Christchurch Harbour – lower River Stour

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper scenic water, with the lower Stour opening into a wildlife-rich SSSI harbour. Calm-looking in places, but remember it’s tidal and the river can have a fair bit of movement.
• The managed area runs from Knapp Mill through the Lower Stour and into around two-thirds of Christchurch Harbour, with the fishing stretch below Tuckton Bridge towards the Quay and harbour.
• Carp are the headline coarse fish, with fish to about 30 lb reported around the towpath and bandstand area. A cheeky feeder or method approach is worth considering where permitted.
• There are large pike above and around Tuckton Bridge. Roach provide winter sport, while dace are also named for the fishery, although they aren’t included in the species list here.
• The water also sees sea trout, occasional salmon, mullet and bass. It’s a proper mix of coarse, game and sea-fishing water rather than a standard inland stretch.
• Bankside day fishing runs from 7:30am to sunset. The 24-hour ticket lasts 24 hours from 7:30am, while an evening ticket runs from 4pm to sunset.
• Coarse fishing is closed from 15 March to 15 June. Livebaiting is allowed from 16 June to 14 March, and spinning is banned from 1 February to 14 May.
• Downstream of Clay Pool, sea fishing is available all year by any method, subject to that spinning restriction. Trolling and bait digging are prohibited, and you can use a maximum of two rods.
• Bank fishing is limited to the areas shown on the fishery map. At Stanpit Marsh, no more than three anglers are allowed in the specified bay.
• There’s pay-and-display parking, toilets, disabled access, shops and cafés nearby. Dogs are allowed on leads under the association rules.

Methods: For the coarse side, try feeder or float tactics around the deeper edges, towpath and bandstand area, with pike fishing around Tuckton Bridge. Roach and dace are a winter option, while the tidal harbour demands a bit of thought over depth and flow.

Access & tickets

Day tickets and season tickets are listed by South West Lakes Trust. Ringwood & District Anglers Association members need the relevant ticket for boat fishing, and night fishing requires a night permit.

Fish the club names

carp, roach, pike, trout

Key rules

• Fish must be returned to the water; the Lower Stour and harbour operate as a sports fishery.
• Coarse fishing is closed from 15 March to 15 June.
• Bankside day fishing is permitted from 7:30am to sunset.
• No spinning from 1 February to 14 May.
• Livebaiting is allowed from 16 June to 14 March.
• Trolling and bait digging are prohibited.
• A maximum of two rods is allowed.
• Boat users must observe a 4-knot speed limit and must not anchor in the main channels.

Where it is