Benham Estate

At 3.5 miles, the Benham Estate is one of the most extensive private chalk stream fisheries in Berkshire, sitting on the River Kennet near Kintbury. The estate encompasses two fisheries — the Park and the Wilderness — each with its own full-time river keeper, run independently despite being under the same ownership. Between Hungerford and Kintbury, the river offers a range of wider open sections and wilder narrow sections, providing genuine variety across the day. The main river is criss-crossed by carriers and side streams, and the river flows crystal clear for almost the whole season, making it a true sight-fishery where you can target specific fish. A river restoration scheme was implemented on this reach, including narrowing the Kennet, restoring a side drain with added gravel, and creating fish spawning habitat.

The beat is fly only, bank fishing throughout, and rated for experienced anglers. There is an excellent head of wild fish supplemented by brown trout stocking only. The season runs 30 April to 29 September, accepting one to four rods, with brown trout and grayling the primary quarry. Olive hatches in spring combine with grannom and hawthorn to keep fish looking up from the outset, and the river below Hungerford near Kintbury usually experiences massive hatches of mayfly. The mayfly hatch arrives comparatively late compared to other rivers, with the best sport often found in the first few weeks of June. Excellent evening fishing follows through summer as caddis gather and adult olives return to lay eggs, and September can be a rewarding month for stalking wary risers — though with water levels often low, a stealthy approach is required.

The Park can on occasion suffer poor visibility due to algal blooms or murky water entering from the Kennet and Avon Canal, which joins the river just upstream — worth factoring into your timing. A 9 ft rod with a 4–5wt floating line and tippet to 6x suits most situations on the main river; drop lighter for the carriers. Keeper Gary Allen has been on the river for 30-plus years and is available on site. A traditional fishing hut adjacent to a former Victorian bathing pool is provided for rods, with toilets and parking immediately adjacent. Day rod prices run from £212 in late season to £347 during mayfly.