Holbury Lakes Trout Fishery

Holbury Beat

Holbury Beat covers about two thirds of a mile of the in , with around 650 metres of it fishable from the bank. The river here averages six metres wide and a metre and a half deep, and runs gin clear through the season. Heavy rain brings it up and colours it quickly, but it can be clear again within 24 hours. The top half of the beat runs fast over chalky gravel. Lower down it slows around a bend and flows quietly under overhanging branches, which is where the trout tend to sit. The banks are high and the sun is often behind you, so keep an eye on your shadow, and there are enough branches overhead to reward a hook, curve or slide cast rather than a straight one. This is wild Brown Trout water, strictly catch and release, dry fly and nymph only. keeps the beat lightly fished, limiting it to one rod a day, or two friends fishing together. The season runs from 3 April to 24 October. Flies worth carrying include Black Gnat, Pheasant-Tail and Gold-Ribbed Hare’s-Ear nymphs, Iron Blue, and Mayfly in season, tied small: size 16 or smaller suits this clear water best. A day on the beat starts from £120. also sells a combined ticket covering its lakes and the river, for anglers who want both in a day.