For the first time in living memory Ilsington is available having been a private syndicate for as long as anyone can recall.

With close to 5 miles to discover this is a true wild trout paradise. Trout over 3lbs are regularly caught and parties will often catch thirty fish or more fish between them. With the main river, carriers and the truly delightful North Stream the sheer scope and variety of the fishing is amazing.

From mid-summer salmon and sea trout are regularly caught. Ilsington is also THE place to head for huge grayling having set the British record on three occasions in the past two decades including the latest at 4lb 8oz caught on the fly in February 2019.

Watch the 1:29 minute Directors Cut of CHALK filmed at Ilsington

Ilsington Eco Lodge

NOW BOOKING FOR 2021. NO NEW BOOKINGS FOR 2020 though Day Rod fishing remains available. The Eco Lodge at Ilsington was completed in 2016, one of the most remarkable buildings of its kind to be built in recent times.

The Eco Lodge at Ilsington was completed in 2016, one of the most remarkable buildings of its kind to be built in recent times. Its genesis was as a private funded centre for the continuing Game Conservancy research into chalkstream salmon. Today it discretely houses state-of-the art scientific equipment in an annexe that tracks every single tagged salmon that leaves or enters the River Frome, identifying not just numbers but individual fish so we now are able to tell for the first time ever exactly when, and for how long, each fish is in the ocean. However, the Lodge with its futuristic design and slightly James Bond baddie-lair feel, is also a fantastic place to stay. The main living area has a panoramic view over the water meadows, a log burning stove and with seating on the outside deck.

There are three en-suite bedrooms, large kitchen, and rod/drying/washing room. There is also Wi-Fi. Outside there is ample parking, dog kennel and last but not least, five miles of wild trout River Frome fishing to explore, plus the sea trout and salmon at Holmewood as an added option.

The lodge is self-catering, let on an exclusive basis for two nights or more. Add as much fishing as you require with non-fishing guests are most welcome. Dorchester is our local market town with plenty of dining choices though you will be hard pressed to do better that our local The Wise Men.

Eco Lodge
with day/night pass for trout at Ilsington and sea trout/salmon at Holmewood

Brown trout: April 1-October 15. Sea trout: April 15-October 31. Salmon: March 15-August 31. Minimum 2-night booking. Maximum no. rods 6 with 3 at any time at Holmewood. Rates for 5 nights or longer on request.

Eco Lodge
with sea trout/salmon at Holmewood

Sea trout: April 15-October 31. Salmon: March 15-August 31. Minimum 2-night booking. Maximum no. rods 3. Rates for 5 nights or longer on request.

To book the Lodge and fishing combined email us or complete the enquiry form. Day rods may be booked online.

For sheer variety the fishing at Wrackleford is hard to better with eight beats that have bank or wading options, plus a good blend of wild fish supplemented by a healthy balance of stocking.

In recent years the Estate has greatly improved the fishing, with easier access, banks that are groomed without being manicured and huts for the fishermen. Seven of the beats are on the main River Frome, but the eighth is on the tributary the Sydling Brook, ideal for anyone who likes stealth and accurate casting.

Each beat is suitable for one or two rods.

April 1-30

£75 per Rod

May 1-15

£120 per Rod

May 16- June 19

£150 per Rod

June 20- September 30

£95 per Rod

October 1- January 31 (Grayling)

£50 per Rod