Hone your skills or get hooked on a new hobby. Fish and relax in the gorgeous scenery of the New Forest National Park, surrounded by the famous free-roaming ponies, plentiful wildlife and birds. The region is home to some of the most celebrated crystal clear rivers and fisheries in the country – you’ll fall hook, line and sinker in love with the area.
Top class fly and coarse fishing are plentiful in and around the New Forest. For a comfortable place to stay, take a look at New Forest Cottages who have a portfolio of over 150 cottages in the National Park with some right on the water’s edge. And fear not, lots of the cottages come with indoor and outdoor entertainment and beautiful gardens to keep non-fishing family members content and happy.
The famous English chalk rivers feeding into the area include the Hampshire Avon, River Test and River Allen. These stunning waters of chalk bedrock offer fantastic fishing for huge barbel, roach, chub, pike, carp, perch, tench and bream, grayling, trout and the king of fish – salmon.
Below is a roundup of some of the best fishing in the New Forest. You’ll need to check individual websites for permits, licences, and prices etc. Christchurch Angling Club has lots of information on who to contact for guest day and weekly permits.
Don’t forget the region’s coastline for fun-filled sea fishing and Solent boat trips to catch smooth hound, sea bass, plaice, ray, mackerel, black bream, flounder, sole, dab, dogfish, mullet and pollock.
New Forest Pond Fishing
View this post on Instagram
Hatchet Pond – Beaulieu
Fish this large 12-acre lake is often a meeting point for the forest’s donkeys to hang out. Find your spot for a day taking in the views, picnic and relax while tempting bream, carp and tench. You’ll need a day or weekly permit from one of the local shops. Your best bet is to contact the Forestry Commission offices at Queen’s House on the high street in Lyndhurst.
Fresh Water fishing
View this post on Instagram
The Hampshire Avon’s stunningly clear waters are densely populated with a bountiful supply of food from its abundant insects and fly hatches. After meandering through the north west of the forest, it joins the River Stour and escapes into the huge natural harbour in Christchurch. Where to get permits
Find cottages near the Hampshire Avon river
Fisheries
Rockbourne Trout Fishery – Fordingbridge
There are six superb fly fishing spring-fed lakes of 3 – 5 metres in depth and chalk stream fishing on the River Sweatford before it meets the River Avon. Set in 55 acres of woodland and rolling countryside, the lower reaches form part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ONB). Head to Rockbourne for rainbow, brown, blue, lilac and sandy trout. The owners will happily swap your catch for some hot or cold smoked trout from their shop.
View this post on Instagram
Find cottages near Fordingbridge
Damerham Fisheries – Damerham
Thought of by many as one of the best still water, chalk stream trout fisheries on the south coast, it’s a great day out for some rod action whatever your level or experience. There are three lakes and fishing on the River Allen. Book tuition if you’d like some lessons and there’s a lovely onsite restaurant/bar.
View this post on Instagram
Moors Valley Country Park – Ringwood
View this post on Instagram
A firm favourite, this huge country park of tracks, trails, go-ape, cycle routes and even a narrow gauge steam train also has a peaceful nine acre coarse fishing lake full of roach, tench, perch and dace. Go to the visitor centre to get your permit.
Find cottages near Moors Valley Country Park
Orchard Lakes – New Milton
This 56 acre fishery has 5 great fishing lakes for fun rod battles for all levels of angler. There are some 12 species of fish to catch and tuition if you want it. There’s also a well-stocked tackle shop, onsite shop and refreshments.
View this post on Instagram
Broadland Lakes – near Copythorne
There are a mighty 82 acres of this lush estate, with chalk streams from the River Test feeding 4 lakes and rivers which cover more than 30 acres of water. Go for peace, tranquillity, wildlife spotting and huge carp, pike, bream and whopping eels plus more.
View this post on Instagram
Take a look at the full portfolio of New Forest Cottages here