Fishing Beats on the River Kennet
Browse 11 fishing beats available on the River Kennet in Berkshire/Wiltshire. Each beat lists current pricing, length, and difficulty. Read about the River Kennet or switch to the River Kennet map .
11 beats on the River Kennet
Avington Estate Beat
Classic chalk stream fly fishing water with main river Kennet and carriers on the beautiful Avington Estate. Very well stocked and lovingly looked after by river keeper Toby Hudson. The private fishery is not divided into individual beats; rods share approximately 4 miles of river. Enjoy a fully catered riverside luncheon in the Old Cricket Pavilion fishing lodge. Available for corporate and group days on exclusive use basis only.
Benham Estate
The Benham Estate offers the most extensive private chalk stream fly fishing of any estate in Berkshire. Spanning nearly five miles of meticulously maintained water, this premier beat provides anglers with a stunningly diverse mix of the larger main river, intimate carriers, and varied side streams. Set within a historic parkland, the estate offers exclusive, bank-only chalk stream fishing. Anglers can expect to target an excellent head of wild trout, supplemented by a carefully managed stocking program to ensure a world-class fishing experience. Complete with a riverside fishing cabin, highly convenient adjacent parking, and the welcoming expertise of full-time River Keeper Gary Allen, the Benham Estate delivers a truly exceptional day on the water.
Craven Fishery Beat
A well-established place in fly fishing history. Quintessentially English chalk stream fishing through gardens, water meadows and riparian woodlands. The historic fishing lodge is a great HQ for the day, its walls lined with memorabilia from fishing days past and present. The fishery offers very varied fishing from main river to small carrier streams as well as a casting pond for the novice. About 1.2 miles in total. River keeper Josh Purton has done much work in recent years to improve the aquatic habitat.
Dog Kennels
A named stretch within the Barton Court estate where wild trout spawning redds have been observed. Part of the intricate network of carriers and side streams that criss-cross the estate's ancient water meadows.
Littlecote Fishery – Eastridge Estate Beat
The Eastridge Estate's stretch of the River Kennet on the Berkshire/Wiltshire border just outside Hungerford. Winner of the Wild Trout Trust's 2014 Conservation Award. Classic chalk stream fishing with fast flowing clear water, wonderful gravel beds, good Ranunculus growth and excellent fly life. Home to the famous Kennet 'greenback' brown trout strain. Upstream dry fly only. Limited availability for group and corporate days only.
Middle Cut
A carrier or side stream stretch with strong lines of hawthorn trees along the banks, offering excellent dry fly fishing during the hawthorn hatch. One of the named sections within the Barton Court water meadow network.
Old River
A classic chalk stream stretch with strong lines of hawthorn trees along the banks, making it a prime spot during the hawthorn hatch in April. Particularly effective for wind-blown terrestrials and dry fly fishing.
Park Stream
A named stream within the Barton Court estate where wild brown trout redds have been observed, indicating natural spawning activity. Part of the diverse network of carriers and side streams crossing the Berkshire water meadows.
Parsons Ditch
A named ditch or carrier stream within the Barton Court estate, lined with willows that are pollarded annually. Part of the historic water meadow network that has been actively restored and maintained.
The Old Mill, Ramsbury Beat
Once the home of the forefather of dry fly fishing, FM Halford, this beautiful stretch of chalk stream would have seen him refine his dry fly art. The beat starts just below the historic Mill House with its beautiful gardens and large mill pool. As you continue upstream the gardens broaden out into a wilder landscape with water meadows and reed beds, perfect conditions for extensive bird life and super fishing. In 2020 this section was part of a bold river restoration project run by Action For The River Kennet (ARK), with pinch points, bends and restoration of the original gravel bed in the upper section.
Upper Park
The upper park stretch of the Barton Court estate, historically notable as the location where the River Kennet record pike of 33lb 2oz was caught in 2007. Now fished as a fly-only water for wild brown trout.