South Stoke — Ferry Lane (London Anglers Association)

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper steady Thames fishing rather than a frantic little stream. The water is described as slow and deep, and there’s depth right under the bank in places.
• The stretch runs for roughly 0.5 mile, from the gate at the bottom of Ferry Lane upstream to the railway bridge. Plenty of open-bank room to explore.
• Float fishing can put together some seriously heavy bream bags. With bream over 50 lb in total commonly reported from the area, a keepnet could get lively.
• Ledgering is well suited here, especially when you want to pin a bait down in that deeper flow. A sensible feeder approach should also be right in the mix.
• Roach are another big draw. Good bags can come on float or pole tactics, so it’s worth keeping things neat and searching the quieter bits.
• The far-bank boat moorings are described as a chub-holding feature. Chub to specimen size are present, with the trees on the opposite bank giving you another line to fish towards.
• There’s a broader Thames cast of characters too: carp have been caught more recently, while barbel, pike, perch and dace are also reported or expected here.
• Pike reach 20 lb according to the Association, and perch are reported approaching 4 lb. That’s a cheeky bonus if the coarse fishing goes quiet.
• The venue is bookable on Sundays, and night fishing is allowed at no extra cost. The river season runs from 16 June to 15 March inclusive.
• Access is via the signed route along Ferry Lane from South Stoke. Parking is right by the fishery entrance and suits anglers who can’t walk far, though large coaches may struggle.

Methods: Float and pole for roach and bream, with feeder or ledger tactics for the deeper water. Keep an eye on the moorings, far-bank trees and crease, and switch about if the swim goes quiet.

Access & tickets

Join through London Anglers Association and allow at least five working days after ordering: you must have your membership ticket before fishing. Membership access is advertised for Appleford, rather than a day-ticket offer.

Fish the club names

carp, bream, roach, pike, perch, barbel, chub, trout, rudd, crucian, eel, zander

Key rules

• Association membership is required for this non-public-access fishery.
• A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• The river season runs from 16 June to 15 March inclusive.
• The water is bookable on Sundays.
• Night fishing is permitted at no extra cost.

Where it is