Appleford / South Stoke (River Thames)

River level

The lowdown

• Appleford is described as Manor Farm, Oxfordshire, with plenty of width, depth and changing flow. The two ends fish differently, so it’s worth having a wander before settling on a swim.
• The banks at Appleford can be shallow, making boots or waders useful. It’s a proper river set-up rather than a neat little pond, with varied water to pick apart.
• The weir end is the one to fancy for barbel. Look for the pacey stuff and the crease, especially when there’s a bit of colour in the river. Feeder work is specifically suited to this water.
• Downstream at Appleford, summer tench are the fish the holder points towards. A patient feeder approach in steadier water should fit the bill, with the varied flow giving you plenty to explore.
• Appleford has a designated farm car park, and the nearest swim is about an 80-yard walk away. Not a massive faff, but pack with the walk in mind.
• South Stoke sits on the east bank and is close to Goring. It’s mostly open bank, with deep water close in, so there’s no need to launch long casts just for the sake of it.
• The South Stoke water is slow and deep, making it a natural ledgering venue. Parking is directly on the river bank at the fishery entrance, and the first swims are the easiest to reach.
• There are boat moorings around a third of the way from the entrance. Chub are associated with those moorings and the far-bank trees, so fish tight to cover where conditions allow.
• South Stoke allows night fishing at no extra cost. Its named fish include chub, roach, bream and barbel, while Appleford also lists tench, pike, perch and ruffe. Appleford pike are reported to about 20 lb and perch close to 4 lb.

Methods: Feeder fishing suits the wider, varied flow at Appleford, with the weir end worth a look for barbel and the downstream end interesting for summer tench. South Stoke is slower and deeper, so ledgering is the straightforward approach, with chub around the moorings and far-bank trees.

Access & tickets

Join through London Anglers Association and allow at least five working days after ordering: you must have your membership ticket before fishing. Membership access is advertised for Appleford, rather than a day-ticket offer.

Fish the club names

barbel, tench, bream, roach, pike, perch, chub, rudd

Key rules

• Visitors to these non-public-access fisheries must hold London Anglers Association membership.
• Members must agree to the Association's rules.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is also required.
• Membership tickets must be in the angler's possession before fishing.
• Night fishing is permitted at South Stoke at no extra cost.

Where it is