Sandford Weir (RDAA)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a long old stretch at 1,093 yards, so there’s plenty of water to get your head around. RDAA describes it as feature-rich, which should give you a few different-looking swims to work through.
• The big bonus here is no boat traffic. That means less faff from passing craft and a calmer feel on the water. Handy when you’re trying to keep a swim settled.
• The named fish are barbel, chub, roach, perch, silver bream, pike and the occasional carp. A proper mixed Thames line-up, then, with something for both coarse and predator anglers.
• Barbel and chub are on the list, while roach, perch and silver bream add plenty of smaller-fish interest. Pike are also named, with carp only showing occasionally.
• The closed season runs from March 15 through June 15 inclusive. That’s a firm date window, so check the calendar before planning a trip.
• Normal permitted access times change through the year and are published by RDAA. Worth checking those times before setting off, rather than turning up and hoping for the best.
• There are shared-water arrangements with Littlemore Angling Society, but match days are excluded. Check match bookings before travelling, as a busy match day could change the plan.
• There’s no fishing within 25 metres of locks, bridges or connected structures. Boats, canoes, kayaks, punts and dinghies are banned, as is swimming and wading above chest height.
• Keep it tidy and sensible: no more than two rods normally, fish must not go on hard surfaces, dogs need to be under control on a lead, and parking is only allowed in official marked car parks.

Methods: The checked details name the fish and the venue features, but don’t specify particular methods. Match the approach to the swim and stick to RDAA’s two-rod limit.

Access & tickets

RDAA annual adult permits give access to all RDAA venues, including Chalmore. Members can take an accompanied guest with a Guest Day Ticket; the checked material does not publish a separate Chalmore day-ticket price.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, perch, bream, pike, carp

Key rules

• Fishing is closed from March 15 through June 15 inclusive.
• Normal permitted access times vary by month and are published by RDAA.
• Do not fish within 25 metres of locks, bridges or connected structures.
• Fishing from boats, canoes, kayaks, punts and dinghies is prohibited.
• Swimming is prohibited, and wading above chest height is prohibited.
• No more than two rods may normally be used.
• Fish must not be placed on hard surfaces.
• Dogs must be kept under control on a lead.

Where it is