Heale Estate – River Avon, Middle Woodford

The lowdown

• This is scenic, tree-lined Avon water running through the estate parkland around Heale House. Very tidy surroundings and a cracking bit of river.
• The estate beat is approximately 2.5 miles of main river, plus several carriers. Some descriptions put around 2 kilometres of double-bank prime fishing on the main Avon.
• The Broads Beat sits roughly half a mile upstream from the Bridge Inn at Middle Woodford, heading towards Great Durnford. The House Beat is the other named area.
• The river has been restored with in-stream islands, giving you a mix of fast, narrow channels and deeper, wider sections. Proper varied chalk-stream stuff.
• Mayfly hatches and diverse chalk-stream insect life are a big part of the attraction. Keep an eye on the surface when things start popping.
• This is primarily fly water. Dry fly and traditional upstream nymph are the permitted approaches, so it’s all about a careful presentation and reading the crease.
• Fishing is bank-only, with no wading permitted. Work the edges, island channels and deeper sections from the bank rather than faffing about in the river.
• Avon brown trout are locally reared here, with wild brown trout also present. Grayling are around in good numbers too.
• The House Beat below the Turbine Pool is out of bounds, as marked on the fishery map. Hooks should be de-barbed, and only one brace may be retained per rod; other fish go back.
• Access is through locked gates, with the code supplied alongside booking information. Use the fishery access near the Turbine Pool, not the main house drive, and don’t leave valuables in the car.
• We're not sure on ticket prices for this one — check with the club or local regulations before you leave.

Methods: Primarily fly fishing, using dry fly or traditional upstream nymph. It’s bank-only, with no wading permitted, so pick apart the island channels, glides and deeper sections from the bank.

Access & tickets

Fishing is arranged by booking or by arrangement with the Heale Estate at Heale House. There is no openly advertised standard day-ticket price list; a 2026 auction listing describes one day for two rods, arranged after the July weedcut.

Fish the club names

trout, rudd

Key rules

• Dry fly and traditional upstream nymph only.
• Fishing is bank-only; no wading is permitted.
• Hooks should be de-barbed.
• One brace of fish may be retained per rod; other fish should be returned.
• There is no fishing on the House Beat below the Turbine Pool, as marked on the fishery map.
• Dogs are not permitted unless agreed in advance.
• A current Environment Agency rod licence is required.

River level

Where it is