Wallingford Lower — downstream of bridge (Jolly Anglers AC)

River level

The lowdown

• This is the lower Wallingford water below the bridge, in the town area. The official map confirms it as shared Thames fishing.
• RDAA also lists Town Waters from the three firs to the wooden bridge, plus other Wallingford sections including Chalmore, BMH and Fairmile. Check the map carefully so you’re on the right bit.
• The venue page doesn’t give a fixed length or peg count for this downstream stretch. So expect a waterway rather than a neatly numbered bank of pegs.
• Named fish include barbel, chub, roach, perch, zander and pike. RDAA says most Thames species may be present too.
• The river has a proper mixed-species feel, with plenty of scope for anglers who like changing approach as the water and target fish dictate.
• The rules keep you well away from structures: no fishing within 25 metres of bridges or connected structures, and 30 metres from overhead power cables.
• Cemetery Lane is listed for Town Waters parking. There are also upstream and downstream parking points shown on the official map using what3words locations.
• If using the bypass-bridge access, get the car fully off the road. No parking faff is worth creating a safety problem.
• Rivers have a close season from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Outside that, check the permitted fishing times if you don’t hold the relevant night permit.
• No official day-ticket price is listed for this exact stretch, and the venue page directs anglers to the RDAA membership system for permits.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: The checked details name the fish but don’t prescribe a particular method, so choose your approach around the species you’re after and the conditions on the day. Trotting, feeder or lure work may suit different targets, but confirm the current venue rules first.

Access & tickets

This is listed as a General Permit venue. The venue page directs anglers to the RDAA membership system for permits; no current Jolly Anglers A.C. price list was found.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, perch, zander, pike

Named by Reading & District Angling Association and Jolly Anglers A.C. across its waters, not for this stretch on its own.

Key rules

• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required alongside the RDAA permit.
• Rivers have a close season from 15 March to 15 June inclusive.
• Do not fish within 25 metres of bridges or connected structures, or within 30 metres of overhead power cables.
• Do not fish from landing stages or permanent moorings.
• Do not remove fish from RDAA-controlled waters.
• Do not move live-bait fish between waters. Crayfish trapping and crayfish bait are prohibited.
• Remove litter from the swim or peg. Open fires, camping and overnight vehicle stays are prohibited without prior Fisheries Officer agreement.
• Fishing from boats, canoes, kayaks, punts or dinghies is prohibited. Anglers are limited to two rods, and swims or pegs cannot be reserved apart from a maximum 20-minute tackle-gathering allowance.

Where it is