Hampshire Avon · Wiltshire
Durnford 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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Adventurer level
Rated 3 out of 5 for difficulty.
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Stocked water
Moderate stocking.
About Durnford Fishery
Twenty two beats on the Little Durnford Estate, and the club’s finest asset. This is chalk stream fishing as it is usually pictured: mown paths, a waterside fringe left standing, a tally board where you pick your beat and then have it to yourself. The club office and workshops sit near the fishery, and the lower end is within walking distance of them; otherwise you drive up the valley and park at the Manor Bridge.
The beats vary a good deal and it pays to know which is which. Beats 1 and 2 are wading beats with good grayling and trout stocks. Beat 12 has deep runs, gravel flats and a churning hatch pool holding some big fish in difficult conditions, and needs wading to fish properly. Beats 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are slower with open casting and a good head of stock fish. Beat 18 is gravelly runs with a smaller hatch pool of its own. Beat 13 starts on the main river then turns into a long narrow carrier where accurate casting matters in any wind.
It is a premium stocked fishery that also holds a good head of wild fish, managed to a traditional chalk stream pattern. Dry fly is the method until 1 July, with nymphing permitted after. Beats 3 to 7 stay open for grayling from October. Beat 15 has disabled access to the river and is the one beat where a companion is allowed. Between the range of beats and the easy going, it suits anglers of most abilities.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
- Fly methods
- Dry Fly, Nymph
- Wading
- Wading allowed (moderate)
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
- Adventurer (3/5)
- 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 Durnford Fishery
Twenty two beats on a tally board held at the club office near the fishery. One member per beat. Dry fly only until 1 July, nymph permitted after. Beat 15 offers disabled access to the river with a companion; no guests on the rest of the fishery. Beats 3 to 7 stay open for grayling from October.
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.10426, -1.81856
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
Durnford Fishery FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Durnford Fishery, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Durnford Fishery at any one time?
The rod limit for Durnford 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 Durnford Fishery?
Durnford 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 is permitted on Durnford Fishery and rated moderate difficulty, though bank fishing is also possible on most sections.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
No ghillie service is listed for Durnford 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?
The Cart Shed for the lower fishery, or drive up the valley and park at the Manor Bridge. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
06What tackle should I bring?
Durnford Fishery permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Durnford 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 Durnford 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 Durnford 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
