Chalk stream Fishing

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.

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

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. There are two beats; the Lower is suitable for one rod or two friends. The upper is for a single Rod.

Trout river ticket : April 3 - September 30                       

£55 per rod

Trout river & 2 fish lake ticket : April 3 - September 30

£95 per rod

Grayling river ticket : October 1 - March 14      

£35 per rod

Grayling river & 2 fish lake ticket : October 1 - March 14

£75 per rod

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.

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

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.

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)

£100 per rod

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.

April 16 – May 8

£225 per rod

May 9 – June 5

£300 per rod

June 6 – October 2

£195 per rod