River Thames — Buscot Weir to Inglesham/Roundhouse, via Lechlade

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper river fishing rather than a stillwater job — the club’s Roughgrounds Lake is separate. The stretch follows the Thames through a lively mix of open river and lockside water.
• The run starts at Buscot Weir, takes in Bloomers Field and St John’s Lock, then carries on through Lechlade towards the Roundhouse at Inglesham. Plenty of classic upper-Thames character.
• Expect flowing water around the weirs and locks, with the Lechlade section sitting in a popular riverside recreation and tourism area. It’s a proper bit of river, not a tucked-away puddle.
• The water is described as well managed, and the club organises matches and events. That usually means the stretch gets plenty of angling attention, so keep an eye on swims and give other anglers room.
• Flow is the big feature here. Look for the crease, steadier water and changes in pace around the lock and weir areas. Those are the spots to work when the river has a bit of colour or extra push.
• Trotting is the obvious river approach where the flow allows, with a feeder worth considering when you want to pin a bait down. Keep things tidy and work the water rather than charging straight in.
• Fishing is limited to published hours: sunrise to sunset. There’s no night fishing on any Highworth Angling Club water, so pack up before dark and don’t try to sneak in a cheeky after-hours session.
• Lechlade Riverside Park is a nearby parking option, though it isn’t stated as an exclusive angler car park. Be considerate around this popular riverside area and avoid causing a faff for other visitors.
• Important one: a private signed section of the smaller lock stretch at Buscot must not be fished. Respect the signs, carry your entitlement and expect club bailiffs or officials to check it.

Methods: A bob-on starting point is trotting the flowing water, switching to feeder work when you need to hold bottom. Fish the creases, steadier water and lockside changes of pace, especially when the river carries a bit of colour.

Access & tickets

Non-members can buy a River day ticket for £5 from RV Tackle and Bait, The Trout Inn in Lechlade, Lechlade Post Office, or Angling Direct in Swindon. Members need to carry a valid Highworth Angling Club membership card.

Fish the club names

The club doesn't list species for this stretch, so we haven't guessed.

Key rules

• Carry your River day ticket while fishing.
• Members must carry a valid club membership card.
• Club bailiffs or officials may request proof of entitlement.
• Night fishing is not permitted on any Highworth Angling Club water.
• Fish only from sunrise to sunset.
• Do not fish the private signed section of the smaller lock stretch at Buscot.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required in addition to the club ticket.

Where it is