Rushey Lock / Weir (EA)

River level

The lowdown

• The official spot is Rushey Lock, Buckland Marsh, Oxfordshire, with access from Tadpole Bridge, SN7 8RF.
• From Tadpole Bridge, follow the lock access path west and upstream. You reach the fishing area by crossing the lock gates and weir walkway.
• Fishing is confined to the downstream side of the weir, inside the fenced area. It’s a compact water rather than a long riverbank wander.
• There’s no car park at the lock. Roadside parking is permitted at Tadpole Bridge, according to the EA guide. Toilets are available at the lock.
• A footpath crosses the weir walkway, so keep it clear. Don’t obstruct walkers while getting tackle and kit across.
• This isn’t an all-day, roll-up-and-fish job. Rushey isn’t listed for dawn-to-dusk access, so fishing is limited to lock-keeper duty hours.
• The permit season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. The fishery is shut from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• It’s first come, first served, subject to capacity. The EA pages don’t give a Rushey-specific length or peg count, so expect a short, managed fishing area rather than numbered swims.
• The site rules are tight around the weir. No fishing from banks upstream of weir structures, and no fishing from bullnoses between weir sections.
• No keepnets are allowed at EA Thames lock-and-weir sites. The permit covers up to two rods and lines, while lead weights from 0.06g to 28.35g are prohibited under the EA restrictions.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The checked details don’t name target species or recommend a particular approach, so there’s no bob-on method call to make here. Treat it as a compact, managed weir fishery and stick closely to the EA access and tackle rules.

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 lock-and-weir fishing permit is required.
• A UK fishing rod licence is also required.
• Fishing is first come, first served, subject to capacity.
• The permit season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive; fishing is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Up to two rods and lines may be used at one time.
• Keepnets are prohibited at all EA Thames lock-and-weir sites.
• Fishing is prohibited from banks upstream of weir structures and from bullnoses between weir sections.
• Lead weights from 0.06g to 28.35g are prohibited.
• Do not obstruct the footpath across the weir walkway.
• Anglers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and both need permits and rod licences.

Where it is