The Hampshire Avon is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, with a totally different style of angling required to target its crystal-clear weedy waters.
Steeped in angling history, from its runs of huge salmon in bygone eras to its prolific barbel fishing, the river in more recent years has become one of the best running-water roach venues in the UK. But to be honest, pretty much everything grows big down here.
There are some fantastic places to stay dotted along the river, some even have their own private stretches to fish and we have included some of them in this guide.
Riverside Lodge, Fordingbridge
Located 50m away from the famous Hampshire Avon, the Riverside Lodge is ideal for up to 4-6 anglers or a family holiday. The lodge also sits directly on a small lake stocked with bream, tench, roach and carp with fishing available from the veranda, perfect for winding down in the evening.
The accommodation includes one swim on the River Avon, with approximately 35-yards of fishing and is home to all the usual coarse species barbel, chub and carp. Fishing is excellent all year round, but the summer and autumn months provide good sport with double figure barbel known to navigate the area. Extra fishing can be purchased on a day ticket basis for £10 per day from the adjoining club.
Contact: 01425 517311
GET ALL THE TACKLE YOU NEED TO CATCH THE HAMPSHIRE AVON'S BARBEL IN OUR BUYER'S GUIDES.
Undercastle Cottage, Wood Green
The epitome of a luxury rural retreat, boasting fantastic facilities and fishing in a beautiful, secluded environment. A stretch of around 1100-yards of fishing is included with your stay and has everything a river angler dreams of, mature banks with overhanging willows, fast glides and deep pools offering various challenges.
Species found here are barbel over 10lb, chub to 7lb-plus and large pike. It is also noted for its salmon fishing at the right times of year. The cottage is maintained to a very high standard, perfect for longer breaks with the family and an excuse to go fishing too.
Contact: 01428 717000
FANCY A HOLIDAY ON A DIFFERENT RIVER? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDES TO THE BEST PLACES TO STAY ON THE WYE, SEVERN AND TRENT.
Fisherman's Lodge, Christchurch
A new 1-bedroom, purpose-built property located overlooking the Boat House on the infamous Royalty Fishery. Whilst this accommodation does not come with fishing, it certainly makes up for it with its location.
Day tickets can be purchased for £12.50 from Davis Tackle, which is a three-minute walk away from the property.
Contact: https://www.airbnb.com
The Dorset Stour
The Stour was once home to a record roach and now is dominated by truly monstrous chub. The barbel fishing is superb too, so if you’re in the area don’t rule out a session on one of the many day ticket stretches.
Grove Farm Meadow, Christchurch
This holiday park is situated in the heart of Christchurch and boasts excellent facilities on site as well as great fishing on the River Stour. A local golf course, Bournemouth beach and Christchurch centre are within a 15-minute walk also.
The most notable species along this stretch are large barbel, 3lb-plus roach and huge chub. An excellent stretch for ledgering but float fishing really comes into its own in the autumn for large bags of roach and chub. Fishing is free for guests and extra fishing can be purchased for beats 1,2 and 3 on the Throop Fishery if required by booking online via Ringwood Angling Club.
Contact: 01202 483597
GET ALL THE TIPS YOU NEED FOR CHUB AND BARBEL FISHING IN OUR BEST TACTICS ARTICLES.
The Kings Arms, Bournemouth
Fishing is not included with your stay, but the accommodation is very welcoming of anglers. A picnic can even be provided for those leaving early for a day on the river. Located directly on the Bridge Pool of the Dorset Stour it is a very picturesque place to stay.
Fishing from the pool is bookable via Davis Tackle, although it is worth booking ahead as it is very popular. Alternatively, Throop Fishery is located less than a 10-minute drive away, again bookable through Ringwood Angling Club’s website. The largest barbel in the Stour can be found nearby as well as some once in a lifetime roach over the magical 3lb mark.
Contact: 01202 588933
Hillyground Cottage, Sturminster Newton
Hillyground offers self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. The Dorset Stour is less than 5 minutes away and day/week permits can be obtained from Sturminster and Hinton Angling Association.
The accommodation provides self-contained, secure sheds next to the cottages to store all of your fishing equipment during your stay. The fishing is excellent in this area and provides all the variations a visiting angler could wish for, from shallow glides to deep weir pools with all coarse species present.
Contact: 01258 473890
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