Sonning River — RDAA

River level

The lowdown

• This is an open-bank river venue rather than a neat row of fixed pegs, so expect a bit more exploring and swim-picking.
• The stretch runs for 1,450 yards, giving you plenty of bank to investigate rather than piling into one obvious spot.
• It’s the Thames at Sonning, with the usual river approach: read the water, find the crease and keep an eye out for areas that look fishy.
• RDAA names chub, roach, perch, bream, pike and occasional carp as present. A proper mixed bag, then, rather than a one-trick stretch.
• Trotting, feeder work and searching likely river features are the obvious ways to tackle it, depending on conditions and what’s showing.
• A bit of colour and extra flow should suit the chub and perch, while steadier conditions may bring roach and bream into play.
• The venue is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive, so plan visits outside that period.
• There are two listed parking spots: the official marked car park at ///simply.stroke.filed and a small northern parking area at ///rapid.pulse.grass.
• Keep clear of landing stages, permanent moorings, locks, bridges and connected structures. The 25-metre exclusion around the latter is especially worth noting before setting up.
• It’s strictly bank fishing. Boats, canoes, kayaks, punts and dinghies can’t be used, and wading beyond chest height is prohibited.

Methods: Trotting and feeder fishing are the sensible starting points, with a mobile approach to find the creases and productive bits of open bank. Pike anglers need suitable tackle, including at least 15 lb main line and proper unhooking kit.

Access & tickets

Buy the £10 non-member day permit through the Clubmate booking service linked by RDAA. Guest tickets are also listed for Wallingford B.

Fish the club names

chub, roach, perch, bream, pike, carp

Key rules

• The venue is closed from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required with an RDAA permit.
• Fishing is limited to two rods, subject to venue-specific exceptions.
• Fishing from landing stages or permanent moorings is prohibited; keep at least 25 metres from locks, bridges and connected structures.
• No boats, canoes, kayaks, punts or dinghies for fishing. Swimming and wading beyond chest height are prohibited.
• Fish must be returned quickly with minimum stress. No removing fish, retaining sacks or placing fish on hard surfaces; unhooking mats are encouraged.
• Crayfish trapping and using crayfish or crayfish parts as bait are prohibited.
• Pike anglers must use suitable tackle, including at least 15 lb main line and appropriate unhooking equipment.

Where it is