Wilsford Manor Estate Beat

The Wilsford Manor Estate beat offers approximately one mile of double-bank dry fly and nymph fishing on the Hampshire Avon, set in the Woodford Valley, upstream of Salisbury — the part of the river widely regarded as holding the best trout fishing on the Avon. The river runs wide for this stretch of the upper Avon, with some notably deep water that holds large fish. A former mill leat, naturally deep in places, with comprehensive bank restoration that has created additional holding pools.

Brown trout range from small wild fish to genuine double-figure specimens, with the beat moderately stocked with fish of around 2lbs that grow quickly in these food-rich chalk stream waters. A strict catch-and-return policy for all fish above 15 inches means brown trout of 10lbs or more are not uncommon. Mayfly on this stretch are generally prolific and continue for a much longer period than on most rivers — typically from mid-May and often lasting through to the end of July. The season opens on 15 April in time for hatches of grannom and large dark olives, with consistently good fly life throughout. The beat suits beginners and developing anglers well: the double-bank access and varied water give plenty of room to work, and fish are visible and numerous.

Fishing is available for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 rods per day. The season runs from 15 April to 30 September, with fishing from 9am to 7pm. The riverbank fishing cabin provides indoor and outdoor seating, a barbecue, a well-stocked fridge, hot and cold drinks, satellite TV, and shelter from the weather, with lavatory and changing facilities in an adjoining hut. Parking is a short walk from the water.