Ringwood Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is a classic mixed bit of the Avon, with plenty of different water to go at rather than one samey channel.
• The deep holes are worth a look, especially when the river carries a bit of colour or the fish have dropped back from faster water.
• For a change of pace, try the fast, shallow runs. They can be ideal for working out where the fish are sitting on the day.
• Bridge pools add another useful feature to the stretch. Give them a proper look before settling into the first likely swim.
• Areas where the main river splits can be productive. So can the spots where side streams enter — proper fish-holding seams at times.
• The club says all methods work in most swims, but don’t get stuck in one place. Fish distribution and conditions can vary, so exploring is bob on.
• Winter trotting is specifically recommended and can provide good sport. A float run through the crease or along the edge of steady flow is well worth trying.
• There’s a decent mixed bag here, including barbel, chub, pike, roach, dace, perch and grayling. The club also lists bream, eels, brown trout, salmon and sea trout across its waters.
• The fishery is open all year, with game fishing allowed. Night fishing is also permitted, but not next to the Fish Inn public house and subject to the club’s restrictions.
• Access is controlled by a club lock. The signed top-end car park is by the A338 roundabout near the electricity substation, while the lower end is reached from the Verwood junction of the B3018 towards Matchams. A gravel public car park is off the lower access slip road.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: All methods are allowed in most swims. Trotting is a good winter shout, while feeder and other approaches can be adapted to the holes, glides, bridge pools and stream junctions.

Access & tickets

Arrange membership or an eligible guest ticket through Christchurch Angling Club; annual membership runs for 365 days from joining. Buy holiday membership before entering, and follow the current guest-ticket page’s one-guest limit rather than the venue table’s two.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, pike, roach, perch, bream, eel, trout

Key rules

• Maximum two rods are permitted.
• Up to two guests are permitted.
• Dogs are not permitted.
• Toilets are not provided.
• Game fishing is permitted.
• Braided mainline is permitted.
• When lure fishing for coarse fish and pike, spinners, spoons and Devon minnows are prohibited, to reduce the risk of hooking out-of-season salmon and sea trout.
• Some left-bank access is restricted by housing.

Where it is