River Bourne · Wiltshire
Upper Bourne 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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Catch and release
Fish are returned to the water.
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Bank fishing only
You fish from the bank, with no wading.
About Upper Bourne Fishery
A premium wild fishery on the upper reaches of the Wiltshire Bourne, holding trout and large grayling. Fishing is from the bank, around 500 yards of main river along with some side streams.
It is challenging water and asks for an extremely stealthy and delicate approach. The fun of it is stalking good fish in crystal clear water, with catching them as a bonus rather than the point. Small nymphs are the most successful, though small dry flies are worth a go too, particularly on the faster stretches.
This is the hardest of the club’s three Bourne fisheries and the one that most repays going slowly.
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
- Legend (5/5)
- Length
- 0.28 miles
- 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 Upper Bourne Fishery
Bank fishing. Around 500 yards of main river plus some side streams.
Where you'll fish
Location
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
51.12295, -1.73844
Conditions on the River Bourne
The river
The Wiltshire River Bourne runs down the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain from Burbage to the Hampshire Avon at Salisbury, around 20 miles through Collingbourne, Idmiston, Gomeldon, Winterbourne and…
View the River Bourne guideFlies for this beat
Expected in November on the River Bourne
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 Bourne
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
Upper Bourne Fishery FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Upper Bourne Fishery, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Upper Bourne Fishery at any one time?
The rod limit for Upper Bourne 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 Upper Bourne Fishery?
Upper Bourne 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?
Upper Bourne Fishery is bank-fishing only — no wading is permitted.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
No ghillie service is listed for Upper Bourne 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?
Club parking on the upper Bourne at Gomeldon. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
06What tackle should I bring?
Upper Bourne Fishery permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Upper Bourne 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 Upper Bourne 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 Upper Bourne 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 River Bourne.
Worth a read
Club members only
Membership is the main route on
