Chalk stream Fishing

River Itchen

For some the River Itchen is the ultimate chalk stream. Much shorter than its counterpart the River Test (17 miles vs. 39 miles), the Itchen is formed by the Alre, Tichborne and Candover Brook, which come together just below Alresford.

For seven lovely miles it flows westerly through the now mostly defunct water meadow pastures until it reaches the ancient capital of England, Winchester. Heading south it flows almost beneath the shadow from the tower of the Cathedral, alongside the playing fields of Winchester College and on into open country again.

Eventually, fourteen miles into its journey the river reaches the conurbation of Southampton, turning brackish at the Woodmill salmon pool before spilling into the ocean.

AVINGTON

The River Itchen carrier at Avington is the perfect example of a small, gin-clear chalkstream where sight fishing is very much the order of the day. The fast flowing stream has plenty of small wild brownies, supplemented by brown trout that are reared at Avington.

This is all bank fishing where it is best to use a rod of around 8ft in the 3 weight range with dry fly or nymph, the latter allowed all season provided they are traditional chalkstream patterns. This is suitable for one rod or two friends.

The facilities are second to none with a comprehensive tackle shop, run by the ever helpful fishery manager Roger, with tackle for hire. The carriers are part of the famous Avington Lakes Fishery, home to many British trout records.

NEW FOR 2019 You may now buy tickets on the lakes which may be combined with your river ticket if you wish, including for the recently introduced Catch & Release lake.



		No. RODS 1-6		COMPARE
	Tackle shop & facilities	6m	4m	1.2m
“Proverbial gin clear water.” “Beautiful setting, well kept river and lakes. Plenty of fish.” “Great day. ”

SPECIAL OFFER : Free Avington C&R ticket (value £40) with every carrier ticket until August 31st. NB: Book the £55 carrier ticket and the C&R ticket is automatically included.

Trout river ticket : April 3 - September 30	£55 per rod
Grayling river ticket : October 1 - February 28	£35 per rod
Catch & release lake ticket : all year	£40 per rod
4 fish lake ticket : all year	£80 per rod
2 fish lake ticket: all year (8am-1pm)	£50 per rod

Closing times: please note fishing times are 8am-4.30pm in the winter and 8am-5.30pm in the summer.

KANARA

Kanara has one of the longest histories of any day rod fishery, dating way back to the late 1960’s when the late ‘Scrappy’ Hay of the Rod Box almost invented the concept of day tickets at a time when most of the best water was impossible to access.

This is a true wading beat. Yes, there are a few sections to fish from the bank but once you are in with your chest waders you will not want to get out. There are deep slow sections, fast riffle, plenty of overhangs and undercuts, plus weirs and a huge hatch pool.

The fish are both wild and stocked, with both salmon and sea trout often seen. This is a beat for one or two Rods.



	No. RODS 1-2	FISHERY FACT SHEET	COMPARE
No Dogs	3m	3m	0.8m
“Will definitely book again.” “Lovely streamy clear water. Looked like a chalkstream should.” “Great variety of water."

April 16 – May 8	£169 per rod
May 9 – June 5	£229 per rod
June 6 – September 30	£153 per rod
October 1 - December 31 (grayling)	£85 per rod

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

QING YA XI LODGE

Formerly known as Kingfisher Lodge, Qing Ya Xi, which roughly translates as 'tranquil water' from the original Mandarin, is a truly delightful fishery.

This is really three beats within a single beat: the leat, the navigation and the main river proper. The fast, tumbling leat has a host of wild fish, the slower flowing navigation the big, fussy fish and the main River Itchen ideal for sight fishing.

With great variety, a lovely fishing room and plenty of scope to wander this is ideal for a single Rod or parties of two or three.



	No. RODS 1-3	FISHERY FACT SHEET	COMPARE
	3m	3m	0.8m
“Good clear water. Well kept bank. Friendly owner and keeper. Good hut. Perfect day really.” “One of the best beats we have fished.”

April 16 – May 8	£185 per rod
May 9 – June 5	£251 per rod
June 6 – September 30	£159 per rod
October 1 - December 31 (grayling)	£103 per rod

Minimum booking 2 rods May 9 - June 5.

SHAWFORD PARK

Shawford Park is a hidden gem in the grounds of the magnificent Shawford Park House that dates back to the fifteenth century.

The private estate employs full time river keeper Pete Glyn-Jones who has looked after the fishing for a decade with great care. There are two beats, both of which you will fish, one on the main river and the other a fast carrier. In total they provide close to a mile of water in wonderful surroundings.

There is the option to wade the carrier of you wish, but you’ll have no problem if you want to stay on the bank. The fishing is available for single rods or parties of up to four. There is a simple fishing hut and easy parking.



	No. RODS 1-4		COMPARE
No Dogs	1/4m	1m	1/8m
“Beautiful location.” “I would go there again.”

April 16 – May 8	£225 per rod
May 9 – June 5	£300 per rod
June 6 – October 2	£195 per rod

< Back to the top