An 18lb Rainbow trout and 15lb Brown Trout have both been caught recently at Holbury Lakes.

This varies throughout the year but is often between 2lb 8oz and 3lb 2oz. The stocking densities are normally between 60-80 fish per acre.

The majority of fish at Holbury Lakes are sourced from two local fish farms.

Franklyns Fish Farm supply our Rainbow Trout and Damerham Trout Fisheries supply our Blue Trout.

If the trout are not put back properly then there is a chance that they may be die. The saying ‘once bitten twice shy’ is particularly relevant as catch and release will make the fish harder to catch and hook shy.

Yes, a priest is used to quickly dispatch the fish once they have been caught. Our fisheries manager is on hand to make sure this is done humanely with no suffering to the fish.

The fisherman will take them home, either for supper or often to our local smokery.

Locally, we would recommend the River Test Smokery where they charge £9 per fish, regardless of the size.

• There is a fishing hut and a big barn for shelter with free Wifi
• Ample parking
• Flushing WC
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Microwave

Booking is not essential but is recommended during busy periods.

Everyone over the age of 16 will need a fishing licence. If you do not have one then you can purchase one for one day or they can be bought annually. Licences can be purchased online here through gov.uk

The standard costs are as follows:

1 Day – £6
8 Consecutive Days – £12
12 Months – £30

We are open from 8.30 to 4.30 during the Winter and until 5.30 during British Summer Time.

The fishery is most busy from May to July with August tending to be slightly too warm for the fish. Then in September and October there is another peak. Weekends are busy with Saturdays in particular. If you are a party of over six then please book.

Practical clothing in dull colours. We recommend trousers and not shorts for beginners. Suitable footwear and certainly wellies in winter. Polarized sunglasses are an essential and also a peaked cap.

Rod, Net, Priest, Flies

Polarised sunglasses & Peaked cap

Yes for £30 per day you can hire a rod, leader, box of 5 flies, a priest, landing net and polarized sunglasses. This charge does not include losses & breakages.

You can either book online here or call fisheries manager to book over the phone or for further information. 01794 341619.

Yes we offer tuition which is tailored to individual requirements. Please either book online here, or contact the fishery on 01794 341619.
The link when you click on “here” takes you to the wrong option. It should go to: https://holburylakes.co.uk/product-category/tackle-hire/

A full days lesson which includes a 2 fish ticket and tackle is £264 and for half a day, it is £162. For additional pupils, the additional cost is £102.

We welcome an array of groups, from corporate days to family days and birthdays and the occasional stag do as well. Tuition and catering is available and please take a look at our corporate page or contact our fisheries manager for further information.

Breakfast, followed by casting tuition on the lawn.

Then fishing on the lakes and at 1pm, a steak BBQ.

More fishing during the afternoon and the day is finished with tea and cakes at around 4pm.

Yes we do offer exclusive use of the lakes for a minimum of ten people and a maximum of 25. The minimum cost would be £520 for ten which equates to ten four fish tickets.

The lakes are managed with ecology in mind. We are always striving to maintain a natural balance between the clarity of the lakes and weed. Barley straw is used to reduce algal blooms naturally.

A fabulous array of wildlife often including the following;

Kingfishers, Otters, Moorhens, Coots, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants & Water Voles

Birds of Prey including Red Kites and Buzzards. All of which are part of the natural habitat found at Holbury Lakes.