This page relates to Trout fishing.
For Salmon fishing, click: this page
For Grayling Fly fishing, click: this page
For coarse fishing, click: this page
The Lower Itchen Fishery
"The river Itchen is one of the most famous chalkstreams of Hampshire, and has inspired the writings of such legends as F M Halford and C E M Skues."
The river meanders gracefully from its source near Cheriton through Winchester to its completion in Southampton water.
Lower Itchen Fishery was founded in 1954 and consists of c. 5,300 yds making it the longest continuous stretch of the River Itchen in private ownership. The fishery is set amidst picturesque water meadows and has an abundance of animal, bird and insect life which creates an atmosphere in which to unwind from the stresses of life.
Four of the five beats are fishable from both banks with footbridges placed on each beat to enable easy access. The fifth beat is only fished from one bank with the other bank being owned by the fishery but left natural to provide a haven for bird and insect life. All 5 beats are adjoining with a central Fishing Lodge and BBQ area.
Regular stocking is carried out on the trout beats using only the highest quality brown trout ranging up to 5lbs. The fishery's policy is to only stock with brown trout and not rainbow trout, with the stocked brown trout complementing the wild stock indigenous to the river.
The average trout weighs in at just over 2lbs with a few fish between 3-5lbs later in the season. The largest brown trout caught on the fishery was 8lbs.
The ecology of the water meadows is extremely rich, and provides the right environment for the abundant fly hatches. This commences with the Grannom, followed by the Hawthorn and Mayfly. From June onwards the fishery experience prolific hatches of Blue Winged Olive providing excellent late evening sport. During August and September Sedges and Daddy Long Legs prove to be the favourites which is typical of a Hampshire chalk stream.
Popular flies include: Greenwells Glory; Grey Wulff; Black Gnat; Adams; Walkers Red Sedge; Ginger Quill; B.W.O.; Lunns Particular; Iron Blue Dun; Sherry Spinner. For the days when the conditions are against you may, at the Keeper's discretion use a nymph.
The Fishery are now in their twenty fifth season of offering corporate events and entertainment with many clients returning annually. They pride ourselves on the personal attention given to each client and can tailor requirements to suit your needs. The fishery specialise in providing corporate packages for trout and/or salmon fishing for parties of up to 18 fishermen (larger parties may be considered).
A complete event package can be put together to include fishing with the exclusive use of the entire fishery; first class friendly tuition and ghillie service throughout the day; catering to your requirements ranging from breakfast on arrival followed by a picnic to a three course lunch with cream tea and evening snack before departure and the fishery is pleased to offer refreshments throughout the day. For those keen fishermen, fishing may continue until one hour after sunset, unlike some other waters where you have to leave by 6pm.
Larger "Cast & Blast" Corporate Days can be arranged with clay pigeon shooting in the morning followed by fishing in the afternoon/evening, all at the same location.
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
Lower Itchen Fishery offers excellent and challenging dry fly fishing for brown trout over 5 beats. The river has superb ranunculas cover which is cut in the traditional method of line and bar. The five beats all have different qualities giving a good variety with white water pools, faster riffled stretches and deep pools, providing excellent sport. In extreme weather conditions, please call or email the fishery prior to fishing, ie, 24-48 in advance. The fishery cannot offer refunds for high water, if you have not contacted the fishery.
