A great article by one of our guests who stayed in the Riverside Lodge and opted for the extra fishing in the adjoining woodlands. This fishing is available for our Riverside Lodge, Mews Hill and Criddlestyle Cottage and can be booked in advance for £75 per person per week or £35 per person for a weekend.
Meandering gently through the southern countryside, don’t be fooled by the soft bends and weepy willows the Hampshire Avon hides a serious array of hard-fighting fish. This private stretch is a real smorgasbord of chub and barbel, with five carefully chosen swims that let you pick your challenge.
After extensive research, this venue stood out for its consistent results and natural features. The river offers stunning views, privacy, and consistent reports of quality chub in particular. For anglers looking for a quiet and productive river session, it’s ideal.
Swim 1: Method & Setup
This swim was set tight to the far bank with deep cover and tree branches. We used halibut pellets and 22/15mm drilled boilies, matched with rubber stops and gripper leads. Rod 1 was placed close to the far edge in deeper water; Rod 2 was tucked into a right-hand margin swim, ideal for early feeders.
The bite indicators were twitchy but definite and several chub were landed by mid-morning, between 3lb 4oz and 4lb 6oz.
Swim 2: The Bigger Fish
With different flow and structure, Swim 2 required a change in depth and approach. A back eddy behind trees provided good cover. The bites were slower but stronger. The rig and bait remained the same, but presentation became key — especially under higher light.
By nightfall, we had a take that resulted in a 6lb 12oz chub. “That magical fishing time, just after dark, was key to the success of the capture.” The fish was photographed, weighed, and safely returned.
Bait & Tackle Used
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1kg 4mm halibut pellet (cylinders)
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1kg 6mm halibut pellet
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1kg 8mm halibut pellet
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2kg 15mm halibut boilies
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22/15/11mm drilled halibut pellets
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250ml bottle of halibut flavouring
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250ml halibut bait glug
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100ml concentrated halibut liquid
This private stretch near Riverside Lodge, Mews Hill, and Criddlestyle Cottage is ideal for river fishing holidays. It’s scenic, quiet, and delivers on quality fish.
Booking includes private access and guidance. Available for £75 per person per week or £35 per weekend.
“It was a frustrating day, but the key with river fishing is to never give up.”
