Folks:

I have recently learned that I will be spending some time in Surrey, for work, but without a car of my own. I was wondering what kind of trout fishing there is in the area. I've learned of Frensham, Halliford Mere, Coltsford, Albury Estates, and Felix Farm Trout Fishery by digging through old Trout Fisherman magazines. Are any of these good? Which would you recommend?

Most of my UK fishing (I'm American) has been on larger waters (Grafham and Draycote are my favorites) although I've fished some smaller waters around Edinburgh. I like to boat, but will bank-fish too.

I am open to suggestions, but wanted to find some fishing nearby for when I had a weekend to spend. I am based in Godalming, near Guildford, when I am in the UK.

Many thanks,

A. Gregory

Hi A.G.,

Of the waters you list I would unhesitatingly recommend the lakes at Albury. They are well maintained, well stocked with high quality trout and very attractive too. When I lived in the South-East I always used to enjoy my visits there. As an added bonus you would be able to call in on Peter Cockwill's excellent tackle shop in the village.

Slightly further afield, you might consider Chalk Springs in Sussex or Avington and Dever Springs in Hampshire although I have no personal experience of the last two named. All of these offer the chance to stalk fish (some very large ones too) in clear water.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

Mugsy

Coltsford is OK.
Albury is good, but I prefer Frensham.
Great place with very well conditioned fish.

hi AGregory
If you were from canada i might think you were a relative , and you have spotted halliford, my local water.Its fairly small ,but nice 4 lake complex, not a hole in the ground, lakes 1 & 2 have been stocked recently by the new manager Brian and quite abit of worked has been done the the bankside and you have a bar to drown your sorros in it about 1/4 mile walk from Shepperton station through the village. £20 c&R 2 fish can be taken at £6 per fish barbless or de-barbed hooks only upto three flies. Check the website if you havnt lready.:http://www.hallifordmere.co.uk/

All the best Gaz "G Gregory"

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Not been to haliford.
Albury okay for what it is - but no C&R.
Frensham (very close to me) is a little better and little more challenging (again, for what it is) and has C&R.

If you ever fancy river fishing, let us know. There's a few of us with a variety of clubs on the river all around Godalming.

Bri

Bri:

I do a lot of river fishing here in the US, and in Canada. I haven't done much in the UK - the only time I was near the chalkstreams was the day of that huge Field Sports march in London some years ago, so no one was around. I walked along the Test and trout-spotted, instead.

I'm much better at freestones/spate rivers than I am at the chalk-stream style of thing, but I'd be willing to try it out.

I will let you know when next I am going to be in Surrey.

And generally - my thanks to those who have replied. Perhaps you will see me at one of these fisheries someday soon.

Cheers,

A. Gregory

Albury-Weston,Vale End and Powdermills,nice waters,can get busy but decent fish.
Halliford Mere -Shepperton.Mainly catch and release,two lakes.Nicely conditioned fish.
Coltsford Mill
Frensham
Syon Park,part of Albury Estate.(west London)
A little further afield,Sussex-
Duncton Mill(winter only on day tickets)
Chalk Springs
Arlington reservoir
Boringwheel
Lakedown
enough there to keep you going for a week or so

Avington
Avington used to before it got fecked over with too many changes of owners and too many banks to please, That is bank as in financial! Dever Springs can be a quality small stillwater visit if you avoid busier times.

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