Abingdon Lock / Weir (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• There are three fishing areas here, so it’s not just one single bank to settle into. The official guide splits the site into towpath, upstream island and downstream island areas.
• The towpath zone sits upstream of the lock or immediately below it. Handy enough, but it’s only available from 31 October to 14 March.
• The upstream island area is in the weir channel above the weir. Like the towpath area, it’s available from 31 October to 14 March only.
• The downstream island area is in the weir channel below the weir and has the longest season, running from 16 June to 14 March.
• This is a fast-flowing lock-and-weir environment, with a weir walkway crossing the site. Expect proper moving water rather than a lazy, steady glide.
• The downstream island closes when red caution strong-stream advice is issued for the Culham reach. Keep an eye on conditions before heading down.
• Fishing is first come, first served, subject to availability. There’s no published peg count, and the EA doesn’t state the fishery’s length.
• There are firm boundaries. No fishing from banks upstream of weir structures, and no fishing from the bullnoses — the concrete islands separating the weir sections.
• Keepnets are banned across EA Thames lock-and-weir sites. A permit allows two rods and lines at one time, so choose your approach carefully.
• There are toilets at the lock. Blue Badge parking can be arranged at the lock with the lock keeper in advance; other anglers can use the public car park on the A415 south of Abingdon Bridge.

Methods: The fast-flowing lock-and-weir setting suits a focused two-rod approach, within the permit limit. Fish only from the permitted areas and follow the lock keeper’s hours of duty.

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 current EA lock-and-weir fishing permit and valid UK rod licence are required.
• Fishing is available from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. No fishing from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Fishing is first come, first served, subject to availability.
• The downstream island closes when red caution strong-stream advice is issued for the Culham reach.
• Do not fish from banks upstream of weir structures or from bullnoses, the concrete islands separating weir sections.
• Keepnets are prohibited at EA Thames lock-and-weir fishing locations.
• A permit allows two rods and lines per permit at one time. Permits are not transferable.
• Under-16s must attend with an adult, and both need separate permits and rod licences.

Where it is