River Dun · Hampshire
Dun Beat
From April · £270 1+ rods Season 1 Apr to 30 Sept Verified
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Day tickets
Buy a ticket for a single day, with rates and dates further down.
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Catch and release
Fish are returned to the water.
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Ghillie available
You can book a ghillie to show you the water.
About Dun Beat
Dun Beat is the Mottisfont Abbey estate water on the River Dun, a tributary of the River Test in Hampshire, running about 0.45 mile. It is a smaller and more intimate stream than the Test beats, and it carries some of the best fly life anywhere on the estate.
The beat divides into two. The lower half is slow moving, with long sweeping glides where the river turns through the deciduous woodland of Bitterne Grove, and this is usually where the larger fish sit. The upper section runs through meadows and is much narrower, with thick marginal growth on both banks. Both halves have fairly high banks, which makes spotting easier but leaves you visible to the fish. Much of the beat can be waded, though depths vary, so it is worth deciding whether a cast from the bank will do before you get in.
The water is unstocked and catch and release, and holds Brown Trout, Grayling. Fishing is upstream dry fly and nymph from 1 April to 30 September. Mayfly is exceptional, and in June the evening hatches of blue-winged olive can be the best of the season. The fish are small and easily spooked, so a light outfit and some patience pay off. A 7ft 2 or 3 weight is the fun choice, an 8ft 6in 5 weight the safer one. There is a small hut for shelter, but lunch is taken back at the Oakley hut. Day tickets start at £270 and cover all three Mottisfont beats.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
- Fly methods
- Dry Fly, Nymph
- Wading
- Wading allowed
Pricing and season
Indicative prices. They don't show whether a day is still free and other rates may apply, so confirm availability and the final price with whoever you book through before you travel.
Tickets
These are the 2026 prices. 2027 prices aren't out yet.
- Spring Day ticket · 13 Apr to 11 May
- £270 per day
- Mayfly Day ticket · 12 May to 6 Jun
- £400 per day
- Summer Day ticket · 7 Jun to 30 Sep
- £270 per day
Day tickets and guided days
One ticket fishes the whole fishery. A booking here isn't limited to this beat. It covers all 3 beats at Mottisfont Abbey.
Across the whole of Mottisfont Abbey
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Sells day tickets and guides across Mottisfont Abbey, including this beat.
View fishing agent
Prices by date
November 2026
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Day rate, hover a day for the ticket
Fishing details
- Rods
- At least 1
- Difficulty
- Expert (4/5)
- Length
- 0.45 miles
- Water type
- Tributary
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Catch & release
EA rod licence required
Dogs allowed
Ghillie available
Ghillie required
Season: 1 Apr to 30 Sept
Amenities
fishing hut
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.03251, -1.54161
Conditions on the River Dun
The river and fishery
A compact chalk stream in the Test Valley, the River Dun rises near the villages of East and West Grimstead in Wiltshire and flows roughly 11 miles eastward before joining the River Test near…
View the River Dun guideFlies for this beat
Expected in November on the River Dun
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 River Dun
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
Dun Beat FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Dun Beat, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Dun Beat at any one time?
The rod limit for Dun Beat is listed on the beat page — check before booking, as limits vary by season and fishery preference. Contact Mottisfont Abbey directly if you need to confirm current availability.
02What species can I expect to catch on Dun Beat?
Dun Beat holds Brown Trout, Grayling. The water is unstocked, relying entirely on the wild population.
03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
Wading is permitted on Dun Beat, though bank fishing is also possible on most sections.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
A ghillie is available on Dun Beat and can be requested through the provider — particularly useful for first-time visitors to the River Dun.
05Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
Parking details for Dun 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.
06What tackle should I bring?
Dun Beat permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Dun Beat 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 Dun Beat at Mottisfont Abbey — 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 Dun 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 River Dun.
