Fishing

Hungerford is ideally situated in the valley of the Kennet River and at the side of the Kennet and Avon Canal for anyone with an interest in fishing. This gives the visitor access to arguably some of the best chalk stream, trout and grayling fishing, in the south of England , and a coarse fishing water holding fish of prize winning proportions!

Although most of the Kennet system waters are in the hands of syndicates and occasional fishing can be hard to find, it will be worth it when you do. The river waters that pass through Hungerford are owned by the Commoners of Hungerford and they jealously guard their ancient rights to fish. But stop for a while on Eddington Bridge on a summers afternoon and marvel at the clarity of water and luxuriant growth of Water Crowfoot, and if you are lucky, you will see the elusive wild Kennet trout with its butter yellow belly or a flash of the huge dorsal fin of the silver Grayling as they feed on the abundant insect life that teems in the spring fed waters. You may even spot the rare species of Common Trout Fisherman practicing the black art of Fly Fishing.

If hunting Carp, Bream or Pike is more to your liking then a day ticket on the canal through the Hungerford and District Angling Association will reward you with many enjoyable hours fishing. To while away a day on the towpath by St Lawrence’s Church is many a person’s idea of heaven. You are certain to see lots of wildlife, as it is the home of the Kingfisher, the Heron, and many wildfowl. Watch out for the delightful Water Vole as it potters along the bank – a protected species – it lives happily along the Canal and the River close to the centre of the town.

Want to know more about fishing in the area? Contact Roxtons in Bridge Street for the trout and grayling fishing or Howard’s Petcare for local coarse fishing. Tight Lines!