Hampshire Avon · Wiltshire
Ratfyn 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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Bank fishing only
You fish from the bank, with no wading.
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Expert level
Rated 4 out of 5 for difficulty.
About Ratfyn Fishery
The true left bank of the Avon north of Amesbury, reached along a private farm road running parallel to the A303. Park opposite the equestrian stables and walk in; the signing in book is clearly visible when you reach the river. There is no beat system, so you choose to fish left or right of the book.
Downstream of the book there is mown access with fringe cover to the water’s edge, and you may fish as far as the road bridge, which is the end of the fishery. Upstream, the reeds and bank growth make it harder going, though there are still stretches you can get a line onto. Parts of the river here cannot be fished from this bank at all because of the vegetation, and those are better covered from the Countess fishery on the opposite side.
It is honest about being a difficult fishery rather than a comfortable one, and quiet for it. Worth knowing before you set out: the security barrier at the entrance to the lane closes half an hour before sunset.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
- Fly methods
- Dry Fly, Nymph
- Banks
- Bank fishing only
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
- Expert (4/5)
- Water type
- Chalk stream
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Catch & release
EA rod licence required
Dogs allowed
Ghillie available
Ghillie required
Season: 1 Apr to 15 Oct
Fishing rules for Ratfyn Fishery
Upstream dry fly and nymph only for brown trout and grayling to 15 October. Members must sign in. The security barrier at the entry to the lane closes half an hour before sunset.
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.17947, -1.78450
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
Ratfyn Fishery FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Ratfyn Fishery, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Ratfyn Fishery at any one time?
The rod limit for Ratfyn 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 Ratfyn Fishery?
Ratfyn Fishery 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?
Ratfyn Fishery is bank-fishing only — no wading is permitted.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
No ghillie service is listed for Ratfyn 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?
Along a private farm road running parallel to the A303, parking opposite equestrian stables, then on foot to the river. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
06What tackle should I bring?
Ratfyn Fishery permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Ratfyn 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 Ratfyn 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 Ratfyn 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
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