River Itchen
The River Itchen in Hampshire, United Kingdom is one of the UK's most celebrated chalk streams. Browse 10 fishing beats along its 28-mile course, or explore the hatches, fish species, and seasons below.
No images available
The River Itchen is one of the world's premier chalk streams, celebrated alongside the River Test for its historic contribution to dry fly fishing. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), it is renowned for its gin-clear, fast-flowing water and is highly prized for its exceptional wild brown trout and grayling fishing.
Hampshire
River Details
- Length
- 28 miles
- Source
- New Cheriton
- Mouth
- Southampton Water
- Country
- United Kingdom
- County
- Hampshire
- Water Type
- chalk stream
- Website
- Visit website →
Tributaries
Fish Species
Anglers on the River Itchen can target brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling, atlantic salmon and sea trout. Brown trout dominate most chalk stream beats; grayling, sea trout, and salmon appear on certain rivers and seasons.
Fishing Beats on the River Itchen
10 beats availableBrowse day tickets, syndicate access, and permit fishing on the River Itchen. Each beat listing includes pricing, species, and booking details.
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.