Avon Chalkstream Brown Trout & Winter Grayling

Lower Woodford Chalkstream Fly Fishing Experience the very best in brown trout and winter grayling fishing on these lovely crystal clear chalkstream stretches of the River Avon.
One of the most varied chalkstreams in the UK, with over 180 species of aquatic plant having been recorded, it also has one of the most diverse populations of fish, plant and wildlife . The river rises in the Vale of Pewsey as a network of clay streams fed by chalk springs which converge to form the main Avon.

Lower Woodford Chalkstream

This challenging chalkstream offers the keen fly fisher a superb opportunity to fish for quality wild brown trout from April through to early October.
From October through to early March your focus changes to the wild winter grayling as they start to out number the brown trout and become more dominant throughout.

Tackle Up!
Upavon - In order to fish this chalkstream effectively you'll need to wade. A good pair of waist or full length breathable waders are advisable with additional clothing layers for comfort during the winter months. Use of a wading stick is not imperative in this chalkstream but for the less experienced it will assist you with both stability and your stealth-like approach.
A rod between 7ft - 8ft 6" maximum (7ft favoured) with an appropriate floating line rated #3/4/5 depending on wind conditions is recommended for the Upavon stretch.

Chalkstream fly fishing Filtering through an abundance of bank side and submerged vegetation, the chalkstreams provide the perfect environment to sustain superb natural fly life. In appropriate conditions, Olives, Duns, Spinners, Caenis, Sedges and of course the Mayfly, are just some of the prolific fly life you'll see and experience throughout the angling season.

Chalkstream fly selections In the fly box for trout and grayling!
On tippets ranging from 3lb to 6lb breaking strain, klinkhammers & parachute hackled dries in size 16 to 20 work well. Use a host of colours to imitate the varying upwings, olive in size 16 & 18 is generally favoured and probably the most successful.
CDC flies in sizes 16 & 18 work very well in favoured conditions with the "F" fly being amongst the most lethal.
For winter nymphing you need look no further than a mere handful of imitations that will always reward you with a good stamp of fish.
In a variety of weights, use the Pheasant tail in a size 16 or 18, similarly try the Gold Ribbed Hares Ear, slim profiled Czech nymphs in varying weights sizes 14 to 18 or the Killer Bug in sizes 12 through to 18. Last but no means least, a Shrimp pattern, heavily weighted with an orange or red hot spot seems to do the trick in sizes 12 to 16. (All hooks to be barbless)

Tom Hill - Devon Fly Fishing School
Courses are run throughout the season on this beautiful Avon Chalkstream by qualified fly fishing & casting instructors, Jim Williams and Tom Hill. They'll be only too happy to guide, instruct and provide you with the necessary skills and tackle to enjoy a day or weekends quality fly fishing.

Tom also provides instruction and guiding on the Manningford Trout Fishery located approximately 1 mile from Upavon as detailed above.....Why not experience both locations with Tom.

The following costs include full instruction and equipment, wader use etc.

The Upavon chalkstream is available as unguided day ticket venues. If you would like further info then please contact Tom here.

Alternatively you can contact the river keeper direct on the number below

Just mention that you've been directed through Tom at the Devon Fly Fishing School.

For the Avon at Upavon call Peter on 07770 922544 0r 01980 630008