This page relates to Grayling Fly fishing.
For Salmon fishing, click: this page
For Trout fishing, click: this page
For Coarse fishing, click: this page
The Lower Itchen Fishery
Grayling Fly fishing can be an overlooked but exhilarating sport with the grayling often referred to as the "Lady of the River".
The fishery offers excellent grayling fly fishing during the winter months (from 12th October - 31st January).
In 2001 one in ten of the grayling weighed in at over 2lbs and the best fish was 3lb 1oz
The Fishery are privileged to have been chosen to host the Federation of English Fly fishers, South East Region (for the past 7 years) and the Southern Region from 2001, who have held their Region Rivers Eliminator matches on the water, the winners from which go on to the National Rivers Final from which the England Fly Fishing team are selected.
Client testimonials
"The most fantastic day out I have experienced for grayling fishing with the fly on a chalkstream. You can almost guarantee to catch, no matter what the weather."
Baz Reece, England Fly Fishing Team Member & European Silver Medallist
"The fishing is superb. I have had two fish over 3lbs and there are not many places you can do that!"
Clive Collier, ex-England International and Rivers Organiser for the South East Federation
The fishing is offered on a day basis which must be booked in advance. It is also possible to book the top beats exclusively for a party of up to 25 fishermen.
The fishery is situated under five miles from Junction 5 off the M27 providing excellent access from surrounding areas with London only 77 miles away. For the local business person, Southampton is only a few miles away allowing fishing after a day at the office or to entertain business clients at the river. With Southampton Parkway train station only 2 miles away getting from London Waterloo takes just 1 hour. For those further afield, Southampton Airport is about a 5 minute car journey away.
Once at the fishery access to the beats is via a private track which follows the course of the river and enables rods to park beside their beat, making the fishery ideal for the more mature fisherman and suitable for the disabled.
The entrance to the fishery is via Gaters Mill, which is, in itself steeped in history. There have been mills on the site since Doomsday. Within the mill complex is the Fisherman's Lodge with a kitchen area for the preparation of snacks and refreshments and a lounge area in which to sit and chat to fellow fishermen. Fishing huts and shelters are also provided at various points along the riverbank, together with BBQ facilities.
Resident Keeper, Clayton Moorhouse, is there to help answer any questions about the river and to give advice and guidance on fishing, and act as ghillie and can be booked for 2 to 8 hours.
Why you need to fish here
The fishery offers excellent grayling fly fishing during the winter months (from 11th October - 31st January). Please note that the fishing offered online does not include the services of a ghillie. If one is required, please contact the fishery on the numbers on your booking form where details and costs of the ghillie service can be obtained. In extreme weather conditions, please call or email the fishery prior to fishing, ie, 24-48 hr in advance. The fishery cannot offer refunds for high water, if you have not contacted the fishery.
