Hampshire Avon
One of the most famous rivers in England and Wales is the Hampshire Avon, with a reputation for quality trout, and grayling and some salmon. The fishing had taken a down turn a few years ago, from its heyday, but recent restoration of the river and its stocks has seen it improve
This river is generally clear, running over a chalk bed. I feel that the most notable fishing on this stretch tends to be the lower reaches from just North of Fordingbridge. to Christchurch, where it terminates at the harbour with the Stour.
The Hampshire avon rises about 3 miles east of Devizes in Wiltshire, on the northern side of the Vale of Pewsey and flows southward for about 50 miles to Christchurch Harbour on the South Coast of the English Channel, and during the course of the river it falls roughly 500 feet in height. From Upavon ( I wonder why it’s called that!) towards Salisbury the river starts to meander, particuarly among Salisbury Plain. Once past Salisbury the river valley widens, and improves in fishing quality. The main tributaries of the river are the Bourne (East), the Wylye which joins at Salisbury, and the Dorset Stour which joins the Avon near Christchurch Harbour.
Where to fish on the River
Not suprisingly, due to the reputation of this river, an awful lot of this river is owned by local Angling Clubs. They have some areas which are private to members only, but also let some excellent locations available to day ticket anglers.
One of the most famous local clubs is the Christchurch Angling Club, which owns a lot of quality fishing on this river. They have their own website, and it’s well worth a look.
Another major local club also owns some fishing rights on this river, this is the Ringwood and District Angling Association. Their main area is as their name suggests around Ringwood itself. They operate day tickets to a nice stretch of the river know as Severals Additionally they have access to part of Fordingbridge Park in Fordingbridge where day tickets can be obtained from the local council.