Published Sep 28. 2006 - 17 years ago
Updated or edited Aug 8. 2015

Fly fishing in England

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In 2002 I had the pleasure of being in Southern England and fishing a beat on the River Test, something very special to a Yank like myself. It was my first experience of fishing in Europe and I found it very expensive(in excess of 200 lbs / almost $400 U.S) for a half day) Is it possible to fly fish in England on any [i:e2bfb32d31]public[/i:e2bfb32d31] water where one has more than an ample chance at scoring on trout or salmon where no fee or a nominal one (less license cost)is charged?

Submitted by:
Bob Fornadley

Submitted by Les Austin on Sat, 2006-09-30 11:49
Public fishing in England...

Bob,

There are lots of opportunities to fish much more cheaply than your 2002 trip, though I guess the Hampshire Chalk-streams would be a special once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The trout & salmon season is drawing to a close over here now, when are you coming over, and where would your stay be centred?
Wild trout season normally ends around end of September, salmon mostly mid October, though a few rivers stay open or re-open for January, I think. The public-water-supply reservoirs mostly stay open till mid-to-end of October. Put-and-Take fisheries stay open all year round.

Costs: reservoirs, around 15 pounds per day (usually 6 or 8 fish limit, no catch & release), with a boat costing perhaps 30-35 pounds for two anglers.
Salmon & sea-trout can cost a lot, but we have a good river locally (SW Egland) (the River Lyn) where fishing is about 20 pounds / day for salmon (but not fly, usually worm or spinner). For wild trout fishing on most rivers ranging from Yorkshire in North to Devon & Cornwall in SW, you can often get a day for between 5 pounds and 20 pounds. Free fishing is often only available if you know the landowner.

Best bet is to work out which rivers you'll be near, then search for info on the web. through the river name.

If you want specific info and you think I can provide it, send me an email.

Regards,
Les

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