River Dever · Hampshire
Bransbury Mill Fishery
Up to 2 rods
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Day tickets
Buy a ticket for a single day, with rates and dates further down.
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Bag limit of 4
You may take up to 4 fish. Check the rules below.
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Bank fishing only
You fish from the bank, with no wading.
About Bransbury Mill Fishery
Sitting on the lower River Dever near the hamlet of Bransbury in Hampshire, Bransbury Mill Fishery offers around 1.5 miles of double-bank chalk stream fly fishing, with the beat running through disused water meadows on Bransbury Common (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) through which the Dever flows. The Dever is one of the major River Test tributaries, rising near West Stratton and flowing for nearly 10 miles before joining the main river between Wherwell and Barton Stacey. This is intimate, narrow chalk stream fishing: the river runs clear over gravel, and like other upper Test tributaries it is known for the clarity of its water, with fish highly visible, hanging in front of beds of starwort and tipping up to sip passing insects.
Brown trout are the primary quarry, with a healthy stock of wild fish supplemented by fishery-reared browns. The beat carries a substantial stock of wild brown trout, and judicious over-winter feeding has ensured the wild population is in prime condition at the start of the season. Hatches are a strong feature throughout the season, starting with hawthorn in spring, prolific mayfly during May and June, and good hatches of olives and sedges through summer and autumn. Grayling fishing can be enjoyed after the trout season ends. The clear water and visible fish make this an accessible beat for developing dry fly anglers, with the classic chalk stream approach (spot, stalk, cover) well suited to the conditions.
The trout season runs from 1st May to 30th September. Upstream dry fly only applies in May and June; nymphing is permitted from 1st July. All grayling must be returned, and brown trout under 14 inches returned too. The beat is limited to two rods. Rods can fish from both banks and have use of a comfortable lunch hut and rain shelter. Car parking is off Newton Lane; note there is no vehicular access to Bransbury Common itself, so waders are advisable for reaching the water.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
- Fly methods
- Dry Fly, Nymph
- Banks
- Bank fishing only, Double bank
How to book
Day tickets and booking
- Merison Sporting Day tickets
Fishing details
- Rods
- Up to 2
- Difficulty
- Beginner (1/5)
- Length
- 1.5 miles
- Water type
- Main river
Stocking and fish species
moderate stocking · Stocked solely with brown trout raised on the fishery; also has wild brown trout.
Rules and policies
Catch & release
Bag limit: 4 fish
EA rod licence required
Dogs allowed
Ghillie available
Ghillie required
Fishing rules for Bransbury Mill Fishery
Nymphs are allowed from the 1st of August
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.17785, -1.39857
Conditions on the River Dever
The river
A compact Hampshire chalk stream, the River Dever rises at West Stratton near Micheldever and runs westward for 11 miles through Micheldever, Sutton Scotney, and the hamlets of Weston Colley and…
View the River Dever guideFlies for this beat
Expected in November on the River Dever
Typical months from the river’s hatch calendar, which applies along its whole length rather than to this beat. Not a live report.
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Similar beats on the River Dever
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, fishing details, and what is included directly with the beat before you book. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@fishingbeats.com and we will correct it.
FAQ
Bransbury Mill Fishery FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Bransbury Mill Fishery, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Bransbury Mill Fishery at any one time?
Bransbury Mill Fishery allows a maximum of 2 rods at any one time.
02What species can I expect to catch on Bransbury Mill Fishery?
Bransbury Mill Fishery holds Brown Trout, Grayling. The beat is moderate-stocked to supplement the wild fish — see the Stocking section on the page for details.
03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
Bransbury Mill Fishery is bank-fishing only — no wading is permitted.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
No ghillie service is listed for Bransbury Mill Fishery — contact the provider directly if you'd like informal guidance on your first visit.
05Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
Parking details for Bransbury Mill Fishery are shown on the beat page, including a map pin where one is provided. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
06What tackle should I bring?
Bransbury Mill Fishery permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Bransbury Mill Fishery page suggests the most effective patterns month by month.
07What 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 Bransbury Mill 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.
08Are dogs allowed on the beat?
Dogs are not listed as permitted on Bransbury Mill Fishery. 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 River Dever.
