Damerham Fisheries

Damerham Fisheries sits in the Allen valley at Damerham, on the edge of the New Forest and close to the Dorset border in Hampshire’s Western Downlands. Fishing here goes back to 1984, and the fishery is known as the original home of the Damerham Blue, a rainbow trout bred on site with a striking kingfisher-blue back. The farm also breeds brown trout and other colour strains, sold on separately as sporting and specimen fish.

Three spring-fed lakes, Holyhead, Mayfly and Horseshoe, are gin-clear with plenty of bank space to spread out. Fishing is catch and keep, sold by the fish: two, three or four at a time, or twelve. Only fly fishing is allowed, one single hook up to a size 8, and wet fly, dry fly and nymph can all be used on the lakes. The River Allen winds through the estate too and will be added to the fishery once restoration work on it is finished.

The Lodge overlooks Holyhead lake, with a licensed dining room and a kitchen run by the fishery’s own chef, used for corporate days, private parties and tuition as well as tea and coffee between lakes. Casting and fishing tuition is available by arrangement for individuals or groups, and all fishing must be booked in advance by phone.