Dorchester-on-Thames (Dorchester Angling Society)

River level

The lowdown

• Dorchester Angling Society runs approximately three miles of fishing across the Thames and Thame. The society has been looking after local fishing since the early 1930s.
• The Thames locations include Hurst Water Meadow, Church Farm and other Dorchester-area stretches. Hurst fishing is managed on behalf of the community by the society.
• Hurst Water Meadow includes the River Thame south bank, the Mill Stream — but not the Overy mill pool — and the eastern bank of Buck Pool over the weir and sluice bridges.
• There’s a bit of variety here. Expect meadow water, stream sections, pools, weirs and sluice bridges rather than one uniform run of river.
• The Hurst season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. The general coarse-fishing close season is 15 March to 15 June inclusive, so check the calendar before planning a cheeky session.
• Roach, bream, chub, barbel, perch, pike, tench and carp are named for these fisheries. Chub are noted in colder months, while barbel, perch and pike offer some proper interest.
• Reported sizes include roach to about 2 lb, bream to about 8 lb, chub around 6–7 lb, barbel over 10 lb, perch of 2–3 lb and pike over 10 lb.
• The Hurst area has parking beside the school wall in Manor Farm Road or at the public car park at Bridge End. Cars are forbidden on the meadow and must not be driven down the lane.
• There’s a temporary 2026 closure from Bucks Pool to the Hurst entry bridge for fish-pass construction. The remaining section to Dorchester Bridge stayed available, so make sure you fish the open bit.
• Night fishing is allowed at Church Farm and Hurst Water Trust Meadow. It’s available by application from Thame Stream Bridge to Meadside Gate, but not from Meadside Gate to Keen Edge Ferry or on the Thame from Dorchester Bridge to Thame Stream Bridge.

Methods: The variety should suit classic coarse approaches, from trotting and float work in the running water to feeder tactics where the swims allow. Barbel, chub and bream give you plenty to aim at as conditions change.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are not currently available. Fishing is through Dorchester Angling Society membership, with an Environment Agency rod licence also required.

Fish the club names

roach, bream, chub, barbel, perch, pike, tench, carp

Key rules

• Membership is required for the society fisheries.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is also required.
• All fish must be returned unharmed.
• Fishing is prohibited on adjacent private land.
• Take litter home and leave banks and trees as found.
• Fires are prohibited.
• Lead weights and discarded fishing line are prohibited because of wildlife risks.
• Observe the temporary 2026 closure from Bucks Pool to the Hurst entry bridge for fish-pass construction.

Where it is