Shiplake — Downstream of Railway Bridge (Private Syndicate)

River level

The lowdown

• The club has access to both sides of Shiplake Railway Bridge, giving you plenty of bank to explore rather than one fixed line of pegs.
• Downstream, the water finishes where the riverside footpath leaves the river at the houses. Upstream, it runs beyond Shiplake College to the gate opposite Hallsmead Island.
• The official club description calls it a prime stretch of the Thames, and there’s a variety of swims along the bank. Handy if you fancy moving around and finding the right water.
• Early summer through winter is the stated fishing window. Summer mornings and late evenings can be especially productive — and pretty scenic too.
• Expect the usual Thames mix, with roach, dace, bream and chub recorded from the stretch. Good-sized carp have also been landed, especially in the swims above the lock.
• Look for the crease, steadier glides and any softer water close to the bank. Those are the sort of areas worth checking before settling in.
• Trotting should be well worth a look for the roach, dace and chub when the river has a bit of pace. A feeder approach could suit bream and any deeper, steadier swim.
• Winter fishing is included, but extreme weather can make things difficult. Pick your conditions carefully and don’t be surprised if the river gets a bit awkward.
• This is daytime water according to the club information. No night-fishing permission, parking arrangements, peg count or measured stretch length is stated.
• Don’t mix this club stretch up with the Environment Agency’s separate Shiplake Lock and weir fishery. That’s a different bit of water, and the latest guidance says it’s unavailable.

Methods: Try trotting a float through the steadier runs for roach, dace and chub, or use a feeder in deeper, quieter water for bream. For carp, concentrate on the swims above the lock and keep things sensible around the bank.

Access & tickets

Annual fishing permits can be bought from the village shop in Lower Shiplake. For further information, the club gives 0118 940 6160.

Fish the club names

carp, bream, roach, chub

Key rules

• Daytime fishing only, as described by the club.
• Fishing is available from early summer through winter.
• No detailed hook, bait, keepnet or rod rules are stated on the rights-holder page.
• The club stretch is separate from the Environment Agency’s Shiplake Lock and weir fishery.
• Winter fishing can be difficult during extreme weather.

Where it is