Folds Farm – River Avon Fishery

The lowdown

• This is proper wandering-anglers’ water. The stretch sits between the New Forest plateau and the edge of Fordingbridge, so it has a quiet, open feel rather than a busy day-ticket vibe.
• There’s roughly two miles to explore, following one of the biggest bends on the river. Plenty of room to roam and find a swim that’s got a bit of colour or a nice crease.
• The flow varies nicely. Faster water runs over golden gravel and cobbles, giving you lively-looking runs and plenty to pick apart with a float or feeder.
• Water crowfoot splits some of the runs, creating little edges and pockets where fish can hold. Keep an eye on the seams rather than just fishing straight into the main push.
• The river has classic barbel and chub-holding features. Look for pacey gravelly water, crease lines and steadier edges around the faster runs.
• Two large weirs sit at Burgate, adding some proper river character to the fishery. Treat the weir areas with care and stick to the club’s access arrangements.
• A suspension footbridge crosses the river near the lower part of the fishery. It’s a useful landmark when working out where you are on the stretch.
• Access is nicely covered. There’s a car park at Folds Farm, another along the farm track in the middle of the valley, and a Fordingbridge-side option near the Surma Valley restaurant on the A338.
• This is coarse-fishing water, with barbel, chub, roach, dace, perch, pike and bream named for the fishery. Trout and salmon caught accidentally must go straight back.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Trotting the gravelly runs should be a bob-on starting point, with feeder tactics worth trying around the creases, steadier edges and classic barbel or chub-holding water. Take a roving approach and cover the features rather than sitting on one peg all day.

Access & tickets

Buy membership through the club’s Clubmate portal, where members can also download fishery maps and rules. The 2026–27 guide lists an additional £20 joining fee.

Fish the club names

barbel, chub, roach, perch, pike, bream

Key rules

• The Avon coarse day-ticket season runs from 16 June to 14 March inclusive.
• Fishing is from dawn to dusk.
• All coarse fish must be returned.
• Trout and salmon caught accidentally must be returned immediately.
• Grayling may not be kept in keepnets before 1 October.
• An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
• Anglers must remain within club boundaries.
• Use designated access points and leave no litter.

River level

Where it is