Cholsey West Bank (RDAA — ex LAA, from Jun 2024)

River level

The lowdown

• This is the Cholsey section on the west bank, reached from Ferry Lane and linked with the former Cholsey ferry landing.
• RDAA lists South Stoke & Cholsey as shared water, so make sure you’re on the right section before settling into a swim.
• It’s classic middle Thames country. The checked details don’t give depths, peg numbers or named features, so there’s no point pretending otherwise.
• The bank can be a bit awkward underfoot, with uneven ground, slippery banks and undercut edges. Take care, especially when the river is up.
• Flooding is also flagged, so keep an eye on conditions and don’t get caught out by a rising river.
• The River Thames close season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive under RDAA rules. Plan your trips around that window.
• A Bronze Permit gives 24-hour access from dawn to dusk at RDAA venues, with extra night fishing on river venues subject to the stated exclusions.
• You’re limited to 120 hours on any one venue in a seven-day period under the Bronze Permit. Handy to know if you’re planning a proper campaign.
• Members can take a guest, but only after getting a Guest Day Ticket. The member must stay with them, and the guest must remain within sight or earshot.
• Follow any venue signs and water-booking details, fish in a sporting manner, take unused bait home and return fish to the water they came from.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify a particular approach, peg pattern or river feature. Expect proper middle-Thames conditions and follow the venue signs and booking information on the day.

Access & tickets

Buy the £10 non-member day permit through the Clubmate booking service linked by RDAA. Guest tickets are also listed for Wallingford B.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• The River Thames close season is 15 March through 15 June inclusive.
• RDAA membership and permits are required for fishing RDAA waters.
• Fish in a sporting manner and respect landowners, wildlife and the environment.
• Unused bait must be removed from the venue.
• Dogs on RDAA-controlled property must be kept under control on a lead.
• Follow specific venue signs and water-booking information.
• A Bronze Permit limits fishing on any single venue to 120 hours in any seven-day period.
• Members may take a guest only after obtaining a Guest Day Ticket; the guest must be accompanied and remain within sight or earshot.
• Suitable unhooking equipment is required when targeting pike.
• All fish must be returned to the water from which they were caught.

Where it is