About the venue

Miles of double bank fishing in the heart of the Avon Valley – fishing and its surroundings don’t get much better. The countryside and its wildlife are an added bonus to the excellent fishing on offer. The Estate has the capacity to support many anglers, whilst still giving the impression you are alone on a natural river. The saying that ‘to catch a fish is a bonus’ could not be more apt, when it comes to fishing on Somerley. Home of ‘The Deepening Pool’ and many other familiar names associated with the Hampshire Avon, you will be spoilt for choice on where to fish. Featured in the series ‘Catching the Impossible’.

Be prepared to travel light to enjoy the full benefits of this fishery (or until you have learnt a bit more about the water and its holding areas), although good sport can be found close to access points. The main river attracts most anglers and yields some of the best fishing throughout the Avon for barbel and chub. Most river species (as well as some cracking carp) are present throughout the fishery. Spend time looking for fish during the Summer before selecting a spot to settle down, or move between swims when the water is coloured and bites don’t materialise. Grayling, brown trout and sea trout are present in small numbers and should be returned with care.

Salmon fishing (catch & release) is available from February until end of August on an additional permit. Somerley is consistently one of the top Avon fisheries in respect of salmon catches and regularly produces fish of 25lb+ each season. Salmon anglers will know that the fish are not there in the same numbers as they once were, but the chance of catching one of these magnificent Avon spring fish keeps many a salmon angler returning to the famous pools throughout the Estate. The Club has a dedicated salmon brochure, so if you want a copy just telephone or email the office and we’ll pop one in the post to you. Beat maps are included marking known’lies’ and it is full of tips and interesting information.

The Ibsley trout stream and Woodside and Ellingham carriers offer good brown trout fishing. The Club stocks these streams throughout the season and they provide excellent sport for the trout angler. Brown trout and grayling can also be caught on the main river.

Lifelands
This section of river is also available on a day ticket, which are available from local tackle shops.

Postcode Location: BH24 1DY (Avon Angling), BH24 1EA (Ringwood Tackle).

Lifelands – Ibsley
Plenty of variety here with weir pools, shallows, sharp bends, long glides and deep pools (including ‘The Deepening Pool’). Miles of river to choose from with the chance of a special fish possible from anywhere. Barbel to 16lb+, chub to 7lb+, roach to 3lb+, carp to 20lb+, pike to 25lb+ – whatever species you’re after, you have the chance of a fish of a lifetime in beautiful surroundings.

Postcode Location: BH24 3PL (Somerley).

Ibsley – Bickton
Deep and slow above Ibsley bridge for some distance, this first stretch is best in the Winter when the weeds die back. Further upstream, shallow gravel runs support good dace shoals and the main attractions (barbel and chub). Long walks are the norm on the upper reaches of the Somerley Estate, where the meadows flood extensively in late winter.

Day tickets are available on this stretch at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors/concessionary.

Postcode Location: BH24 3PP (Old Beams Inn).