Fishery guide · Oxfordshire
Farmoor Reservoir
Farmoor is a proper big-water trout venue near Oxford, with two reservoirs covering approximately 400 acres and fishing from bank or boat. Farmoor 1 is catch-and-release, while Farmoor 2 gives you the choice of returning your trout or taking fish home on the right ticket.
“7.7/10 — Two trout reservoirs with bank and boat fishing give the venue a strong fishing offer, without needing big-fish claims.”
Tackle Index scorecard
The lowdown
Fancy a proper reservoir session rather than a little pond tucked behind a car park? Farmoor, near Oxford, has two reservoirs totalling approximately 400 acres, split by a causeway. That’s the headline here: big water, trout fishing and a choice of bank or boat. The two reservoirs have different take-home arrangements, so choosing the right one is the first bit of planning, before you even start sorting your tackle.
- 2 lakes: Farmoor 1, Farmoor 2
- Fish: trout
- Tickets from: Four-fish take-home day — £34
- Find it: Oxford · OX2 9NS
Plan your session
Fishery map of Farmoor Reservoir
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Farmoor Reservoir
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Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Farmoor Reservoir
Fancy a proper reservoir session rather than a little pond tucked behind a car park? Farmoor, near Oxford, has two reservoirs totalling approximately 400 acres, split by a causeway. That’s the headline here: big water, trout fishing and a choice of bank or boat. The two reservoirs have different take-home arrangements, so choosing the right one is the first bit of planning, before you even start sorting your tackle.
Farmoor 1 is the catch-and-release option. Farmoor 2 offers catch-and-release or take-home trout fishing, depending on your ticket. Rainbow, brown and blue trout are listed for the venue, alongside pike and perch. Keep that distinction in mind, though: the trout options are clearly set out, but the species list alone doesn’t tell you what predator fishing is permitted. Have a word with the ranger before planning anything beyond the advertised trout fishing.
Bank and boat fishing are both available, which gives you a useful choice when putting a day together. If you want a boat, pre-book it rather than leaving things to chance when you arrive. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat, plus an accessible crest path and mobility-scooter hire. Those are handy options to ask about when booking, especially if getting around the venue needs a little more thought than simply grabbing a rod bag.
Tickets cover full-day and shorter sessions, with separate catch-and-release and take-home choices. The two-fish take-home ticket covers the final seven hours, so don’t muddle that up with the half-day catch-and-release option. Concessions are available for disabled anglers, over-65s and under-16s. There’s an armed forces, students and services ticket too, with ID required. Regulars can also look at a season ticket offering seven-day access and an allowance of 120 take-home fish.
Getting to the right place should save a bit of faff. Use Gate 3 on Cumnor Road, OX2 9NS, and park only at Gate 3. A reservoir map pin isn’t necessarily an entrance pin, so the postcode and gate details matter here. Pay for fishing tickets at the ranger’s lodge, and use the fishery to book ahead. There’s a café and accessible toilets as well, covering a couple of useful day-out essentials.
Farmoor opens year-round, normally during daylight hours, but shuts on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Night fishing isn’t advertised, so speak to the ranger rather than assuming you can stay on after dark. Bring the required Environment Agency rod licence, leave the alcohol at home and remember that only assistance dogs are allowed. Get those basics bob on and the main decision is a straightforward one: bank or boat, then catch-and-release or a take-home ticket.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
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Farmoor Reservoir FAQs
Where’s the entrance?
Use Gate 3, Cumnor Road, OX2 9NS. Park only at Gate 3; reservoir coordinates don’t necessarily point to the entrance.
How do I book?
Call the fishery to book ahead. Boats must be pre-booked, and fishing tickets are paid for at the ranger’s lodge.
What accessible facilities are available?
There are accessible toilets, an accessible crest path, mobility-scooter hire and a wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat. Wheelyboat hire is £20.
Is there a coarse fishing option?
Yes. Thames coarse fishing is listed at £5 daytime, or free for Angling Trust members. That’s separate from the reservoir trout ticket options.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Farmoor Reservoir. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Oxford.
Do I need to bring food?
There's café listed, but opening times vary, so pack snacks and plenty of water just in case — especially on a long session.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes — the fishery lists accessible toilets.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
Yes — parking at gate 3. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
OX2 9NS.
How much is a ticket?
Four-fish take-home day: £34; Two-fish take-home, final seven hours: £24; Concession four-fish day: £32; Concession two-fish: £22; Armed forces/students/services: £20, one fish; ID required.; Catch-and-release: £32 full-day; £25 half-day.; Thames coarse fishing: £5 daytime; free for Angling Trust members.; Season: £700, seven-day access, 120 take-home fish.; Boat hire: £25 full-day; £20 half-day.; Season-holder full-day boat: £20; Wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat hire: £20. Prices last checked 2026-10-03 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Farmoor 1, Farmoor 2. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find trout. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
2 — Farmoor 1 (Not published), Farmoor 2 (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It depends — Night fishing is not advertised; confirm with the ranger.
Can I bring my dog?
No — Assistance dogs only.
Are bait boats allowed?
Yes, it's required — Pre-book boats. Book ahead with the fishery and pay for fishing tickets at the ranger’s lodge.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Most UK fisheries prefer barbless or micro-barbed hooks — ask on arrival if unsure.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
The fishery lists accessible toilets. Ring ahead to check which swims suit you.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Farmoor 1: the catch-and-release side of farmoor.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
Farmoor 1 is for catch-and-release trout fishing. If your plan is to enjoy the fishing and put your trout back, this is the straightforward fit.
It’s one of the two reservoirs separated by the causeway. Their combined area is approximately 400 acres; an individual size isn’t published here. Tickets are paid for at the ranger’s lodge, and any boat plans need pre-booking.
Lake photographs
A look around Farmoor 1
Farmoor Reservoir
Farmoor 1
We’re checking the fishery’s Farmoor 1 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Trout anglers wanting catch-and-release fishing
- Anglers after a reservoir setting
Maybe not for
- Anyone wanting to take trout home
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Farmoor 1
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Farmoor 1 FAQs
Can I take trout home from Farmoor 1?
No. Farmoor 1 is the catch-and-release reservoir.
How big is Farmoor 1?
Its individual area isn’t published in the supplied details. The two reservoirs total approximately 400 acres.
What's the lake record on Farmoor 1?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Farmoor 1 that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Farmoor 1?
trout.
Which baits work well on Farmoor 1?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Farmoor 1 further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Farmoor 1 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Farmoor 1?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Farmoor Reservoir before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Farmoor 1?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Farmoor 1 on a day ticket?
Yes — Farmoor 1 is on the day ticket. Tickets: Four-fish take-home day £34; Two-fish take-home, final seven hours £24; Concession four-fish day £32; Concession two-fish £22; Armed forces/students/services £20, one fish; ID required.; Catch-and-release £32 full-day; £25 half-day.; Thames coarse fishing £5 daytime; free for Angling Trust members.; Season £700, seven-day access, 120 take-home fish.; Boat hire £25 full-day; £20 half-day.; Season-holder full-day boat £20; Wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat hire £20 (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Farmoor 1?
It depends — Night fishing is not advertised; confirm with the ranger.
Who does Farmoor 1 suit?
Good for: Trout anglers wanting catch-and-release fishing; Anglers after a reservoir setting. Less suited to: Anyone wanting to take trout home.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Farmoor 2: return your trout or choose a take-home ticket.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- trout
Farmoor 2 gives you both options: catch-and-release trout fishing or taking fish home on the appropriate ticket. Handy if you want a choice rather than a release-only session.
The take-home options include a four-fish day and a two-fish ticket for the final seven hours. Choose your ticket before getting stuck in, and remember that boat hire is listed separately.
Lake photographs
A look around Farmoor 2
Farmoor Reservoir
Farmoor 2
We’re checking the fishery’s Farmoor 2 pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Trout anglers wanting a take-home option
- Anglers who prefer catch-and-release
Maybe not for
- Anyone expecting unrestricted take-home fishing
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Farmoor 2
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Farmoor 2 FAQs
Do I have to keep trout on Farmoor 2?
No. Catch-and-release is available as well as take-home fishing.
What are the standard take-home ticket options?
A four-fish take-home day costs £34. The two-fish take-home ticket costs £24 and covers the final seven hours.
What's the lake record on Farmoor 2?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Farmoor 2 that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Farmoor 2?
trout.
How big is Farmoor 2 and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. Return your trout or choose a take-home ticket..
Which baits work well on Farmoor 2?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Farmoor 2 further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Farmoor 2 get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Farmoor 2?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Farmoor Reservoir before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Farmoor 2?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Farmoor 2 on a day ticket?
Yes — Farmoor 2 is on the day ticket. Tickets: Four-fish take-home day £34; Two-fish take-home, final seven hours £24; Concession four-fish day £32; Concession two-fish £22; Armed forces/students/services £20, one fish; ID required.; Catch-and-release £32 full-day; £25 half-day.; Thames coarse fishing £5 daytime; free for Angling Trust members.; Season £700, seven-day access, 120 take-home fish.; Boat hire £25 full-day; £20 half-day.; Season-holder full-day boat £20; Wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat hire £20 (last checked 2026-10-03).
Is night fishing allowed on Farmoor 2?
It depends — Night fishing is not advertised; confirm with the ranger.
Who does Farmoor 2 suit?
Good for: Trout anglers wanting a take-home option; Anglers who prefer catch-and-release. Less suited to: Anyone expecting unrestricted take-home fishing.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Do I need an Environment Agency rod licence?
An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
- Must
Must boats be pre-booked?
Pre-book boats. Book ahead with the fishery and pay for fishing tickets at the ranger’s lodge.
- Must
Must I park at Gate 3?
Park only at Gate 3, Cumnor Road, OX2 9NS.
- No
Is alcohol allowed?
No alcohol is allowed.
- No
Can I bring a pet dog?
Assistance dogs only.
- Only if
Can I fish at night?
Night fishing is not advertised; confirm with the ranger.
- Must
Must trout be released on Farmoor 1?
Farmoor 1 is catch-and-release. Farmoor 2 allows catch-and-release or take-home trout on the appropriate ticket.
- Must
Do I need ID for the armed forces, students or services ticket?
ID is required for this ticket.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 3 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Farmoor 1
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Farmoor 2
trout
Fly fishing for the trout
Stocked lake trout cruise and feed up in the water, so you need to find the depth they're at. Start just under the surface and go deeper if nothing's happening.
- A 9ft 6–7 weight rod with a floating line covers most days; carry an intermediate or sinking line for cold or bright spells.
- Early season and cold days: lures like a Cat's Whisker, Blob or Damsel, pulled back in steady strips.
- Warmer days with fish rising: buzzers, Diawl Bachs or a dry fly fished slowly, or static under an indicator.
- Count your fly down (5, 10, 15 seconds) and change depth till you get a pull — then repeat that count.
- Use 6–8lb fluorocarbon tippet, and check the fishery's rules on catch-and-release, bag limits and barbless hooks before you start.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.7/10 from Tackle Index: Two trout reservoirs with bank and boat fishing give the venue a strong fishing offer, without needing big-fish claims.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Farmoor is a proper big-water trout venue near Oxford, with two reservoirs covering approximately 400 acres and fishing from bank or boat. Farmoor 1 is catch-and-release, while Farmoor 2 gives you the choice of returning your trout or taking fish home on the right ticket.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Farmoor Reservoir
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