Grafton Lock / Weir (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper lock-and-weir job, not a broad bank-fishing stretch. The permitted area is the weir walkway, so follow the official site guide rather than wandering off looking for extra swims.
• Access means crossing the lock gates. You can come in from Kelmscott, Radcot or Grafton, with the final approach on towpath or footpath routes.
• From Kelmscott it’s approximately 1.5 miles via the towpath. Radcot is around 1.25 miles away by towpath, while Grafton is roughly 0.7 miles via the footpath from the B449.
• There’s no car parking at the lock. Parking may be available in Kelmscott or Grafton villages where local restrictions allow it. Parking near the Swan Inn may be possible if arranged with the landlord.
• The guide doesn’t list pegs, a fishery length or target species for Grafton specifically. So this is one to treat as a small, defined access area rather than a sprawling run of river.
• Fishing is first come, first served and subject to numbers. Get there in the lock keeper’s hours of duty, as fishing is only allowed while those hours apply.
• You can use up to two rods and lines at once. Keepnets are prohibited, and fishing upstream of the weir structures, from bullnoses or from the concrete islands between weir sections is banned.
• The season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. The closed season is 15 March to 15 June, so don’t turn up expecting a cheeky out-of-season session.
• No night fishing is permitted under the listed opening-hours arrangement. Salmon and sea-trout catches must be reported, and both must be returned when fishing on a coarse fishing licence.

Methods: The checked guide doesn’t name target species or recommend specific tactics, so stick to the permitted weir walkway, keep within the lock rules and fish within the lock keeper’s hours. Two rods and lines are allowed, but keepnets aren’t.

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 River Thames lock-and-weir fishing permit and a valid UK rod fishing licence are required.
• Fishing is permitted from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. The closed season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Fishing is first come, first served and subject to numbers.
• Fishing is allowed only during the lock keeper's hours of duty at Grafton.
• Up to two rods and lines may be used at one time.
• Fishing upstream of weir structures, from bullnoses or from concrete islands separating weir sections is prohibited.
• Keepnets are prohibited. Lead weights from 0.06g to 28.35g are illegal under the stated restrictions.
• Salmon and sea trout must be reported to the lock keeper's office or the Environment Agency, and returned when fishing under a coarse fishing licence.

Where it is