Chalk stream Fishing

River Frome

“The Froom waters were clear as the pure River of Life shown to the Evangelist . . . ."
Tess of the d’Urbervilles Thomas Hardy

The River Frome is 30 miles long and considered to be the major chalkstream of southwest England. It rises from the Wessex Downs at Evershot, is joined by the Sydling Brook just upstream of Wrackleford, then River Cerne just below before heading through Dorchester, West Stafford, Ilsington and Bovington until it joins the sea at Wareham.

There was a time when the Frome was mostly fished for salmon – as recently as 1988 4,000 salmon a year were being caught – in recent times the run has declined but the beats near the estuary are still good for both salmon and sea trout. The decline of the migratory fish has been matched by a rise in the brown trout fishing, with the Frome and its tributaries gaining a reputation for a thriving wild trout population.

The season opens with a grannom hatch, followed by hawthorn, mayfly and blue-winged olives as the season progresses, with sedges rounding off the year.

ILSINGTON

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



	No. RODS 1-4+		COMPARE
No Dogs	3m	on site	3.3m
“Unspoilt wild fishing.” “Perfect wild brown trout in tough and immensely varied water. Halcyon!” “The guide, Tony, King, made all the difference.”

April 1 - May 15	£125 per Rod
May 16 - June 6	£195 per Rod
June 7 - September 30	£125 per Rod
October 1 - February 28 (grayling)	£95 per Rod

Ilsington Eco Lodge

The Eco Lodge at Ilsington was completed in 2016, one of the most remarkable buildings of its kind to be built in recent times.

This is truly a getaway-from-it-all, set in the beautiful chalkstream water meadows, miles from the nearest habitation. The single storey building is wrapped around the panoramic living area, with amazing views on which you will never see another living soul.

The lodge features a large living room, dining area, kitchen, rod room and three en-suite bedrooms. One double and two twins. The centrepiece of the living area is a log burning stove and glass doors that open on to the outside deck. There is excellent Wi-Fi. Dogs are welcome.

The 4 & 7 day rentals include fishing each day at Ilsington and the option (at no extra charge) to travel the 12 miles downstream for salmon and sea trout fishing at Holmewood just above the tidal mark of the River Frome.

Dorchester is our 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 daily fishing at Ilsington and sea trout/salmon at Holmewood

	4 nights	7 nights
April	£2,300	£4,025
May-June	£3,060	£5,355
July-September	£2,500	£4,375
October - February	£2,060	£3,605

Brown trout: April 1-September 30. Grayling: October 1-February 28. Sea trout: April 15-October 31. Salmon: March 15-August 31. Maximum party size six. Not suitable for young children.

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

Read about our 5lb wild trout

WRACKLEFORD

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

In recent years owner, Oliver Pope, has greatly improved the fishing with easier access, banks that are groomed without being manicured and huts. Six of the beats are on the main River Frome and the seventh on the Gaston Stream.

Each beat is suitable for one or two rods.



	No. RODS 1-6		COMPARE
No Dogs	3m	on site	1m
“The Frome through Wrackleford is a gem.” “Great fun, lots of mayfly madness and a super spot.” “Wrackleford is a lovely place to fish.”

T&S
Read Trout & Salmon

April 1 - 30	£80 per Rod
May 1 - 15	£125 per Rod
May 16 - June 19	£155 per Rod
June 20 - October 15	£100 per Rod
October 16 - January 31 (Grayling)	£50 per Rod

For further details, please complete our enquiry form or e-mail info@fishingbreaks.co.uk