Avington Estate Fishery — River Kennet and Denford Fishery

River level

The lowdown

• This is proper chalk-stream country, lying downstream of Hungerford between Hungerford and Kintbury. Clear water, wildlife-rich banks and water meadows give the place a lovely wild feel.
• The combined Avington and Denford fishery runs for about six miles. There’s a mix of double-bank and single-bank fishing, so the amount of room depends on the beat booked.
• You’ll find classic main-river water alongside smaller, technical carriers. That mix is bob on for different levels of experience, from a gentler introduction to more fiddly, precise fishing.
• The river is described as clean and clear, so a careful approach is likely to pay. Keep things tidy and controlled around the smaller carriers and clearer runs.
• Wild brown trout are present, while grayling are also part of the estate’s fishing. The water is lightly stocked with young brown trout to help maintain the population.
• Mayfly is a headline feature here. When that hatch gets going, it can be a spectacular time to be on the bank and a real highlight of the season.
• The advertised fishing season runs from 1 April to 30 September. That gives you spring chalk-stream conditions through to the end of September, with the mayfly period a particular draw.
• Group and corporate days can be arranged, with limited Monday bookings during the season. The fishery hut holds up to twelve people, or more by special arrangement.
• Basic equipment can be provided, and guides are available for tuition or a helping hand. Picnic or pub lunches and accommodation can also be recommended or arranged.
• This is booked fishing rather than a turn-up-and-have-a-hoosh stretch. Sort availability, the exact beat, access and parking with the estate before setting off.

Methods: This is game-fishing water, with the main river and technical carriers offering different challenges. Guides and basic equipment can be arranged, which is handy if you’re new to this sort of chalk-stream fishing.

Access & tickets

Avington Estate does not publish a standard public day-ticket price. Contact the estate to check availability, pricing, the exact beat, access and parking; guided or unguided days are also advertised through a separate booking provider from about £300.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• The advertised water availability is from 1 April to 30 September.
• No wading is permitted on the advertised guided or unguided package.
• Catch-and-release applies to the advertised Avington guided fishing package.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required for fishing in England.
• Group bookings are offered on limited Mondays during the season.
• Availability and pricing are by enquiry with the estate.

Where it is