Molesey Lock / Weir (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper lock-and-weir venue rather than a wandering riverbank stretch. The fishing is concentrated on one concrete platform beside the downstream weir channel.
• Getting there is straightforward enough: use Barge Walk, East Molesey, KT8 9AJ, cross the lock gates and footbridge over the boat rollers, then turn right for the platform.
• There’s no car park at the lock. Roadside parking is only an option where local restrictions allow, so don’t bank on pulling up right by the swim.
• The flow and depth will be shaped by the weir channel, giving you a focused bit of Thames water rather than miles of open bank. Worth taking time to read the crease and any slack water.
• Fishing is first come, first served, subject to availability. At Molesey, you’re also restricted to the lock keeper’s hours of duty.
• The fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. It’s shut from 15 March to 15 June, so check the dates before packing the gear.
• Access can be locked. Show your current permit to the lock keeper on arrival and they’ll provide access if needed. Toilets are available at the lock, which is handy.
• There’s no published peg count or fixed stretch length. In practice, this is a compact, platform-based venue, so keep the kit tidy and be ready to fish the available space.
• Coarse tactics and eel fishing can use up to two rods and lines where byelaws allow. Other species are limited to one rod and line. Keepnets are banned, and fishing upstream of the weir or from the bullnoses is a no-go.

Methods: A compact downstream weir-channel setup calls for tidy, controlled fishing around the flow and crease. Feeder or float approaches are the obvious starting points, with no keepnet fishing allowed.

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 Environment Agency lock and weir fishing permit and valid UK fishing rod licence are required.
• Fishing is first come, first served, subject to availability, and anglers must show their permit to the lock keeper on arrival.
• Fishing is permitted only in the downstream weir channel from the official concrete platform.
• Fishing upstream of weir structures and from bullnoses, the concrete islands separating weir sections, is prohibited.
• Keepnets are prohibited at all Environment Agency lock and weir fishing sites.
• Up to two rods and lines may be used for coarse fish and eels where byelaws allow; only one rod and line may be used for other species.
• Children under 16 must be continuously supervised. Both child and supervising adult need valid permits and rod licences.
• Salmon and sea trout must be returned when caught under a coarse fishing licence, and catches should be reported to the lock keeper or Environment Agency.

Where it is