Wilsford Manor Estate

The Wilsford Manor Estate Beat covers approximately one mile of double-bank fly fishing on the Hampshire Avon, set within a private Wiltshire estate near Amesbury. The Hampshire Avon is an exceptionally biodiverse chalk stream, and the best trout fishing on the river sits upstream of Salisbury, where Wilsford Manor is located. The water also includes an interesting side stream and is notably wide for this part of the upper Avon, with deep pools that hold a large number of brown trout ranging from small wild fish to specimens in double figures. The channel's depth owes much to its origins as a former mill leat, further enhanced by bank restoration work, and a strict catch-and-release policy for fish over 15 inches means brown trout of 10 lb or more are not uncommon.

The mayfly hatch on this stretch is generally prolific and continues for a much longer period than on most rivers. Fishing is available for a minimum of two and a maximum of four rods per day, with bookings taken for weekdays and Saturdays from mid-April to the end of September. Day tickets are available, and on-site accommodation makes an overnight or multi-day visit straightforward. The riverbank fishing hut provides indoor and outdoor seating, a barbecue, a well-stocked fridge, hot and cold drinks, and shelter with heating and electricity, with lavatory and changing facilities in an adjoining hut.