
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