Fishing in Hampshire

Many people are attracted to Hampshire for its fishing. In a fast moving and stressful world this popular pastime can be the perfect escape. Sitting by a lovely river, listening to the sound of birdsong and enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside is a wonderful way to unwind.

Fishing by the coastline can also be uplifting, with the fresh air and bracing winds helping to relax the mind and clear away the cobwebs.
 

Fresh Water in Hampshire

For those who are serious about their fishing, Hampshire's rivers are famous for their clear chalk streams - some of the purest in the country.

To find some of the best fishing in Hampshire, the lower reaches of the Test and Itchen are great salmon fisheries and both rivers have a superb run of sea trout. In the Test Valley, where the beautiful River Test flows gently through wooded glades and open meadows towards the sea, you’ll find Mottisfont, regarded as the birthplace of modern day fly fishing. It’s here that F. M. Halford, the man said to have established dry fly fishing as a sport, fished at the height of his fame in the late 1800s.

At Mottisfont and other sites along the Test, there’s a choice of fishing beats characterised by wide waters flowing over gravel beds, with some deep pools where bigger fish may be found.

The chalk stream of the River Meon to the east of the county also sports both sea and wild brown trout and the larger ponds of the New Forest are available for freshwater coarse fishing.
 

Sea Fishing in Hampshire

The coast of Hampshire offers the most varied saltwater fishing in the south of England, whether you want to fish from the beach or boat. Depending on the time of year and location, you may find black bream, bass, plaice, flounder, sole, dab, dogfish, mullet, mackerel and pollock.

The triple estuary of Southampton Water, where the Rivers Test, Itchen and Hamble meet, is also home to a wide variety of fish.

For more fishing in Hampshire, you can enjoy pier or harbour fishing at Portsmouth, Lymington and the many smaller quays around the county's coastline, as well as in specially created ponds and lakes in the countryside.