River Stour at Durweston Mill

River level

The lowdown

• This is a proper mixed bit of Dorset water, with the mill pond bringing a stillwater feel alongside the running River Stour.
• The weir is a key feature, with water changing from quieter mill-pond habitat to more lively river flow. Worth checking the crease and the softer water around it.
• There’s a useful spread of depth here. Shallow runs sit alongside deeper water, so don’t just plonk in the first swim you see.
• Chub are on the fish sheet to 7lb+, which is a tidy size. Look for steady flow, cover and the edges of the deeper runs.
• Bream are listed to 8lb+, giving the quieter mill-pond-style water a proper sit-and-wait angle, especially with a feeder or a patient float approach.
• Pike are listed to 15lb+, so there’s a cheeky predator option too. The mill pond and slower sections look the obvious places to pay attention.
• Game fishing is allowed for trout and sea trout. That gives the stretch a different feel through the season, with moving water to explore rather than one fixed line.
• Trotting or light feeder work should suit the shallow and deeper runs, while the stiller water offers a more settled approach. Keep an eye on flow and fish the water in front of you.
• It’s a peaceful fishery in open Dorset countryside, but the access rules are clear: members only, fishing from dawn until one hour after dusk, and no night fishing.
• Approach via Mill Lane in Durweston. There are two mill parking spaces for members, but use the top of Mill Lane if those spaces are already occupied.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Mix it up according to the water: trot or feeder the running sections, and try a more patient approach in the mill pond. Pike, trout and sea trout give you extra options when conditions suit.

Access & tickets

Access is available through WDAC membership, or with a club guest ticket. The official pages do not publish a separate Becketts day-ticket price; check the club’s current ticket arrangements before heading over.

Fish the club names

pike, bream, chub, trout

Key rules

• The close season is enforced.
• Fishing is permitted from dawn until one hour after dusk.
• Night fishing is not permitted.
• Dogs are not permitted.
• Do not damage trees or shrubs around the fishery.
• Fishing is for WDAC members, subject to the club’s membership arrangements.
• Youngsters from the village may fish the stretch without WDAC membership.
• Game fishing is allowed for trout and sea trout.

Where it is