Just got home from spending 2 days helping beginners at Avington, the water clarity is very good and when the light breeze stopped it was easy to spot fish despite hazy cloud cover. Mid day a few fish started to rise on the Middle Lake to a hatch of Olives. Leaded light olive Damsels and When All Else Fails did well. As usual a warm welcome from Bob and his hard working team.

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“The Dictionary is not the only place where “fishing” comes before “work.”

Lake 1:



Lake 2:



Lake 3:

To the credit of the management, this is a true jewel of a stalking small water. Yes, the prices are high and seem to go up rather readily, but they have given us something special in return, so this makes it very good value.

Don't neglect the stream either. I have had a 4lb rainbow in there (river fit) that put up a spectacular fight.

This is not the easiest of small waters to fish and catch at, which I believe is part of its attraction. The beautiful surroundings just top it off - and it's my favourite small water.

I have to second that sentiment, it's an absolutely stunning venue.

Went for my first trip at the weekend, and felt a bit of an amateur (not far from the truth) when all my attempts at stalking failed miserably.

I found difficult not to catch during the morning, luckily a few on here had advised on tips to get the littluns to spit the hooks. The afternoon was a different matter though, far more challenging. Really is addictive when you target a fish that you want to hook.

It's about £20 more than Lechlade which makes it a tad pricey in my book - but i think it's worth it for a special treat.

Im thinking of paying this place a visit, its a long old journey to get there but it does look worth it, isit it a busy small water or isit just the one or two fishing there, All the pictures i see in magazines and when its on fishign programs it looks liek there is never anyone is there ! this is a good thing so hopefully its not to busy !

Three lakes plus the carrier means there is plenty of room. At it's peak there will be a max of around 20/25 anglers per day.

Avington has been on superb form for most of the year and in some ways has been a "victim" of it's own improved success.

However, this time of year, the conditions make it difficult to stalk the bigger fish. There will still be plenty of stockies around 4lb+ and you will get your limit. But that's pretty expensive fishing. If you can choose your days and get good stalking conditions, you will stand a very good chance of netting a big double.

Have a look at the various pages of my blog for a reasonably comprehensive guide to the fishery this year: Chasing Rainbows

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It's never too busy. they keep rod numbers down very well.

As Neil says, now is not the best time to visit. the water will be gin clear but the light will make stalking the individual fish very difficult. On the odd bright day you may be able to see most of the fish, but the short days give only a brief window of opportunity. Avington is far better between April and September, inclusive

Top fishery

First trip to Avington tomorrow. I realise that the time of year and light conditions will make stalking the bigger fish a challenge, but the opportunity arose, so who am I to do anything other than sieze the moment! When I thought about it, the variety presented by the different lakes AND the carrier makes this look reasonable value for money, compared to other stillwater fisheries in Hampshire.

I'm just pondering over rod lengths and line weight choices. Do I go 9ft or 9ft 6? Do I go 6wt or 7wt? Is 6lb leader enough or should I go to 8? Any observations/ advice welcome, but I'm really looking forward to the lakes and the carrier!

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