River Kennet · Wiltshire
The Old Mill
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Day tickets
Buy a ticket for a single day, with rates and dates further down.
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Beginner level
Rated 1 out of 5 for difficulty.
About The Old Mill
The Old Mill sits on the River Kennet in Berkshire, one of England's lesser-celebrated chalk streams and all the more rewarding for it. The Kennet rises west of Avebury and travels eastwards through Marlborough and out of Wiltshire into Berkshire, and this beat occupies a classic stretch of that Berkshire/Wiltshire borderland. The water runs fast and clear over wonderful gravel beds, with good Ranunculus growth and excellent fly life, the hallmarks of a well-managed chalk stream. The river flows crystal clear for almost the whole season, making it a genuine sight-fishery where you can target specific fish.
The beat fishes for brown trout on upstream dry fly and upstream nymph, and its beginner-friendly character makes it an ideal first chalk stream experience. The upper Kennet has been famous for trout fishing since the late nineteenth century because of its healthy populations of wild brown trout, supplemented today with stocked fish. Olive hatches in spring are combined with grannom and followed by hawthorn, while the mayfly hatch can be impressive, giving way to excellent evening fishing through summer as caddis flies gather and adult olives return to lay their eggs. September can be a rewarding month for stalking wary risers, though a stealthy approach is often required as water levels can be low by that point. Keep an eye out, too, for the Kennet's famous curiosity: the Kennet Greenback, a green-flanked and virtually spotless form of brown trout found nowhere else on the chalk streams, incredibly rare, but lucky anglers manage to catch one or two each season.
The season on the Kennet opens in May and runs through to the end of September. A 9 ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers all conditions here. The beat is restricted to upstream dry fly and upstream nymph, keeping the fishing traditional and the water undisturbed. A small hut and seating area provide a comfortable base for lunch or a break between sessions. The Kennet is one of the easiest chalk streams to reach from London, with journey times of around an hour, and its proximity to the M4 makes it a practical option from most directions.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- upstream dry fly, upstream nymph
How to book
Day tickets and booking
- Upstream Dry Fly Day tickets
Tuition · Beginners welcome · Day tickets · Group bookings
View fishing agent
Fishing details
- Difficulty
- Beginner (1/5)
- Water type
- Main river
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Catch & release
EA rod licence required
Dogs allowed
Ghillie available
Ghillie required
Amenities
Small hut and seating area
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.44233, -1.60223
Conditions on the River Kennet
The river
Rising from Swallowhead Springs near Silbury Hill in Wiltshire, the River Kennet is a chalk stream of 45 miles, flowing east through Marlborough and into Berkshire at Hungerford, where the Kennet and…
View the River Kennet guideFlies for this beat
Expected in November on the River Kennet
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 Kennet
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
The Old Mill FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing The Old Mill, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on The Old Mill at any one time?
The rod limit for The Old Mill 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 The Old Mill?
The Old Mill holds Brown Trout. The water is unstocked, relying entirely on the wild population.
03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
Wading arrangements for The Old Mill 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 The Old Mill — 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 The Old Mill 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?
The Old Mill is fished by upstream dry fly and upstream nymph. The fly recommendations section on the The Old Mill 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 The Old Mill — 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 The Old Mill. 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 Kennet.
Worth a read
Price on application
Ask when you book
