Tadpole Bridge — North Bank (Clanfield AC)

River level

The lowdown

• This is the north bank, with the fishery running three fields downstream from Tadpole Bridge. Nice and open, with that classic rural Thames feel.
• There are 16 pegs, so it’s a tidy little stretch rather than a huge slab of river. Worth having a good look before settling in.
• The river around the bridge is slow and meandering. Expect steady water rather than a roaring shove — bob on for a patient approach.
• The club’s main species across its waters are roach, chub, dace and perch. That gives you plenty to aim for with float or light feeder tackle.
• Trotting should suit the slower flow, especially where the glide runs cleanly along the meadow edge. Keep things neat and let the float work.
• A small feeder can be handy when the river’s carrying a bit of colour or the fish are holding off the main run. Don’t go mad with feed.
• Power cables cross the river at this section. There are warning signs beneath them, and anglers must not fish between those signs — easy one to miss, so clock it straight away.
• Parking is limited to the layby on the north bank. The club asks anglers not to park in front of gates, so keep access clear and avoid a proper faff for locals and farmers.
• The club acquired these fishing rights in June 2014. Membership rules apply, and breaches can lead to a permanent ban from all Clanfield AC waters — definitely worth reading the membership book.
• The official page doesn’t confirm night fishing here, and there’s no separate Tadpole Bridge species list or day-ticket price published. Treat it as a membership water unless the club confirms otherwise.

Methods: Light float tackle for trotting the steady glide, with a small feeder worth a bash if there’s colour or the fish are sitting deeper. Keep the feed measured and work the crease and meadow-side water.

Access & tickets

Membership is available from States Tackle in Witney and R.V.'s Tackle in Clanfield. Gate access keys cost £15, with the charge refundable if the angler does not re-join.

Fish the club names

roach, chub, perch

Named by Clanfield Angling Club across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• Do not fish between the warning signs beneath the power cables.
• Park only in the north-bank layby.
• Do not park in front of gates.
• Follow the rules in the membership book.
• Rule breaches can result in a permanent ban from all Clanfield Angling Club waters.

Where it is