Fishing Beats on the River Itchen

Abbots Worthy

The River Itchen at Abbots Worthy is in the midst of that part of this famous river fished by many of the fly fishing greats such as Skues and Grey and where John Keats walked before he returned to his Winchester billet to compose his famous poem, To Autumn. The fishing comprises of the main river, plus a section of mill stream. You do not need to wade but there are parts where you may if you wish. Fishing is mostly from the righthand bank as you look upstream and there is a well-equipped hut with parking close by. The beat is available for one, two or three Rods. The beat is now lightly stocked, the wild trout population judiciously supplemented by River Itchen reared fish.

Breach Farm

Breach Farm is a wide, gliding, open section of the River Itchen south of Winchester. Flowing through cattle-grazed water meadows this is a sweeping stretch of river with few obstructions for casting. There is a good Mayfly hatch, especially during May and good insect life with a mixture of olives, small mayflies and sedges during the season. Both banks are available to fish. There is a 200 yard walk from the car park to the fishing shelter beside the river. This beat can accommodate 1-3 Rods. Wading is optional; chest waders and a safety device are advised if wading.

East Lodge Beat

An anglers' paradise steeped in fly fishing history dating back to the 17th Century. The serene River Itchen runs for over one and a half miles as the beautiful East Lodge Estate water near Winchester, designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Flowing through untouched water meadows, the water is varied and suits both novice and expert. Consisting of both main river and a fast flowing side stream bisecting the water meadows called Rosemary's Leat. The river is stocked with brown trout only and also supports a very large population of wild trout and grayling, testament to the habitat management of this wonderful fishery and the work of full time river keeper Rob Rees. Available for parties of up to ten rods and for individual days later in the season.

Elm Stream Beat

A beautiful River Itchen carrier stream running parallel with the main river at a braided section. All wild trout, wading required. Traditionally managed and well rested wild trout water. A single rod beat that requires wading. Available in conjunction with beautiful holiday accommodation – not separately.

Kanara

Kanara has one of the longest histories of any day rod fishery, dating way back to the late 1960s when the late 'Scrappy' Hay of the Rod Box almost invented the concept of day tickets. This is a true wading beat. Yes, there are a few sections to fish from the bank but once you are in with your chest waders you will not want to get out. There are deep slow sections, fast riffle, plenty of overhangs and undercuts, plus weirs and a huge hatch pool. The fish are both wild and stocked, with both salmon and sea trout often seen. This is a beat for one or two Rods.

Lock Keepers' Cottage Beat

Qing Ya Xi

Formerly known as Kingfisher Lodge, Qing Ya Xi, which roughly translates as 'tranquil water' from the original Mandarin, is a truly delightful fishery. This is really three beats within a single beat: the leat, the navigation and the main river proper. The fast, tumbling leat has a host of wild fish, the slower flowing navigation the big, fussy fish and the main River Itchen ideal for sight fishing. With great variety, a lovely fishing room and plenty of scope to wander this is ideal for a single Rod or parties of two or three. In the grounds is the spacious four-bedroomed Lock Keeper's Cottage available for weekend and weekly holiday rental, including the fishing.

River Itchen – The Shallows Beat

Superb wild trout fishing on the upper river Itchen. Most of the beats require wading as it is very traditionally managed. A generous beat on the main river Itchen offering anglers that 'lost in time' private estate, wild trout fishing that is so rare these days. Accommodates one or two rods comfortably. Available in conjunction with beautiful holiday accommodation (The Clock Tower or Garden Cottage) – not separately.

Shawford Park

Shawford Park is a hidden gem in the grounds of the magnificent Shawford Park House that dates back to the fifteenth century. The private estate employs full time river keeper Pete Glyn-Jones who has looked after the fishing for a decade with great care. There are two beats, both of which you will fish, one on the main river and the other a fast carrier. In total they provide close to a mile of water in wonderful surroundings. There is the option to wade the carrier if you wish, but you'll have no problem if you want to stay on the bank. The fishing is available for single rods or parties of up to four. There is a simple fishing hut and easy parking.

The Easton Beat

Main river, single bank, wild trout fishing. This short but beautifully maintained beat comes with a wonderful shepherd's hut overlooking the river and the arable fields beyond. Perfect for a relaxing day's fishing, located only a short walk from the village of Easton and its highly rated pub, The Chestnut Horse. Approximately 180 metres in length, ideal for a single rod. All sight fishing for wild brown trout on dry fly or nymph.