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Bull Stretch — Sturminster Newton

Plan a session

The Bull Stretch sits on the middle reaches of the Dorset Stour, immediately south of Sturminster Newton. It’s a handy, comfortable bit of river with decent depth, easy parking and a proper mix of swims.

Run by Sturminster and Hinton Angling Association · checked 15 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Hammoon gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open Hammoon on Live River Levels

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The lowdown

  • The main Bull section runs along the downstream right bank for about a mile or so. Plenty of water to explore, rather than being boxed into one little corner.
  • Depth is typically around 10–11 feet, giving it a lovely steady feel. The main swims are comfortable and generally weed-free, so there’s not loads of faffing about.
  • There’s also water upstream from the car park to the road bridge. That bit has only a few comfortably accessible swims, mind, so it’s more limited than the main downstream section.
  • The downstream stretch has varied swims over its length. Keep an eye out for the Creamery swim farther down, which can fish well.
  • Roach, bream, rudd, perch, dace and chub are all present in good numbers. Pike are there too, so it’s a proper mixed Stour venue.
  • Bream are especially worth a look after floods, when a bit of colour gets into the river. That’s often when they’re properly on the munch.
  • Flow generally improves later in the autumn. That should suit a range of approaches as the season moves on, from trotting to feeder work.
  • Two disabled fishing platforms sit within about 50 yards of the car park. They project out from the bank, making access nice and straightforward.
  • Parking is convenient and general access is easy. Just remember the association’s catch-and-release rule applies to all fish, and leave the fires and dogs at home.

Methods: A cracking mixed fishery for trotting and feeder work, with deeper 10–11ft water and bream worth targeting after coloured floods. Pike fishing is also available within the association’s rod and bait rules.

Access & tickets

Day ticket

For non-members and guests. Must be bought before fishing, online or from listed local outlets; not issued on the bank.

£10 (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Weekly ticket

Must be bought before fishing.

£20 (as listed 15 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Day tickets can be bought online through the Sturminster and Hinton Angling Association website or from listed outlets. Outlet purchases require cash, and tickets must be sorted before you start fishing.

Fish the club names

roach, bream, rudd, perch, chub, pike

Key rules

  • Catch and release applies to all fish.
  • Live bait is not permitted.
  • Fishing is permitted from sunrise until one hour after sunset.
  • A maximum of two rods is allowed when one rod is being used for pike fishing with fish bait.
  • Rods used together must be no more than five yards apart.
  • Do not fish within 20 yards of another angler on the same bank without agreement.
  • Dogs are not permitted with members while fishing association waters.
  • Fires are prohibited, and gateways or lanes must not be blocked.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

Community reported

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