Benson Lock / Weir (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• The fishable bit is the weir channel at Benson Lock. The official guide directs anglers from the lock along the breakwater, heading south and downstream.
• Access is from the west bank, using the towpath north and upstream from Wallingford Bridge. Handy enough, but expect a proper riverside walk rather than parking beside the swim.
• There’s no peg count or stated fishery length, so this is more about working the available water than picking a numbered peg. Have a look at the crease, slack edges and any steady glides.
• The weir is a navigation and water-level control structure, so flow and depth can change. Keep your approach tidy and stay switched on around the moving water.
• This is a seasonal stretch. Fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive, with the whole permit site closed from 15 March to 15 June.
• Trotting or a light feeder would be the obvious starting points where the flow allows. Keep tackle sensible and fish the edges of the faster water rather than charging straight into the white stuff.
• You must report to the lock keeper when you arrive and show your permit. If the fishing area is locked, the lock keeper may provide access.
• Benson is strictly a daytime, lock-keeper-hours venue under the published rule. There’s no stated night-fishing allowance, so don’t plan a cheeky after-dark session.
• There’s no car park or toilets at the lock. Roadside parking is only allowed where local restrictions permit. Benson Waterfront is about half a mile away, with toilets and a coffee shop.
• The public walkway over Benson Weir is currently closed. Refurbishment works are under way, including a fish and eel pass, so check the access situation before setting off.

Methods: Start with a float or trotting approach in steadier water, then try a feeder where the flow and depth suit it. Fish the crease and quieter edges first, keeping well clear of the strongest weir flow.

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 Environment Agency River Thames lock-and-weir fishing permit is required.
• The permit must be used with a valid rod licence.
• Fishing is allowed from 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
• Fishing is prohibited from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Report to the lock keeper on arrival and show your permit.
• The lock keeper may provide access if the fishing site is locked.
• At Benson, fish only during the lock keeper's hours of duty.
• The public walkway over Benson Weir is currently closed.

Where it is