River Fishing on the River Avon
Enjoy 2,500 metres of private fishing.
One of the defining pleasures of staying at Undercastle Cottage is its beautiful riverside setting on the banks of the Hampshire Avon. Whether you are planning a dedicated fishing holiday in the New Forest or simply like the idea of being able to fish during your stay, the river is right at the bottom of the garden.
Bob Mortimer & Paul Whitehouse
Guests at the cottage have access to approximately 2,500 metres of private fishing rights along this celebrated stretch of the Hampshire Avon, with mature banks, fast glides, deep pools, reeds, rushes and natural undercuts.
The cottage also appeared in the BBC’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (Series 1, Episode 6), when Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse stayed at Undercastle while fishing the Hampshire Avon.
Private Fishing on the Hampshire Avon
The Hampshire Avon is one of the UK’s best-known chalk streams and has long been associated with exceptional fishing.
Staying at Undercastle gives anglers the rare opportunity to enjoy private river fishing without having to travel to a separate fishery each day. Simply leave the cottage, walk through the garden and you are on the riverbank.
With around 2,500 metres of fishing available to guests, there is plenty of variety to explore along the river, from faster flowing stretches to deeper pools and quieter areas bordered by established vegetation.
Undercastle Cottage is situated on the banks of the River Avon
What Can You Catch on the Hampshire Avon?
The Hampshire Avon supports a wide variety of fish and is particularly renowned amongst coarse anglers.
Depending on the season and conditions, anglers may encounter species including barbel, chub, roach, dace and perch, while the river is also known for its salmon and trout fishing.
Part of the pleasure of fishing here is the river itself. Its changing depth, pace and character provide plenty to explore over the course of a stay, whether you are an experienced angler or returning to fishing after some time away.
Bob James catches a barbel at Undercastle Cottage
Coarse Fishing and Fly Fishing
Both coarse fishing and fly fishing can form part of a stay at Undercastle Cottage.
Coarse fishing runs from 16 June to 14 March, while salmon and trout fishing is permitted from 1 April to 30 September.
No fishing is allowed between 15 March and 1 April.
The fishing available will naturally depend on the season, river conditions and relevant fishing regulations at the time of your visit.
Fly Fishing at Undercastle Cottage
You certainly don't need to be an experienced angler to enjoy a fishing holiday at Undercastle.
Fly fishing or coarse fishing tuition can be arranged for complete beginners as well as more experienced anglers who would like to develop their skills or learn more about fishing the Hampshire Avon.
Tuition is tailored to your requirements and can be arranged one-to-one or for groups of up to six guests. Bait and licences are included.
Cost: £250 for up to two people
Additional guests: £105 per person
Once your stay at Undercastle Cottage is confirmed, tuition can be arranged using the details provided with your booking confirmation.
Some of our guests at Undercastle Cottage
Stay in a Cottage with Fishing from the Garden
One of the great advantages of a fishing holiday at Undercastle is that fishing doesn't have to dominate the entire break.
There is no early drive to a fishery or need for everyone in your party to share your enthusiasm for angling. You can head down to the river with your rod while other guests relax at the cottage, enjoy the garden or find things to do in the New Forest.
As one of our guests put it:
"Fantastic fishing weekend on the Hampshire Avon. Being able to fish on the river and stay in this beautiful cottage kept my wife, the dogs and myself happy. Stunning views from the cottage and the garden. Will definitely stay again."
5 star Google review, Ben H.
More Than a Fishing Holiday
The Hampshire Avon shapes the atmosphere of Undercastle Cottage whether you fish or not.
Guests can wild swim in the river, although it can be cold, very deep and dangerously fast-flowing, particularly after rain.
There is also a rowing boat available for guests to use between 1 March and 30 October, subject to river conditions.
Or simply find a quiet spot beside the water and enjoy the changing light, birdsong and gentle sound of the river flowing past.
Rowing boat available for guests