Trout FishingWe extend a warm welcome to all trout anglers. The range of fishing we offer ensures excellent sport for all abilities. Our still water fisheries are among the best in the west and vary in size from around 50 to over 900 acres! Our fisheries are picturesque and atmospheric lakes, including countless secluded bays, weedy shores and tree line margins to explore. We boast rainbows, browns and a large number of blues of the highest quality. Traditional fly fishing is the rule at our stocked fisheries, although other methods can be used at our free wilderness trout waters. Young People and Newcomers We are working hard to encourage young people and newcomers to take up the sport. Under 18 fish for free with a paying adult and part of their bag limit. Throughout the season, we host open days and events where we offer free fly fishing tuition for all. Boat Fishing Boats are available at most of our waters which provide an alternative to bank angling. These must be pre-booked, either by calling 01566 771930 (8.30am - 5.00pm 7 days a week) or online by scrolling to the bottom of your chosen lake page. You will need to sign a disclaimer before you can take a boat out. Once a year you will need to complete a boat induction – please watch the induction video here. Access for All Most of the waters benefit from facilities designed for disabled or wheelchair anglers, either by platforms or Wheelyboats. These boats must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. Clubs A number of the fisheries have associated local clubs. These are a great way to meet fellow anglers, as well as participating in competitions and social events. We run several competitions during the season - more details of each of these are available on our competitions page. Environment Agency Rod Licence Anglers on all our waters must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence which are available from post offices or via the Environment Agency. The only exception may be when attending a bona fide course or a coaching session with a qualified coach – please check beforehand. South West Lakes Trust South West Lakes Trust is the managing charity of SW Lakes Trust Fishing. The charity is a member of The Angling Trust. In 2014, the South West Lakes Trust fisheries hosted the Commonwealth Fly Fishing Championships; Scotland took gold and England won silver. Reporting an Incident: South West Lakes Trust manages a portfolio of nearly 50 lakes and other natural resources so it is not always possible for our wardens to be on the scene when issues occur. The very remote and rural nature of our estate, the thing that makes them so special, also means that modern mobile communications don’t always cover the areas we would like them to. This makes getting an immediate response to ongoing incidents very challenging. Please use this form to report any incidents of poaching, illegal fishing or any other form of antisocial behaviour to the management team so that we are able to take appropriate action. Complete Form Waters Prices Competitions and Events News and Results Catch Returns About us Contact Waters Game Fishing at Christchurch Harbour (including Lower Avon and Stour) Click here for coarse fishing Christchurch Harbour, Dorset Fishery Information Directions Check, Clean, Dry Facilities Report an Incident Set midway between the Solent and Poole Harbour, Christchurch Harbour is a scenic natural harbour and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Harbour, Lower Avon, Lower Stour and Claypool are a sports fishery where all species are returned to the water. The location offers some of the best sea trout fishing in England, and even the occasional salmon! The area is famous for specimen mullet and quality bass fishing. While the mullet fishing has declined in recent years, there are still plenty of good fish to be caught. South West Lakes manage the area from Knapp Mill to the confluence of the two lower sections of the Avon. The Lower Avon and Lower Stour together with two thirds of Christchurch Harbour are also managed by the Bournemouth Team of South West Lakes. The boundary of the Royalty Moorings is marked by yellow buoys in the harbour. Throop Fishery to Tuckton Bridge is for RDAA members only Fishery Information Fishing Seasons: Sea trout fishing in season only: 15 April to 31 October Salmon fishing in season only: 1 February to 31 August No spinning during the period: 1 February to 14 May Day Permits: Available either online, or from Davis Tackle, 75 Bargates, Christchurch Season Permits: Bankside fishing from Tuckton Bridge to the boundary: Season Tickets can be purchased either online, from the Bournemouth Team of South West Lakes on 01202 581411, or from Davis Tackle, 75 Bargates, Christchurch Season tickets cover a calendar year: 1 January – 31 December. Boat Fishing from Tuckton Bridge to the boundary only by season ticket, available either online, or from the Bournemouth Team of South West Lakes on 01202 581411 or from Davis Tackle, 75 Bargates, Christchurch Contact: 01202 581411 Click here for Christchurch Harbour Rules Click here for the Lower Stour and Harbour Prices and Application Form Directions BOOK NOW Searching Availability... Continue to Secure Booking System » Whenever you leave the lakes, remember to Check, Clean, Dry Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish. Protect the environment and sport you enjoy by cleaning your kit before and after using the water. Find out more here Facilities Local facilities available within the Christchurch area include: toilets, pay and display car parking, disabled access, local shops and cafes. Manage Cookie Preferences