Hurley Lock / Weir — EA Day Ticket

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper lock-and-weir complex rather than a long, continuous riverbank stretch. Think wooded islands, the lock cut and a lively weir-channel setting.
• The principal fishing area is on the far side of the island, downstream of the weir. That’s the main bit to head for.
• The north bank of the lock cut is also fishable from 1 October to 14 March. It’s on the same side of the river as the lock office.
• Fishing is first come, first served, so swims are subject to space on the day. There are no numbered pegs listed.
• The site may be fished from dawn until dusk. The EA lock-and-weir season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
• From 15 March to 15 June inclusive, fishing is prohibited at the EA lock-and-weir sites. Worth pencilling that closed period in now.
• Coarse anglers can use up to two rods and lines where the byelaws allow. The permit also names eels as a permitted category.
• Keepnets are prohibited here, and fishing from banks upstream of weir structures is banned. Bullnoses — the concrete islands between weir sections — are off limits too.
• There’s no parking at the lock itself, but the public car park in Hurley village can be used. Toilets are available at the lock.
• Have your permit ready for the lock keeper during duty hours. Salmon and sea trout must be reported and returned when fishing under a coarse fishing licence.

Methods: The permit allows up to two rods and lines for coarse fish and eels where byelaws allow. Other species are limited to one rod and line, so keep the approach within the permit terms.

Access & tickets

Buy the current Environment Agency River Thames lock-and-weir permit. Abingdon is one of the listed sites covered, and anglers must show the permit to the lock keeper on arrival if the site is locked. The EA lock office number is 01235 522 061.

Fish the club names

eel

Named by Environment Agency across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Fishing is allowed from 16 June to 14 March inclusive only; it is prohibited from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Fishing is first come, first served and subject to space.
• Show the permit to the lock keeper during lock-keeper duty hours.
• Keepnets are prohibited at all EA Thames lock-and-weir fishing locations.
• Fishing from banks upstream of weir structures is prohibited.
• Fishing from bullnoses, the concrete islands separating weir sections, is prohibited.
• Under-16s must be continuously supervised by an adult, and both adult and child need valid permits.
• Salmon and sea trout must be reported and returned when fishing under a coarse fishing licence.

Where it is