Sonning Lock — Free Fishing (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• This is lock-and-island Thames fishing, with the towpath running alongside the water and Sonning’s visitor-moored river frontage adding to the setting.
• Upstream, the official free-fishing stretch follows the towpath from Sonning Lock towards the old power-station discharge point.
• The upstream boundary sits just beyond the island in the river. Handy landmark, that, and a fair bit easier to pick out than guessing from a map.
• Downstream fishing runs from Sonning Lock to Sonning Road Bridge, but only on the towpath side and only from 1 November to 14 March.
• Upstream fishing is available throughout the coarse-fishing season. In England and Wales, that means the close season runs from 15 March to 15 June.
• There are no fixed pegs listed, so expect a public towpath stretch rather than a numbered, neatly spaced fishery. Pick your swim sensibly and leave room for walkers.
• The facts don’t give a measured length, named fish species or set tactics. So there’s no point pretending this is a specialist bream, barbel or carp venue.
• The lock, island, towpath and old discharge point are the key features mentioned. Follow local signs and keep well clear of navigation, lock operations, moorings and other river users.
• This is public free fishing, not an allocated lock-and-weir ticket water. The Environment Agency says some lock-and-weir sites need an extra permit, so don’t muddle the two up.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: No specific method is stated for this stretch. Fish within the permitted dates, stick to the public towpath section and follow the signs and Environment Agency instructions at the lock.

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

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Upstream fishing is available throughout the coarse-fishing season.
• Downstream towpath-side fishing is permitted from 1 November to 14 March only.
• Follow local signs and Environment Agency instructions at the lock.
• Do not obstruct navigation, lock operations, moorings or other river users.
• Do not confuse the public free-fishing towpath stretch with allocated lock-and-weir fishing sites, which may require an additional permit.

Where it is