BMH (RDAA)

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper classic middle-Thames country, with open banks rather than a line of fixed pegs. Plenty of room to wander and pick a swim.
• The first field is approximately 100 metres long, while the full BMH reach continues downstream for two fields. The lower end effectively meets the upstream end of Fairmile.
• Access is a short walk across the field from the parking area. Park on the verge opposite Caps Lane or use the large lay-by on the northern side of Cholsey.
• RDAA provides upstream and downstream parking what3words locations on its official venue page. Worth checking those before setting off, so there’s no faff on arrival.
• The wider South Stoke and Cholsey waters total about 1.3 miles and include the East Bank at South Stoke and West Bank at Cholsey. BMH sits within that shared venue setup.
• RDAA describes the wider water as classic middle-Thames fishing, with quality roach, big shoals of bream, good chub and pike. A proper mixed-fish river job.
• Think natural river tactics: trotting when the flow is carrying a bit of colour, or feeder work when the crease and deeper water are where the fish are sitting. Keep things mobile and read each swim.
• The South Stoke section is particularly noted for quality roach, while bream shoals can make a feeder approach properly worthwhile. Chub and pike add a cheeky bonus when conditions line up.
• The river close season applies from 15 March through 15 June inclusive. Outside that window, keep an eye on flow, clarity and weed before choosing between float, feeder or lure-style pike approaches.
• It’s an open-bank reach, so bring sensible bank gear and leave the swim tidy. No camping, overnight vehicle stays, open fires, swimming or fishing from boats, canoes, kayaks, punts or dinghies.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Trotting and feeder fishing suit the classic middle-Thames character, with roach, bream and chub named across the wider South Stoke and Cholsey waters. Pike are also named, so keep an eye on the slower water and features when conditions look right.

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

roach, bream, pike, chub

Named by Reading & District Angling Association across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required alongside the RDAA permit.
• The River Thames close season runs from 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• No fish may be removed from RDAA-controlled waters, including trout.
• No more than two rods may be used on ordinary RDAA venues.
• Fishing within 25 metres of locks, bridges and connected structures is prohibited.
• Park only in official marked car parks or areas shown on the venue map.
• Camping and overnight vehicle stays are prohibited without prior Fisheries Officer agreement.
• Open fires, swimming and fishing from boats, canoes, kayaks, punts or dinghies are prohibited. Wading above chest height is also prohibited.
• Remove litter from the swim or peg when leaving.

Where it is