Hampshire Avon · Wiltshire
Countess Fishery
Club members only Season 1 Apr to 15 Oct
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Club members only
Members can sign a guest in, so an introduction is the usual way on.
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Explorer level
Rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty.
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Stocked water
Moderate stocking.
About Countess Fishery
A prime stretch of the upper Avon nine miles north of Salisbury, running for roughly 1200 yards on the bank opposite the Ratfyn fishery. It suits a right-handed caster, and the bottom of the beat is open with few obstructions behind you.
The lower end is deep and slow. As you work up, the water shallows and the flow picks up, so the beat gives you two quite different kinds of fishing in one walk. There is a good head of stocked and wild trout along with grayling.
There is no tally system here, which makes it one of the club’s better waters for a wandering day. The club has recently negotiated an extended lease and has improvement work in mind. Access is off Countess Road, and the entrance is easiest to find by looking for the overhead cables crossing the A345.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
- Fly methods
- Dry Fly, Nymph
How to book
Club and membership details
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Tuition · Beginners welcome · Day tickets · Membership
Club water. Fished by Salisbury & District Angling Club members.
View club details
Fishing details
- Difficulty
- Explorer (2/5)
- Length
- 0.68 miles
- Water type
- Chalk stream
Rules and policies
Catch & release
EA rod licence required
Dogs allowed
Ghillie available
Ghillie required
Season: 1 Apr to 15 Oct
Fishing rules for Countess Fishery
Upstream dry fly and nymph. No tally system on this fishery, so members may move freely along it.
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.17920, -1.78507
Conditions on the Hampshire Avon
The river
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 the Hampshire Avon guideFlies for this beat
Expected in November on the Hampshire Avon
Typical months from the river’s hatch calendar, which applies along its whole length rather than to this beat. Not a live report.
We get a small commission if you buy through these links, and it costs you nothing extra. If the calendar has been useful and you feel like supporting an independent site, buying your flies this way is an easy way to do it.
Similar beats on the Hampshire Avon
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
Countess Fishery FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Countess Fishery, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Countess Fishery at any one time?
The rod limit for Countess Fishery is listed on the beat page — check before booking, as limits vary by season and fishery preference.
02What species can I expect to catch on Countess Fishery?
Countess 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?
Wading arrangements for Countess Fishery are listed on the beat page — contact the provider if you need to confirm before arriving.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
No ghillie service is listed for Countess 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?
Access from Countess Road, identified by the overhead cables crossing the A345. The gate has a combination lock and there is a members’ car park 170 yards down the track. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
06What tackle should I bring?
Countess Fishery permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Countess 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 Countess 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 Countess 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 Hampshire Avon.
Worth a read
Club members only
Membership is the main route on
