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Sandford Lock / Weir (EA)

Sandford Lock / Weir is an Environment Agency lock-and-weir fishery on the River Thames at Sandford-on-Thames. There are three designated fishing areas, with day-ticket fishing available in the main river during the winter-only window.

Run by Environment Agency · checked 12 Oct 2026 · boundaries only partly described by the club

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Sandford-on-Thames 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

  • There are three designated fishing areas, so make sure you’re heading to the right one before tackling up.
  • The Sandford Weir area is reached by following the towpath north and upstream, then taking the side channel. A key from the lock keeper is needed for access.
  • Fishing from the weir walkway is permitted, and the weir stream can be fished from either bank. Handy if one side is busy or the flow looks better opposite.
  • On the lock side of the footbridge, fishing is restricted to upstream of the bridge. South of the footbridge, you can fish either upstream or downstream of it.
  • The day-fishing area sits in the main river from the end of the island. It’s available from 31 October to 14 March only, making it a proper winter option.
  • Fishing spaces aren’t guaranteed. They’re allocated first come, first served, so don’t bank on having your favourite swim waiting.
  • The rules are tight around the structures. Fishing upstream of weir structures or from bullnoses is prohibited, and you must stick to designated areas and authorised routes.
  • Keepnets are banned at Environment Agency lock-and-weir sites. Night fishing isn’t permitted either; Sandford works around the lock keeper’s duty hours.
  • There’s no parking at the lock itself. Use the car park at the end of Sandford Lane, or roadside parking in Sandford-on-Thames where local restrictions allow.
  • No toilets are available at the lock. A valid UK rod licence is required, and permit holders must show their permit to the lock keeper on arrival.

Methods: The checked details don’t specify particular tactics or named fish for this stretch. Stick to the authorised areas and work with the flow and space available on the day.

Access & tickets

2026-2027 annual lock-and-weir permit — adult

Permit season runs from 16 June 2026 to 14 March 2027. Allows up to two rods and lines for coarse fish and eels where byelaws allow; only one rod and line for other species.

£38 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

2026-2027 concessionary permit

For senior citizens over 60, juniors aged 13 to 16 inclusive and registered Blue Badge holders. Permit season runs from 16 June 2026 to 14 March 2027.

£24 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Day ticket — day-fishing area

Available for the main-river day-fishing area from 31 October to 14 March only. Existing permit holders do not have to pay the day-ticket charge.

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

  • Fishing is only allowed from designated areas and via authorised routes.
  • A key from the lock keeper is required for the Sandford Weir area.
  • No fishing during the coarse-fishing closed season, 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
  • Keepnets are prohibited at Environment Agency lock-and-weir sites.
  • Fishing upstream of weir structures or from bullnoses is prohibited.
  • Night fishing is not permitted.
  • A valid UK rod licence is required.
  • Permit holders must show their permit to the lock keeper on arrival.

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.

Community reported

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How busy was it?

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No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.

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