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.
ABBOTS WORTHY 
The beat is available for two or three Rods.
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No. RODS 2-3 |
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“Pretty, picturesque beat.” “Beautiful setting. Varied and clear water.” “I have been spoiled.” |
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April 3 – 30, July 14 – August 31, October 1 – 15 |
£113 per rod |
May 1 – 14, June 9 – July 13, September 1 – 30 |
£145 per rod |
May 15 – June 8 |
£177 per rod |
October 16-November 30 (grayling) |
£65 per rod |
Minimum booking 2 Rods
AVINGTON
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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 a good head of small, wild browns and grayling. 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 Aaron, with tackle for hire. The carriers are part of the famous Avington Lakes Fishery, home to many British trout records. |
NEW 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.
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No. RODS |
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Tackle shop |
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“Proverbial gin clear water.” “Beautiful setting, well kept river and lakes. Plenty of fish.” “Great day. ” |
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River ticket : April 3 - September 30 |
£75 per rod |
River plus catch & release lake ticket |
£115 per rod |
Catch & release lake ticket : all year |
£75 per rod |
4 fish lake ticket : all year |
£130 per rod |
2 fish lake ticket: all year (8am-1pm) |
£100 per rod |
Grayling river ticket : October 1 - February 28 |
£45 per rod |
Tackle Hire Pay on the day
Full outfit |
£20 per day |
Closing times: please note fishing times are 8am-4pm in the winter and 8am-5pm in the summer.
BREACH FARM
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Breach Farm is a wide, gliding, open section of the River Itchen south of Winchester. Flowing through cattle-grazed water meadows this is a sweeping stretch of river with few obstructions for casting. There is a good Mayfly hatch, especially during May and good insect life with a mixture of olives, small mayflies and sedges during the season. Both banks are available to fish. There is a 200 yard walk from the car park to the fishing shelter beside the river. This beat can accommodate 2-3 Rods. |
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No. RODS |
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NEW FOR 2021 |
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April 16- May 8 |
£125 per Rod |
May 9-June 5 |
£185 per Rod |
June 6-July 31 |
£125 per Rod |
August 1 - September 30 |
£95 per Rod |
October 1 - December 31(grayling) |
£65 per Rod |
Minimum 2 rods
KANARA

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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. |
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“Will definitely book again.” “Lovely streamy clear water. Looked like a chalkstream should.” “Great variety of water." |
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April 16 – May 8 |
£182 per rod |
May 9 – June 5 |
£246 per rod |
June 6 – September 30 |
£166 per rod |
October 1 - December 31 (grayling) |
£89 per rod |
Season Rod
One day a week |
£2,095 |
Two days a month |
£1,509 |
One day a week: Fish one named day every week April 16 – September 30. Two days a month: one named day in April and two named days a month May-September. This is a two Rod beat.
For further details, please complete our enquiry form or e-mail info@fishingbreaks.co.uk
QING YA XI & LOCK KEEPER'S COTTAGE

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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.
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“Good clear water. Well kept bank. Friendly owner and keeper. Good hut. Perfect day really.” “One of the best beats we have fished.” |
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April 16 – May 8 |
£197 per rod |
May 9 – June 5 |
£269 per rod |
June 6 – September 30 |
£169 per rod |
October 1 - December 31 (grayling) |
Only available with Lock Keeper’s Cottage |
Minimum booking 2 rods May 9 - June 5.
Lock Keeper’s Cottage
Weekly and weekends with fishing included
7 nights Friday - Friday |
3 nights Friday - Monday |
7 nights Friday - Friday |
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Fishing Sat-Sun* |
Fishing Sat-Sun |
House only - no fishing |
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Weekly price range |
Weekend price range |
Weekly price range |
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Apr 2022 |
£2294-£3119 |
£1629-£2559 |
£1900-£2725 |
May 2022 |
£2725-£4694 |
£1771-£3417 |
£2725-£3650 |
June 2022 |
£2725-£3769 |
£1771-£2815 |
£2725 |
July 2022 |
£3401-£4326 |
£2373-£3049 |
£2725-£3650 |
Aug 2022 |
£3650-£4326 |
£2373-£3049 |
£3650 |
Sep 2022 |
£3176 |
£2301 |
£2500 |
Oct 2022 |
£2150 |
£1335 |
£1900 |
Nov 2022 |
£2150 |
£1335 |
£1900 |
Dec 2022 |
£2150-£3900 |
£1335-£2473 |
£1900- £3650 |
Jan 2023 |
£2150 |
£1335 |
£1900 |
Feb 2023 |
£2150 |
£1335 |
£1900 |
Mar 2023 |
£1900-£2150 |
£1235-£1335 |
£1900 |
Includes fishing for 4 rods Saturday/Sunday |
Includes fishing for 4 rods Saturday/Sunday |
No fishing |
NEW FOR 2022 This totally renovated spacious home (2,250 ft2) which is ideal for a family or house party, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms (two en-suite), a big kitchen, living spaces and orangery which opens onto gardens and the river.
The weekend and weekly rentals include two days of fishing for four at with the option to add more fishing if you wish at Qing Ya Xi or elsewhere. Dogs are welcome as are children of 10 years or older. The maximum party size is seven, including children.
Click here for full price list and current availability.
SHAWFORD PARK 

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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. |
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No. RODS |
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“Beautiful location.” “I would go there again.” |
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April 16 – May 8 |
£195 per rod |
May 9 – June 5 |
£325 per rod |
June 6 – July 31 |
£225 per rod |
August 1 – October 2 |
£175 per rod |