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Northmoor Lock — Barefoot Campsites (Campers Only)

A cracking 1,300-metre run of the River Thames beside Northmoor Lock, with fishing through the riverside camping fields and upstream to just before Rainbow Bridge. It’s strictly for Barefoot Campsites campers, with permits bought on site.

Run by Barefoot Campsites · checked 12 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Northmoor 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 a proper rural Thames stretch on the towpath side of the Northmoor riverbank, running through the field around Northmoor Lock and then upstream through the next two fields.
  • The upstream limit is the field just before Rainbow Bridge, giving you roughly 1,300 metres of bank to explore. Plenty of room to have a wander and find a quiet swim.
  • Northmoor Lock and the weir sit alongside the fishery, but they are not part of the campsite fishing. Weir fishing is also off-limits during the camping season.
  • The water runs beside the riverside camping fields, with the Thames Path nearby. Keep well clear of the canoe launch area — no faffing about there.
  • There’s a further heads-up around the lock: give larger motorised vessels plenty of room. Common sense stuff, but worth keeping in mind on a busy day.
  • Named fish include barbel, bream, chub, dace, perch, pike, roach and rudd. A lovely mixed Thames line-up, so there’s scope for a few different approaches.
  • Fishing is available from dawn until dusk during Barefoot’s stated season, 16 June to 14 March. Night fishing is not permitted, so pack up before dark.
  • The facts don’t set out specific swims, depths or methods, so tackle choice is down to the conditions on the day. Have a look along the bank, find a comfortable peg and fish the water in front of you.
  • The campsite says to bring cash. Access is via a private tarmac road from Badswell Lane, approaching through Appleton rather than Northmoor. Cars stay in the adjacent parking field, as the Upper and Lower Lock Paddocks are car-free.

Methods: No specific method is stated for this stretch. Fishing is allowed from dawn until dusk, with the mixed named species giving anglers plenty of room to choose their own approach.

Access & tickets

Adult fishing permit

For ages 17 and over. Valid for 24 hours. Campers must show an Environment Agency rod licence. Bring cash to pay on site.

£10.00 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Junior fishing permit

For ages 13 to 16. Valid for 24 hours. Campers must show an Environment Agency rod licence. Bring cash to pay on site.

£5.00 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Junior and under-13 fishing

Free when accompanied by an adult with a valid permit.

Permits are bought on site from Barefoot Campsites. Bring cash, and show an Environment Agency rod licence before buying.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

  • Fishing is available to campers staying at Barefoot Campsites only.
  • Campers must show an Environment Agency rod licence to buy a fishing permit.
  • Fishing is catch and release.
  • The stated fishing season is 16 June to 14 March.
  • Fishing is permitted from dawn until dusk.
  • Night fishing is not permitted.
  • Weir fishing is not permitted during the camping season.
  • Keep clear of the canoe launch area and larger motorised vessels near the lock.

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.

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