Holbury Lakes fishery is in a secluded, tranquil setting where the River Dun winds between the four lakes. Each lake has its own character, and the fishery can provide exciting fishing whether you're a novice or an old hand. Throughout the summer months water clarity in the lakes is usually very good, though they can be coloured in winter if rainfall is persistent.
Adequate car parking is available alongside the log cabin-styled Fishing Office. The Fishing Office also provides a comfortable area where tea, coffee and a microwave are available free of charge to all Holbury visitors. The main Fishing Lodge, overlooking the lakes, and just a 5-minute walk from the car park, provides a comfortable lounge with tea/coffee facilities, and also a picnic area with tables. A charcoal barbecue is available on request. Situated above the lodge with splendid views across the lake a function hall is available by arrangement. The lodge also houses the toilet and washing facilities.
"The Pond"
| Area |
About a half-acre. |
| Fishing notes |
Often fished by those who like to stalk their quarry. |
| Depth |
2 to 4 metres (6 to 12 feet). |
| Suitability for disabled fly fishers |
Ideal, because the bankside is flat and secure, and this lake is closest to the car park. |
| Casting notes |
Some areas can be double hauled. In other areas a roll cast, steeple or Galway cast is most practical, to avoid losing flies in the trees. |
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Island Lake
| Area |
About one-and-a-half acres. |
| Fishing notes |
Provides plenty of scope for using different fishing techniques. |
| Depth |
Mostly 2+ metres (about 7 feet, but with holes down to 14 feet). |
| Suitability for disabled fly fishers |
Access is good all around this lake. |
| Casting notes |
Long stretches of the bank have enough space for double hauling, or equally can provide easy casting for beginners. |
| |
Long Lake
| Area |
About two-and-a-half acres—a long stretch of water. |
| Fishing notes |
Stalking along the deep holes on the true right-hand bank in summer can be most exciting. |
| Depth |
Mostly 2+ metres (about 7 feet). |
| Suitability for disabled fly fishers |
Access is possible. The true right-hand bank is safe and easy. |
| Casting notes |
Excellent for fishers who want to develop their double-hauling. Catapult casting under the trees on the left-hand bank tests the best of nerves! (A good thing that Long Lake is the closest to the refreshments in the fishing barn.) |
| |
Willow Lake
| Area |
About two-and-a-half acres. |
| Fishing notes |
Popular with stalking fly fishers, using short precise casts. Because it is often the lake that is most sheltered from the wind, Willow Lake lends itself to longer, fine leaders with small to tiny dry flies (hook size 18 to 22). |
| Depth |
Varies from 1.5 to 4 metres (5 to 12 feet). |
| Suitability for disabled fly fishers |
This lake is furthest from the car park, so is less suitable than the nearer waters. |
| Casting notes |
Some skill required here, because of the many trees waiting for your fly. Limited area for double hauling. |
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River Dun
Our stretch of the River Dun (a tributary of the famous River Test) is around 1.2 km (approximately 2/3 of a mile) long. Of this, about 650 metres (700 yards) of the banks are fishable. The average width is about 6 metres (20 feet), and average depth 1.5 metres (4.5 feet). The water is usually gin clear. (After heavy rain it rises quickly and becomes coloured, but it can be clear again 24 hours later.)
The banks are high and as you fish the sun is often behind you, so you risk throwing your shadow over the fish. There are also quite a few overhanging branches. So the Dun presents some interesting challenges for accomplished fly fishers.
In the top half of our beat the water flows fast over chalky gravel beds. In the second half it slows around a bend and flows silently under overhanging branches, which is where the trout often tend to be! But with a hook, curve or slide cast, you can get at them.
It is our usual policy to limit the Dun to one rod per day, or to two friends fishing together. There's more than enough interest here to keep you fully occupied for the day!
Because the Dun is a chalk stream, suitable flies would include: Black Gnat, Gold-Ribbed Hare's-Ear Nymph, Pheasant-Tail Nymph, Iron Blue, (Mayfly in season) Greenwells, Adams, Tups Indispensible, Beacon Beige. Size 16 or smaller.
Note: distances, areas, and depths given on this page are approximate;
metric/imperial equivalents even more so!
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