Avon Beat

on the Hampshire Avon
main river

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Avon Beat covers 3 miles of single-bank fly fishing on the Hampshire Avon, managed by Manningford Trout Fishery in Wiltshire. Below the confluence of the East and West Avon, the river runs through chalk down the valley, producing the clear, gravel-bedded water that defines this stretch. The beat fishes as a genuine chalk stream from early summer onwards, though persistent heavy rain early in the season can leave the river a little coloured; it clears quickly, and from summer through to the end of the season the water clarity is comparable to that of many chalk streams.

The Hampshire Avon is fly-only water for Brown Trout, Grayling, open from 1 April to 30 September for trout. The season opens in time to meet hatches of grannom and large dark olives, and consistently good mayfly (Greendrake) hatches, which once started can continue for many weeks, make the river a firm favourite for fly fishermen. Wading is permitted, which helps on a single-bank beat of this length, and the difficulty rating suits an angler who is comfortable reading water independently and covering fish without a guide. The clarity of the water means that both trout and grayling fishing often involves sight fishing for individual fish. All fish are returned. Rules are straightforward: fly only, single hook to a maximum size 8, and a minimum leader of 6lb.

Rods of between 7½ and 9 feet rated from 3 to 5 weight lines are the norm, with the longer and slightly heavier outfits suiting the wider stretches of the Avon. A fishing hut and toilets are available on the beat. Day tickets start at £60, with a half-day option also available. Grayling fishing is priced separately at £40 for a full day.

Season In season · 1 Apr – 30 Sept
Rods
–
Difficulty
Adventurer (3/5)
Price
From £40
Length
2.6 miles

Indicative prices only. This calendar does not show whether a beat is bookable or already booked out, and other prices may apply. Always confirm availability and the final price with the booking provider before you travel.

Price calendar

July 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1£40
2£40
3£40
4£40
5£40
6£40
7£40
8£40
9£40
10£40
11£40
12£40
13£40
14£40
15£40
16£40
17£40
18£40
19£40
20£40
21£40
22£40
23£40
24£40
25£40
26£40
27£40
28£40
29£40
30£40
31£40
August 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1£40
2£40
3£40
4£40
5£40
6£40
7£40
8£40
9£40
10£40
11£40
12£40
13£40
14£40
15£40
16£40
17£40
18£40
19£40
20£40
21£40
22£40
23£40
24£40
25£40
26£40
27£40
28£40
29£40
30£40
31£40
Day ticketTrout - Half Day
1 Apr – 30 Sep
£40
per ½ day
Day ticketGrayling - Full Day
1 Oct – 31 Mar
£40
per day
Day ticketTrout - Full Day
1 Apr – 30 Sep
£60
per day

Booking

Book Through

Manningford Trout Fishery Primary
£40 – £60
Book

Stocking & Fish Species

Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Grayling
Grayling

Rules & Policies

Catch & Release
EA Rod License Required
Dogs Allowed
Ghillie Available
Ghillie Required
Season: 1 Apr – 30 Sept

Beat Rules

Fly-fishing only. Single hook, maximum size 8. Minimum leader 6lb

Fishery

From £40
1 beat

Manningford Trout Fishery

The Hampshire Avon rises from two headwater streams in the Vale of Pewsey, with the chalk-fed East Avon giving the upper river its characteristic clarity and a rich invertebrate life that sustains reliable fly hatches throughout the season. Grannom, large dark olives, and a prolonged mayfly hatch mark the trout season from April to mid-October, while grayling come into their own from autumn through to early March. Manningford Trout Fishery sits at the very headwaters of this river in Wiltshire, near Pewsey, and offers 1 beat of single-bank fly fishing along a 2.6-mile stretch of the Avon. The beat is fished on a Day tickets, Tuition, Equipment hire basis, keeping the water uncrowded, and a fishing hut on the bank gives anglers a base to warm up and watch the river between rises. Day tickets are available from £60. Grayling season rods can book from £40. Target species include Brown Trout, Grayling.

Day tickets Tuition +1

Fishing Methods

Fly Only

Fly Methods

Dry Fly Nymph
Wading Allowed
Bank Fishing Only
Double Bank

Contact

Visit Website

Location

51.31392, -1.81208

View on map →

Amenities

fishing hut toilets

More on the Hampshire Avon

Formed by two headwaters rising in the Vale of Pewsey, the Hampshire Avon merges near Upavon and flows south for 60 miles across Salisbury Plain, passing through Durrington, Amesbury and Salisbury…

View river details

FishingBeats is an independent guide with no affiliation to the fisheries we list. Listings are editorial and unpaid, and are not supplied or approved by the fishery. See our listings policy. Listing details are compiled by FishingBeats and may change or contain mistakes. Some services, such as tuition, ghillies, or accommodation, may only apply to certain packages and not to standard day tickets. Always confirm pricing, access, and what is included directly with the beat before you book. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@fishingbeats.com and we will correct it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many rods are allowed on Avon Beat at any one time?
The rod limit for Avon Beat is listed on the beat page — check before booking, as limits vary by season and fishery preference. Contact Manningford Trout Fishery directly if you need to confirm current availability.
What species can I expect to catch on Avon Beat?
Avon Beat holds Brown Trout, Grayling. The water is unstocked, relying entirely on the wild population.
Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
Avon Beat is bank-fishing only — no wading is permitted.
Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
No ghillie service is listed for Avon Beat at Manningford Trout Fishery — contact the provider directly if you'd like informal guidance on your first visit.
Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
Parking details for Avon Beat are shown on the beat page, including a map pin where one is provided. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
What tackle should I bring?
Avon Beat permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Avon Beat page suggests the most effective patterns month by month.
What happens if conditions are poor on the day I've booked?
River conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. Contact the provider as early as possible if you're concerned about Avon Beat at Manningford Trout Fishery — many are happy to offer an alternative date if the river is unfishable. Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by provider; check the notes on the booking page or ask when you book.
Are dogs allowed on the beat?
Dogs are not listed as permitted on Avon Beat. Check the Beat Rules section on the page or contact the provider before bringing a dog, as policies can vary by season and stretch of the Hampshire Avon.