Another Itchen thread...?!

[stewart1981]

Hello all. I am planning on spending the mid-week period 03/09/07 to 07/09/07 in the New Forest, Hampshire. I fished the Test earlier in the year at Wherwell when i was in the area (for which i will soon post a report!). This time i would like to try the Itchen - however i cannot find many websites offering fishing other than fishing breaks, Orvis and lower itchen fishery. Fishing breaks is too expensive on this occasion (although generally quality fishing). Lower itchen and Orvis are approx. £100/day, has anyone fished at either of these venues? I was considering giving the Orvis Itchen stretch a go, 1/3 mile at 'Abbots Worthy'? Anybody had any first-hand experience? Will probably visit a stillwater too whilst i am in the area, maybe Avington as i have never been there (its a day out even if they are pellet fed stockies ) unless anyone knows of any hidden gems in the area?!

Thanks

Stew

[Sussexflyfisher]

Hi Stewart, do give the Rod Box at Kingsworthy a ring. Their number is 01962 883600, Ian should be able to help. Or the assistants can put you in contact with the lady that deals with fishing, I can t remember her name.

Don’t fish the Lower Itchen. You can find better for sure. The noise of the airport and motorway is not my cup of tea. I've fished it in grayling time and it suffers badly in the rain too, colours up significantly. And the rubbish too!

For still waters, try Woodington in West Wellow, near to Romsey and the New Forest. They have C&R and also a stretch of the Blackwater for brownies and sea trout, might be worth a look. Or Holbury Lakes in Romsey, they have a stretch of the Dun too. Both nice places.

http://www.woodingtonfishery.co.uk/4436.html
http://www.holburylakes.co.uk/pages/home.html

[JohnH]

If you don't mind a drive from the New Forest north to the Salisbury area, Avon Springs is a very good fishery - 2 lakes and a nice stretch of the Upper Avon. The fish are good quality as they are not pushed too hard in the stews, which are running water, so the fish aren't flabby "pellet pigs" and have a reputation for being good eating.

http://www.fishingfly.co.uk/

I agree with Howard's comments about Holbury - a nice stalking water again with good quality fish. Stalking browns in the quite overgrown little River Dun there - they stock it every year but the fish quickly wise up - is specially good fun and quite challenging.

If it was me, I would give Avington a miss, mainly because it's now quite an expensive day out for what you get. Take that money and add just a few pounds to it and you can have a day on a reasonable chalkstream beat like those Richard Slocock offers on the Dorset rivers.