The River Thame is a productive mixed fishery offering excellent opportunities for coarse anglers, with consistent populations of carp, barbel, and bream throughout its course. The river's moderate water quality supports a diverse range of species and provides good sport for both specimen hunters and match anglers. Access is generally good at numerous points along the waterway, though anglers should check local Environment Agency permits and riparian rights before fishing any specific stretch.
The statutory close season on River Thame runs 15 March – 15 June (rivers). No coarse fishing is permitted during this period. Beyond the rod licence, fishing rights on River Thame are typically held by local angling clubs — check with the relevant club or day ticket provider before visiting.
River Thame is a navigable waterway managed by Environment Agency covering Cricklade (Wiltshire) to Teddington (SW London). EA lock & weir permit fishing at 19 sites (Buscot to Molesey). Rod licence + permit required. Season 16 Jun–14 Mar. Free fishing on tidal Thames below Teddington with rod licence only.
Water level data from the Environment Agency Real Time Flood Monitoring API. Nearest gauging station. Always verify conditions on arrival.
Filter by water type, species and access. View River Thame and thousands of other UK fishing venues on the interactive map.
River Thame holds common carp, carp, barbel, bream, chub, roach, rudd, tench, dace, perch, pike, gudgeon, trout, eel, bleak, ruffe.
Carp are a popular target on River Thame — handle carefully with a landing net and unhooking mat, and return promptly.
Trout fishing on River Thame may be subject to season restrictions set by the local club or riparian owner — always confirm before your session.
An EA rod licence is required by law to fish River Thame. Club membership or a day ticket is also required on most stretches.
River Thame is a navigable waterway managed by Environment Agency (Cricklade (Wiltshire) to Teddington (SW London)).
EA lock & weir permit fishing at 19 sites (Buscot to Molesey). Rod licence + permit required. Season 16 Jun–14 Mar. Free fishing on tidal Thames below Teddington with rod licence only.
Registration required: EA boat registration required.
Speed limit: 8 knots (some stretches 5 knots).
Image via Wikipedia · Used under Creative Commons licence
To fish River Thame, you need a valid EA rod licence, available online from gov.uk. Annual, day and 8-day licences are available. In addition to the rod licence, you will need club membership or a day ticket from the controlling angling club or riparian owner for most stretches of River Thame.
Always check conditions before you visit. Water quality, access and rules can change seasonally. The EA's Catchment Data Explorer provides up-to-date water quality information for River Thame.
Other UK fishing waters near River Thame on PiscaMaps:
