Dudsbury – Dorset Stour

River level

The lowdown

• This is a busy-looking bit of river in terms of features, but that’s exactly the appeal. Two weirs, a large island and a mix of shallow and deep water give you plenty to go at.
• The island is accessible at summer levels, with swims dotted around its perimeter. Handy stuff when you fancy moving around and finding the fish rather than sitting it out.
• There are gravel shallows and deep glides, so the river isn’t all one pace. Have a good look before setting up and find where the crease forms between the quicker water and the slack.
• Fast runs are the place to think chub and barbel. Trotting or working a feeder through the flow should put you in the right frame of mind, especially when there’s a bit of colour in the river.
• Reeds, bulrushes, lilies and ranunculus add cover and oxygen. Fish tight to the edges of it, but keep the presentation tidy so you don’t spend the session donating tackle to the greenery.
• The deeper, slower slacks are worth a proper look for perch, pike and carp. They’re also a good fallback when the main flow is pushing hard or the river’s looking moody.
• The high banks help with access in winter, and the sheltered areas can still fish when conditions are difficult. Bob on for a cold-weather plan when exposed swims are hard work.
• At the top of the stretch, the far bank faces a short section of free fishing. Below the first weir, it faces the Manor Farm stretch, so be aware of the neighbouring water when choosing a swim.
• Expect specimen possibilities across the venue, including chub, barbel, bream, carp, pike, roach and perch. The club specifically highlights specimen chub and barbel, with bream to double figures reported.

Methods: Trotting suits the quicker runs, while feeder work is a sensible way to search the glides and crease. For the slower slacks, fish carefully around the cover for perch, pike and carp.

Access & tickets

Arrange membership or an eligible guest ticket through Christchurch Angling Club; annual membership runs for 365 days from joining. Buy holiday membership before entering, and follow the current guest-ticket page’s one-guest limit rather than the venue table’s two.

Fish the club names

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

Key rules

• Venue entry is from one hour before sunrise.
• Venue exit is required by two hours after sunset.
• Maximum two rods are permitted.
• Guests are limited to two under the venue rules.
• Dogs are not permitted at this river venue.
• Toilets are not provided.
• No day tickets are available.
• Night fishing is not permitted at this venue.

Where it is