Clifton Hampden Lock / Weir (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper lock-and-weir setting, with the fishable area marked in red on the official site map. Keep to the signposted section beside the lock cut.
• Fishing is from the footpath in the designated area. Availability is first come, first served, so there’s no booking a swim or saving a peg.
• The site guide points anglers south-west and upstream from the lock. That’s the bit to follow once you arrive and get your bearings.
• Clifton is fishable from dawn until dusk only. No sneaky night sessions here, so pack up before light fades.
• You’ll need a current Environment Agency River Thames lock and weir permit, plus a valid UK fishing rod licence. Show the permit to the lock keeper when you arrive.
• The permit allows up to two rods and lines for coarse fish and eels where the bylaws allow. For other species, it’s one rod and line only.
• Keepnets are banned at all Environment Agency lock and weir sites. Also keep well clear of banks upstream of weir structures, bullnoses and the concrete islands between weir sections.
• There’s no parking at the lock itself and no toilets on site. Parking may be available at the car park near the Barley Mow pub where local restrictions permit.
• The coarse-fishing closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. The 2026–2027 permit season runs from 16 June 2026 to 14 March 2027.

Methods: The permit setup covers coarse-fishing and eel angling with up to two rods where bylaws allow. Other species are limited to one rod and line, and keepnets aren’t 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 River Thames lock and weir permit is required.
• A valid UK fishing rod licence is also required.
• Show the permit to the lock keeper on arrival.
• Fishing is only from the designated, signposted footpath area beside the lock cut.
• Do not fish from banks upstream of weir structures.
• Do not fish from bullnoses or concrete islands separating weir sections.
• Keepnets are prohibited.
• Children under 16 must be continuously supervised by an adult, and both adult and child must hold valid permits.

Where it is