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Pinkhill Lock / Weir (AOAA)

A proper varied bit of rural Thames around Pinkhill Lock, with an upper-lock field, downstream left-bank water and the weir stream all in the mix. It’s A&OAA water, so you’ll need the right coarse permit before fishing.

Run by Abingdon & Oxford Anglers Alliance · checked 12 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Pinkhill Lock gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • The venue sits near Farmoor and Pinkhill Lock, with two main sections to get your head around.
  • Up top, the water is one field on the right bank when heading upstream. Access is across the weir, so check the official route before setting off.
  • Downstream, the stretch follows the left bank from Paxford Bridge towards Bablock Hythe. The water carries on towards Daisy Ditch too.
  • The weir stream is included, starting roughly 40 metres below the weir. That gives the venue a different bit of character from the quieter river sections.
  • A&OAA describes the water as varying throughout the stretch. In plain English, expect a proper mix rather than one samey run from end to end.
  • It’s rural Thames fishing with varied river features. That should suit anglers who like moving about and picking the right-looking swim on the day.
  • Named fish include roach, chub, perch, pike, bream, carp, barbel, tench, dace and brown trout. A handy spread of coarse species.
  • Access for the downstream section starts from the road towards Paxford Bridge. A&OAA says the water begins about 150 metres from the bridge, so there’s a short walk involved.
  • Parking is in laybys outside Farmoor, including one near the cruiser station. Farmoor Reservoir parking may be used for fishing above Pinkhill Weir, subject to ranger arrangements and a possible annual permit.
  • No specific tactics are set out in the checked details, so the clever play is to read the varying water, watch the features and pick the approach that suits the swim.

Methods: The checked details don’t name specific methods. The stretch’s varied character means the swim and conditions will dictate the approach on the day.

Access & tickets

2026 adult coarse permit

Provides access to A&OAA coarse waters, including rivers and lakes.

£45 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026 OAP or junior coarse permit

Seasonal coarse permit. OAP permit £25; junior permit £5.

OAP £25; junior £5 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026 night-fishing add-on

Additional permit required for night fishing. Shown as out of stock when checked.

£100 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Get an Alliance coarse-fishing permit through its online shop, and carry the official digital permit as proof of membership. The checked shop does not list a public one-day ticket.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

  • All fish must be returned live, except permitted livebaits.
  • No wading, boating or bathing.
  • Use the official access and parking arrangements.
  • Fishing must not begin until the permit has been received by email or post, as applicable.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

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