Abbey Fishery, River Avon, Amesbury

River level

The lowdown

• This is a short, tidy bit of Avon with plenty going on. You’ll find faster water, deeper glides and the sort of chalk-stream flow that keeps you thinking.
• The true right bank is the more open side and is the one suited to fly fishing. Handy if you fancy working dry fly or a sunken nymph through the crease.
• It sits just a short distance from Queensberry Bridge, on the outskirts of Amesbury. The old bridge and Abbey setting give it a cracking bit of character.
• It’s double-bank water, so don’t get too casual with the back cast or a long swing. Anglers need to take care when casting towards the opposite bank.
• Approach from downstream, as the club advises for chalk streams. Keep a low profile and watch those glides before charging into a swim.
• There’s faster water for an active fly approach, while the deeper glides should give you places to search when the river is carrying a bit more pace or colour.
• Wading is only allowed where the current fishery information says it is. If you do get in, look after the spawning gravels and avoid churning up the river bed.
• Members must sign in and out and complete the returns book at the Abbey parking spot. A small faff, but an important one.
• Parking is available just inside the Amesbury Abbey grounds, with Amesbury Recreation Ground as an alternative. Stay inside the marked areas and shut gates behind you.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Fly fishing is the obvious game, with dry fly and sunken-nymph methods allowed where the fishery rules permit. Read the flow, fish from downstream and take extra care when wading or casting across the double-bank water.

Access & tickets

Day tickets are available online from The Salisbury District Angling Club. The coarse day ticket price is £15.

Fish the club names

trout

Key rules

• Members must sign in and out.
• Members must complete the returns book at the Abbey parking spot.
• A valid club membership book or current digital membership access is required for normal member fishing.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required where applicable.
• Fishing rules and dates can vary by fishery and must be checked in the club’s current membership information.
• Wading is permitted only where indicated in the current fishery information. Protect spawning gravels and the river bed when wading.
• Stay within marked fishing and parking areas, and close gates after access.
• Remove litter and do not interfere with livestock, wildlife or game. Dogs are subject to fishery-specific rules.

Where it is