Nestled in the rolling Oxfordshire countryside near Claydon, roughly five miles north of Banbury, Clattercote Reservoir stands as a testament to both engineering heritage and natural beauty. Described by the Canal & River Trust as the prettiest of all their reservoir fisheries, this 21-acre water body has been serving anglers and nature enthusiasts since its construction in 1787. Built on the site of a five-acre pool that once belonged to Clattercote Priory during its time as a lepers' hospital, the reservoir holds 55 million gallons of water when full and continues to fulfill its original purpose as a feeder reservoir for the Oxford Canal.
What truly sets Clattercote apart from other fisheries is its remarkable wooden walkway system—a modern engineering marvel that has transformed the fishing experience while preserving the venue's natural character. Almost completely surrounding the reservoir, this substantial wooden walkway leads to an impressive 122 individual jetty-style pegs that jut out into the water, with an additional 10 pegs positioned on the concrete dam wall. The walkway runs several metres from the bank in places, creating the extraordinary impression of fishing from a private island, with water and reeds behind and to either side of the angler. This innovative construction has opened up previously unfishable areas while carefully retaining the indigenous trees and shrubs that give the reservoir its distinctive character. Additional planting of willows and reeds has further enhanced the natural beauty, creating a venue that appeals as much to birdwatchers and walkers as it does to dedicated anglers.
The reservoir's reputation as a premier fishing destination is well-deserved, catering to match anglers, pleasure fishers, and specimen hunters alike. While weekends typically see the venue bustling with activity, mid-week visits offer plenty of space and tranquility for those seeking a more peaceful experience. The water is heavily stocked with carp ranging from 3 pounds to an impressive 30 pounds, with the average fish weighing around 8 pounds. These carp provide consistent sport throughout the season, and 100-pound-plus nets have become commonplace, testament to both the quality and quantity of fish present. The current match record stands at a remarkable 160 pounds, though competitive anglers regularly post weights that would have been considered exceptional just a few years ago.
Beyond the carp, Clattercote offers exceptional variety for anglers targeting different species. The bream population is particularly noteworthy, with fish averaging 2 pounds but specimens reaching 7 pounds. Match anglers have increasingly found success targeting bream, with catches of up to 40 pounds becoming more common, and pleasure anglers regularly recording bags in the 70-pound range. Tench provide superb sport from April through October, with fish reaching 7 pounds, and they're particularly prolific in the shallower top end of the reservoir, which runs to about five feet deep and represents one of the most pleasant and productive areas to fish.
The reservoir also holds a healthy population of crucian carp exceeding 3 pounds—a rare treat for specimen hunters seeking these increasingly scarce fish. Perch to 3 pounds provide exciting sport, particularly for anglers using smaller baits, while the pike fishing can be spectacular, with fish to 27 pounds recorded. Roach fishing presents a particular challenge, with the venue record standing at 2 pounds 10 ounces, though catches of these beautiful silver fish are relatively rare. Weights of well over 20 pounds of roach are regularly taken by those who specifically target them. Even chub make an appearance, with fish to 4 pounds 8 ounces present, though they're rarely seen and represent an unexpected bonus for lucky anglers.
Understanding the reservoir's depth profile and structure is crucial for consistent success. The deepest water lies at the dam end, running to approximately 25 feet near the outlet. This dam wall area is exceptionally productive and particularly popular with night anglers because it's flat, level, and ideal for erecting bivvies. Floating baits like dog biscuits prove particularly effective here, especially during warmer months when carp cruise in the upper layers. About a rod length out from the sides throughout the reservoir, the water typically runs between five and eight feet deep, gradually shelving to about 12 feet in the middle. This consistent depth profile makes it relatively straightforward to find fish-holding areas, though local knowledge of the favoured pegs certainly helps.
The top end of the reservoir is naturally shallower at around five feet and represents a favourite haunt for tench, offering a very pleasant and productive fishing experience. Three conservation islands at this end provide obvious features to fish towards, and the combination of shallow water, natural cover, and these structural features makes this area particularly attractive to fish. The islands also support diverse wildlife, adding to the venue's appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Experienced anglers at Clattercote have learned that the venue fishes best when wind blows towards the dam wall, with pegs 90-120 being particularly favoured under these conditions. However, the beauty of having 132 pegs available means there's almost always somewhere productive to fish regardless of conditions. For carp anglers seeking to avoid the smaller roach, tench, and bream, pegs 40-50 at the top end are ideal when using large baits. These swims allow specimen hunters to target the bigger fish without the constant interruption of smaller species.
Bait selection at Clattercote follows both traditional and modern approaches. Popular choices include maggot, sweetcorn, trout pellets, bread, various meats, boilies, and paste baits. White chocolate boilies proved particularly successful in previous seasons, though as with all fisheries, bait preferences can change as fish become educated. The key is to remain adaptable and willing to experiment. Many successful anglers maintain a varied approach, starting with one bait and switching if results aren't forthcoming.
Technique-wise, the most popular approach involves waggler fishing in about eight feet of water, approximately a rod length out, targeting tench and silver fish. This traditional method remains highly effective and allows anglers to enjoy the classic pleasure of watching a float disappear. For carp in open water, the traditional feeder, Method Feeder, and Bagging Waggler all produce excellent results. The Method Feeder has become increasingly popular, allowing anglers to present hookbaits surrounded by free offerings that quickly attract feeding fish. Traditional feeder techniques work particularly well for bream, with anglers able to build swims through regular feeding and enjoy sustained periods of action once the shoals move in.
A word of caution for those targeting the reservoir's carp: strong tackle is essential. A minimum of 10-pound line strength is recommended straight through to a maximum Size 8 hook. This might seem heavy-handed to some, but there's good reason for it. Hooked fish often bolt towards the bank, seeking refuge under the staging and in the weed beds. Light tackle in these situations leads to lost fish and potentially damaged tackle. The carp at Clattercote are powerful, and in the confined space between the walkway and the bank, they have every advantage. Better to be over-gunned than under-prepared.
One of Clattercote's most appealing features for dedicated anglers is that night fishing is allowed—unusual for day-ticket waters and a real bonus for those seeking the bigger specimens that often feed more confidently under cover of darkness. The reservoir is open 24 hours per day all year round, though the best fishing season typically runs between June and November when water temperatures are higher and fish are feeding most actively. The dam wall's flat, level surface makes it the natural choice for night sessions, providing ample space for bivvies and allowing anglers to fish in comfort.
Facilities at the venue include a portable toilet on site, and permits are conveniently available on the bank from the patrolling bailiff. From 1 January 2025, pricing is structured as follows: adult one rod £8, concession one rod £6, second rod £4, evening sessions (adult or concession) £6, and night fishing (24 hours with two rods) £25. Match peg fees are £8, with reduced rates available for three-hour evening competitions on request. Concessionary permits are available to anglers holding concessionary rod licences, making the venue accessible to junior anglers, seniors, and disabled anglers.
Rules at Clattercote are straightforward and designed to protect both the fishery and the fishing experience. Groundbait is allowed, enabling anglers to build swims and attract fish to their areas. However, keepnets are not allowed except during matches, when two nets are required. This rule helps protect fish welfare while still allowing match anglers to accurately weigh their catches. Anglers are not permitted to fish the water behind the walkway—this area serves as a sanctuary for fish and helps maintain the healthy stock levels that make the venue so productive.
Access to Clattercote Reservoir is straightforward. From M40 Junction 11, take the road for Banbury then the A423 signposted to Southam. About five miles towards Southam, turn right at the road signed for Claydon. The entrance to Clattercote is about a mile down on the right. The full address is Mollington Road, Near Claydon, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX17 1EN. For any queries, the head bailiff can be contacted on 07582 837181.
Beyond its reputation as a fishing venue, Clattercote Reservoir serves as a peaceful spot for birdwatching and walking. The tranquil waters surrounded by countryside, the mature trees and shrubs providing habitat for diverse wildlife, and the conservation islands supporting various species all combine to create an environment that appeals to families and nature enthusiasts as well as anglers. It's not uncommon to see non-fishing visitors enjoying the walkway, taking in the views, and appreciating the peaceful atmosphere that pervades this corner of Oxfordshire.
The reservoir's management by the Canal & River Trust ensures that it's maintained to high standards, with regular stocking programs keeping fish populations healthy and diverse. The Trust's investment in the wooden walkway system demonstrates their commitment to making the venue accessible while preserving its natural character—a balance that's often difficult to achieve but has been accomplished admirably at Clattercote.
For match anglers, Clattercote offers a fair and challenging venue where watercraft and adaptability are rewarded. The variety of species present means that anglers must make tactical decisions about which fish to target, and conditions can change throughout a match, requiring quick thinking and technique changes. The fact that matches are increasingly being won with decent catches of bream shows how the venue continues to evolve, with different species coming to the fore at different times.
Pleasure anglers will find Clattercote equally rewarding, with the opportunity to enjoy varied sport in beautiful surroundings. The mid-week peace and quiet, combined with the almost guaranteed action from the heavily stocked carp population, makes for relaxing and productive sessions. The ability to target different species depending on mood and conditions adds to the appeal—one day you might focus on waggler fishing for tench in the shallow top end, the next you could be feeder fishing for bream in the deeper water, and the day after that you might try surface fishing for carp off the dam wall.
Specimen hunters will appreciate the quality fish present across multiple species. The carp to 30 pounds, bream to 7 pounds, tench to 7 pounds, pike to 27 pounds, and crucian carp over 3 pounds all represent realistic targets for dedicated anglers. The venue record roach of 2 pounds 10 ounces stands as a particular challenge—roach of this size are rare anywhere in the country, and catching one from Clattercote would represent a genuine red-letter day.
The historical significance of the site adds an extra dimension to any visit. Standing on the modern walkway, rod in hand, it's worth reflecting that you're fishing a water body that has existed for over two centuries, built on a site with connections stretching back to medieval times when Clattercote Priory served as a lepers' hospital. The reservoir has witnessed enormous changes in fishing tackle, techniques, and attitudes, yet its fundamental purpose—storing water for the canal system—remains unchanged. This continuity of purpose, combined with its evolution into a premier fishing venue, makes Clattercote a special place that connects past and present.
Whether you're a match angler seeking competitive glory, a pleasure angler wanting a relaxing day in beautiful surroundings, a specimen hunter targeting personal bests, or simply someone who appreciates the combination of heritage, natural beauty, and quality fishing, Clattercote Reservoir delivers. Its reputation as the prettiest of the Canal & River Trust's reservoir fisheries is well-earned, and the fishing lives up to the setting. With 132 pegs to choose from, diverse species to target, and the flexibility to fish day or night throughout the year, Clattercote offers something for everyone. It's a venue that rewards repeat visits, as anglers gradually learn its moods and patterns, discover favourite pegs, and develop the watercraft that turns good sessions into great ones. In an age when many fisheries can feel commercial and formulaic, Clattercote retains a sense of character and authenticity that makes every visit memorable.
