I am planning to go to Hampshire in May for some stillwater fishing. Looking to fish for trout; preferably catch and release, as getting fish home in good condition will possibly be a problem (I live in Edinburgh). I realise that most venues have fairly small lakes, I am looking for some challenging fishing with the possibility of reasonable sized fish.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions you may have. Ideally I would like to fish 2-3 venues during my trip.

Many thanks.

P.S. Any advice on accommodation would be nice.

Woodington Fishery

Very friendly owners, great (clean!!) facilities, v. good tackle shop, lunch (v. good, but you may have to give notice?) and great fishing..........

The lakes are not large.

Hi dodH have a look on here Fly Fishing Venues and Stores - Google Maps add it to your google earth Noel

There's not a huge number of stillwaters in Hampshire offering catch and release, other than Woodington as noted above. Do you have the inclination to try some river fishing ?

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"In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." - German proverb
JH based near Southampton

Go on, try a chalkstream, none of that freestone rubbish!

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Hello.
Where in Hampshire will you be?there are 5 other counties that border it and you may be close enough for one of those. Robinswood fishery at Frensham on the Surrey/Hants border do a sportsmans catch and release ticket,it is very small but very friendly.
Colboro.

I do not have a location in mind yet. That would probably depend on where I decided to fish. Neighbouring counties would certaily be a possibility. River fishing would be an option, I suppose I did not mention it as I thought it would probably be VERY expensive.
Many thanks for feedback so far.....much appreciated.

On the marquee beats of the Test and Itchen yes, but there are many other chalkstreams than those. A number of day ticket trout fisheries have river beats available eg Avon Springs, Avington, Holbury and Woodington; the neighbouring county of Dorset has good river fishing available on day tickets; and it's interesting to see that Fishing Breaks, the best known fishing ticket broker, is now mixing in some reasonably priced beats as well as the top price ones.

__________________
"In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." - German proverb
JH based near Southampton

I woudl have to say that in May, in Hampshire, you really have to fish Avington. It's very expensive for sure, but theres challenging fishing on the stream, and the lakes should be in prime form. there are some nice browns to go in this year as well as the big rainbows. At least you can say you've done it, and it's a place steeped in history.

Agreed, BB !

__________________
"In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is strength. In water there is bacteria." - German proverb
JH based near Southampton