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Hanford Farm – River Stour

Hanford Farm is a cracking DDAS stretch on the Dorset Stour, with fishing on the north bank only. The upper end is kept natural for stalking, while the lower section is cleaner, clearer and well suited to matches or a comfy day’s pleasure fishing.

Run by Dorchester & District Angling Society (DDAS) · checked 12 Oct 2026

River level

Measured — Environment Agency

Hammoon gauge

Nearest EA gauge we've matched — it isn't on this stretch, so levels on your peg will differ.

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We don't publish an "ideal level" — nobody can promise one. Flood water is dangerous: if it's up and coloured, stay well back from the edge. Open River Ready

The lowdown

  • Fishing starts roughly 150 yards above the footbridge and runs downstream for four fields, finishing where the woods begin beyond Hanford Farm.
  • It’s north-bank fishing only, so don’t wander looking for access on the far side. The official access is through Hanford Farm.
  • The upstream end is deliberately kept natural. That’s the bit for anglers who fancy a quieter stalking approach rather than setting up a full-on match swim.
  • Downstream of the riffle, the bank is described as clean and clear. Much easier going here, especially if you want a straightforward pleasure session.
  • The lower section is suitable for matches, so there’s room for a more organised feeder or float-style day when conditions are right.
  • Named fish include bream, chub, dace, eels, gudgeon, perch, pike and roach. DDAS has also reported roach, perch and chublets from Hanford Farm.
  • Bankside maintenance has been carried out and swims have been cleared. Handy stuff — less faff when you’re getting settled and looking for a comfortable peg.
  • The fishing season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive. That gives you the usual summer, autumn and winter window, with the upper natural end especially suited to keeping mobile.
  • Parking is along the track near the river access, with entry available from either end of the parking track. Park sensibly and keep the road clear.
  • The gates lock at 9.00pm and reopen at 6.00am. If you’re fishing beyond 9.00pm in summer, park outside the main gates on the grass verge.

Methods: The natural upper end lends itself to stalking, while the clean lower bank is set up for comfortable pleasure fishing and matches. Fishing is by rod and line only.

Access & tickets

Adult DDAS membership 2026-27

Ordinary member access

£70 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Senior and registered-disabled DDAS membership 2026-27

Ordinary member access

£50 (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

DDAS guest ticket 2026-27

One day; guests must fish with a senior DDAS member

£8 through Clubmate; £10 by PayPal (as listed 12 Oct 2026 — check before you go)

Ordinary access requires DDAS membership. Guest tickets are available through Clubmate or PayPal, but guests must fish with a senior DDAS member. Members must carry their current DDAS membership cards on society waters.

Fish the club names

bream, chub, perch, pike, roach

Key rules

  • Fishing is from the north bank only.
  • The season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
  • All gates must be left as found.
  • Livestock and crops must not be disturbed.
  • No camping is permitted without the owner’s permission.
  • All anglers must hold an appropriate Environment Agency rod licence.
  • Fish must be returned to the water unharmed.
  • Fishing is by rod and line only. Special water rules and keepnet restrictions apply.

Coarse fishing on English rivers is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. That's the law for coarse fish on rivers — it's not a club rule, and game-fishing seasons work differently.

GOV.UK — Freshwater rod fishing rules: when and where you can fish

Where it is

Pins mark the access postcode each club gives, not the bank itself. Exact boundary map: see rights holder.

Community reported

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