Fly fishing is a popular sport in the UK, and the New Forest is one of the best locations to enjoy it. With its stunning scenery and diverse range of lakes and rivers, the New Forest offers an unforgettable experience for both novice and experienced anglers.
The New Forest is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, barbel, bream, pike, roach, chub, carp, tench, and grayling. Whether you prefer to fish in a lake or a river, there are plenty of options available in the New Forest. Some of the most popular locations for fly fishing include Rockbourne Trout Fishery, Hatchet Pond, and Orchard Lakes. Each location offers a unique experience, with different species of fish and varying levels of difficulty.
If you’re planning a fly fishing trip to the New Forest, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead. Make sure you have the appropriate permits and equipment, and be aware of any regulations or restrictions in the area. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of fish, the New Forest is the perfect destination for any angler looking for a memorable fly fishing experience.
Lakes in New Forest for Fly Fishing
New Forest is a great place for fly fishing enthusiasts, with numerous lakes and rivers to choose from. Here are some of the best lakes in New Forest for fly fishing:
Rockbourne Trout Fishery
Rockbourne Trout Fishery is a beautiful location for fly fishing enthusiasts. The six lakes are spread over 55 acres of unspoilt woodland and pasture land, with the river Sweatford Waters running through the valley and on into the Avon. The lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and blue trout, and the fishery provides a friendly and welcoming environment for anglers of all levels.
Hatchet Pond
Hatchet Pond is a popular location for fly fishing in New Forest. The pond is stocked with carp, roach, bream, tench, pike, perch, eels, and rudd, providing a variety of fish for anglers to catch. The pond is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a day of fishing.
Whitemoor Pond
Whitemoor Pond is a peaceful location for fly fishing in New Forest. The pond is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, providing a good challenge for anglers. The pond is surrounded by beautiful woodland, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy a day of fishing.
Longwater Lake
Longwater Lake is a great location for fly fishing enthusiasts. The lake is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and the fishery provides a friendly and welcoming environment for anglers of all levels. The lake is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a day of fishing.
Orchard Lakes
Orchard Lakes is a great location for fly fishing enthusiasts. The lakes are stocked with a variety of fish, including carp, tench, bream, roach, and perch, providing a great challenge for anglers. The fishery provides a friendly and welcoming environment for anglers of all levels, and the beautiful surroundings make it a great place to relax and enjoy a day of fishing.
In conclusion, New Forest is a great location for fly fishing enthusiasts, with numerous lakes and rivers to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there is something for everyone in New Forest.
Rivers in New Forest for Fly Fishing
New Forest is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts with its numerous rivers and streams that are teeming with fish. Here are some of the best rivers in New Forest for fly fishing:
River Avon
The River Avon is one of the most popular rivers for fly fishing in New Forest. It is home to a variety of fish species such as brown trout, grayling, and salmon. The river is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature while fishing.
River Test
The River Test is another popular river for fly fishing in New Forest. It is well-known for its large brown trout and grayling populations. The river is divided into two sections – the upper Test and the lower Test. The upper Test is known for its fast-flowing water, while the lower Test is known for its slower currents.
River Itchen
The River Itchen is a chalk stream that is famous for its crystal-clear water and large brown trout. It is a challenging river to fish, but the rewards are worth it. The river is divided into two sections – the upper Itchen and the lower Itchen. The upper Itchen is known for its fast-flowing water, while the lower Itchen is known for its slower currents.
River Frome
The River Frome is a small river that is perfect for beginners. It is home to a variety of fish species such as brown trout, grayling, and chub. The river is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature while fishing.
River Meon
The River Meon is a small river that is perfect for dry fly fishing. It is home to a variety of fish species such as brown trout, grayling, and sea trout. The river is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature while fishing.
In conclusion, New Forest is a great place for fly fishing enthusiasts with its numerous rivers and streams that are teeming with fish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, there is a river in New Forest that will suit your needs.
Best Times for Fly Fishing in New Forest
When it comes to fly fishing in New Forest, timing is everything. While the area offers ample opportunities for fishing all year round, there are certain times of the year that are better suited for fly fishing. In this section, we’ll discuss the best times for fly fishing in New Forest.
Spring
Spring is a great time for fly fishing in New Forest. As the weather starts to warm up, the fish become more active and start to feed more aggressively. This makes it an ideal time for fly fishing, as the fish are more likely to take the bait. Additionally, the spring months are when the mayfly hatches occur, which is a prime time for fly fishing.
Summer
Summer is another great time for fly fishing in New Forest. The warmer weather means that the fish are more active and are more likely to take the bait. Additionally, the summer months are when the caddisfly hatches occur, which is another prime time for fly fishing.
Autumn
Autumn is arguably the best time for fly fishing in New Forest. As the weather cools down, the fish become more active and start to feed more aggressively in preparation for the winter months. Additionally, the autumn months are when the blue-winged olive hatches occur, which is a prime time for fly fishing.
Winter
While winter may not be the best time for fly fishing in New Forest, it’s still possible to catch fish during this time of year. The key is to fish in slower-moving water, where the fish are more likely to be found. Additionally, it’s important to use smaller flies and to fish slowly and methodically.
Overall, the best times for fly fishing in New Forest are during the spring, summer, and autumn months. However, with the right techniques and equipment, it’s possible to catch fish all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best fishing lakes in the New Forest?
The New Forest is home to several great fishing lakes, including Hatchet Pond, which is one of the largest and most popular lakes in the area. Other notable fishing lakes include Rockford Lake, Setley Pond, and Downton Leisure. All of these lakes offer great opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.
What are some good rivers to fish in the New Forest?
The New Forest is home to several great rivers for fishing, including the Avon, the Lymington, and the Beaulieu. Each of these rivers offers a unique fishing experience, with a variety of fish species to catch.
Are there any day ticket fishing options near Fordingbridge?
Yes, there are several day ticket fishing options near Fordingbridge. The River Avon and the River Stour both offer day ticket fishing options, as well as several lakes in the area.
Is fly fishing allowed on any of the rivers in the New Forest?
Yes, fly fishing is allowed on many of the rivers in the New Forest, including the Avon, the Lymington, and the Beaulieu. However, it is important to check local regulations and restrictions before fishing.
Are there any restrictions on fishing in the Beaulieu River?
Yes, there are some restrictions on fishing in the Beaulieu River. Fishing is not allowed in certain areas, and there are restrictions on the size and number of fish that can be caught. It is important to check local regulations and restrictions before fishing in the Beaulieu River.