Bounds Farm

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper mixed river fishery, with chub, barbel, roach, dace, pike, bream, eels and perch named for the stretch. Trout and salmon are available in season under the relevant game-fishing arrangements.
• The fishable water runs for approximately two miles, with varied riverbank access rather than one uniform bank. Expect a mix of swims and river features as you work along the beat.
• Coarse fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March. That gives you the usual changing river game: lighter gear and trotting when it’s pushing nicely, then feeder work when the river carries a bit of colour.
• Normal fishing hours are sunrise until two hours after sunset. Fancy a proper dusk session? Night fishing is allowed, but you’ll need the separate night permit sorted first.
• The downstream boundary joins RDAA’s Throop Fishery. The adjacent Throop Beat 1 joins Bounds Farm on the north bank, so keep an eye on the beat boundaries when moving along the river.
• The official map shows several parking points and access routes, including some parking that’s only suitable in dry conditions. The top car park is open from 05:00 until 10:00.
• Access is through a gate near the golf club, and a club key is required. Outside golf-club opening times, use the key to open the gate, then lock it again after you’ve gone through.
• Keep to the riverbank and park well away from lanes, quietly. There’s also a marked no-crossing bridge, so don’t be tempted to wander across for a cheeky shortcut.
• Overhead powerlines cross or sit close to parts of the fishery. RDAA says not to fish within 20 metres of the cables — a big one to clock before setting up.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: For the coarse season, trotting and feeder fishing look the natural starting points, with the varied access giving you plenty to explore. Match your approach to the river’s pace and colour, and switch to the relevant game-fishing tackle when targeting trout or salmon in season.

Access & tickets

Arrange membership or ask about guest tickets through Ringwood & District Anglers Association, and make sure you have the required club key. Public day tickets aren’t advertised here; the club’s ordinary day-ticket offering is restricted to Throop and Lower Stour.

Fish the club names

chub, barbel, roach, bream, pike, perch, trout, eel

Key rules

• Coarse fishing is available from 16 June to 14 March.
• Normal fishing hours are sunrise to two hours after sunset.
• A night permit is required for night fishing.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required alongside club permission.
• A club key is required for access, including to open the gate outside golf-club opening times.
• Lock the gate after using it.
• Keep to the riverbank.
• Do not fish within 20 metres of overhead powerlines.
• Do not cross at the marked no-crossing bridge.

Where it is