River Meon

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The most easterly of the Hampshire chalk streams, the River Meon rises from groundwater springs south of East Meon in the South Downs and runs 21 miles southward through Hampshire to meet the Solent at Hill Head near Titchfield. From its source it loops north through West Meon, then swings southwest through Warnford before settling into a southerly course through Exton, Corhampton, Meonstoke, Droxford, Wickham, and Titchfield. In many respects it is a smaller version of the Itchen — just as clear, but perhaps a little faster flowing. The river falls approximately 120 metres from source to sea, and because the middle and upper reaches flow over Lower Chalk — less permeable than the Upper Chalk geology found elsewhere in East Hampshire — the Meon tends to have a greater flow range compared to other southern chalk streams. Environment Agency fishery surveys have concluded that the river is "a productive brown trout river." The Meon is also noted for a strong run of sea trout, although they are rarely targeted by anglers on this system. The river supports an abundance of riverflies of interest to dry fly anglers, including olives, blue-winged olives, stonefly, and caddisfly, with excellent hatches of mayfly providing the most anticipated sport of the season. Within a typical half-mile section there will be gravel shallows, deep pools, open meadows, and woodland — varied water that rewards both upstream dry fly and careful nymphing. Some beats are dry fly only, but virtually all permit a single fly cast upstream. Grayling are present through the middle and lower reaches and provide good sport on selected beats right through until 31st January. Anglers should be aware that as of 2025, the river's flows do not support good ecological status, with the water industry identified as the main reason for failure, and 100% of the river is currently rated at moderate ecological status. The Portsmouth Services Fly Fishing Association leases around six miles of fishing between Exton and Fontley, covering much of the productive middle river. Day-ticket beats are available at Exton and at Midlington near Droxford, where the Wild Trout Trust has carried out habitat restoration work to improve spawning riffles and holding pools. Meon Springs, further downstream, offers regularly stocked fishing for both brown and rainbow trout and suits anglers looking for a more managed introduction to the river.

Hampshire