Avington Trout Fishery has been established since the late 1960s, created by the late, great Sam Holland, a pioneer in the world of still water trout fishing. The original lake was a continuous narrow lake and so silted up that only a few inches of water existed above the mud. Sam set about widening, deepening and clearing the lake, dividing it into three smaller lakes totaling nine acres. He also diverted the main flow of the water to prevent silting again, and in the process produced the chalk-stream carrier that you still see today that runs alongside the lakes.
Today, the lakes are fringed with marginal growth of sedges, flowering rush, yellow iris and marsh marigolds, which provide cover for the stalking angler. There is also good shade and cover afforded to the trout and angler by large stands of trees including alder, crack willow, hawthorn, London planes and beautiful oak.
The lakes are stocked everyday with high quality triploid rainbows (minimum of 4lb), which are all reared on site in the fishery’s own stock ponds. The water clarity throughout the season is superb. In fact, clear water stalking is possible even on heavily overcast days. For this reason, Avington is also an ideal venue for the novice angler as they can see the fish they are casting to, which makes it so much more enjoyable and is a great confidence booster.
Lovington (Lake 1)
The smallest of the three lakes with depths from 6 to 8 feet. The bank next to the carrier has long been a favourite, especially in the summer when fish take advantage of the shade from a line of beautiful lime trees. It is a wonderful place for the novice angler as there is plenty of space to practice the ack cast.
For stalking, the best vision can be obtained from the right-hand side. This is due to the high screen of trees on the opposite bank throwing a shadow on the surface. With minimal surface glare this bank is ideal for spotting fish, although you should watch your back cast for snags. The bottom end of the first lake, or at least the lower third, can be excellent.
Meadow (Lake 2)
The largest of the three lakes, with depths of 4 feet at the far end and deeper holes of 13 feet. Even in the summer the tree cover is open enough to allow the prevailing winds ruffle the water surface, making for excellent top-of-the-water Buzzer fishing. The lake also has a of open bank space allowing for easy casting.
At the bottom of the middle lake on the right is an overhanging tree. This is a great spot to “jungle” fish, using the catapult cast to flick the fly under the tree. At the bottom end of the right bank is a bed of rushes. By all means look into the usual worn swims, but don’t be afraid to part the rushes with your rod to see what is there. Many trout lie stationary between two used swims, unseen by anglers on either side.
Stillwaters (Lake 3)
Catch & Release Only
An exclusive catch and release lake, stocked with a selection of small trout, some of them browns and tigers. This lake is regularly re-stocked making it one of the best catch and release lakes in the country.
The sun travels in its westward arc along the left-hand field bank, so the light over your shoulder gives you some good spotting areas for stalking. Close-combat techniques will definitely bring you fish.