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Kelmscott (South Cerney AC) – River Thames

A nearly two-mile run of wider, slower River Thames near Kelmscott, north-east of Lechlade. It can get busy with boats in summer, but SCAC says the fishing can still be excellent.

Run by South Cerney Angling Club · checked 12 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Buscot Lock gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • This is classic upper Thames stuff — broad, steady water rather than a tight little stream. Proper nice when the river has a touch of colour in it.
  • The stretch runs for nearly two miles, so there’s plenty of bank to explore. Don’t just plonk yourself in the first swim you see.
  • Summer boat traffic can be busy. Even so, the club says the fishing can be excellent, so don’t write it off when the cruisers are out.
  • Chub, bream, roach, perch, pike and dace are named for the stretch, with barbel also present and reported to double figures.
  • There’s enough variety here for a few different plans. Trotting or float work suits the roach, dace and perch, while a feeder approach can pick out bream and chub.
  • Barbel are part of the picture too, so keep an eye on the crease, steadier glides and any features where the flow gives them a comfortable lie.
  • Pike are present, but live baiting is prohibited on SCAC waters. Stick to fair angling and the club’s rules.
  • Access is through a numbered padlocked gate. The code is the same as for Wick Water, and the gate must be kept shut at all times.
  • Leave a mobile number in your vehicle so the farmer can contact you if access is needed. Use proper access points, keep to the banks and don’t leave litter behind.
  • No reserving swims, no unattended baited rods, and boats or bait boats are prohibited. Unhooking mats must be carried, and the 22-yard fishing limit applies when water-sport users are present.

Methods: A flexible stretch for float work, feeder fishing and sensible barbel tactics. Have a few swims in mind and move with the conditions, especially when summer boat traffic is up.

Access & tickets

2026/27 adult full membership

Two rods

£130 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026/27 weekly ticket

Seven days

£70 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026/27 adult night membership

Required before sunrise or after sunset

£160 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Hannington is club-controlled rather than a day-ticket river stretch. South Cerney Angling Club lists 2026/27 membership at £130 for adult full membership covering two rods, £100 for OAP/disabled full membership, £30 for junior full membership and £70 for seven-day membership. Night membership is listed at £160.

Fish the club names

chub, bream, roach, perch, pike, barbel

Key rules

  • Access is through a numbered padlocked gate. The gate must be kept closed at all times.
  • Anglers must use proper access points and keep to the banks.
  • Leave a mobile number in your vehicle so the farmer can contact you if access is required.
  • Fishing must be by fair angling.
  • Litter must not be left on the banks.
  • Baited rods must not be left unattended.
  • Live baiting is prohibited on SCAC waters.
  • Boats and bait boats are prohibited on SCAC waters.
  • Unhooking mats must be carried, and carp must be returned immediately except in sanctioned club matches.
  • No reserving of swims. A 22-yard fishing limit from the bank applies when water-sport users are present.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

Community reported

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