Fly fishing
The River Wylye is one of England’s finest chalk streams. This half mile stretch is part of the Trust’s Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, and offers fishing for wild Brown Trout in spring and summer, and for Grayling in autumn and winter.
The aim of management of the river is as a sustainable wild fishery. The fishing is CATCH AND RELEASE only, and no stocking takes place. Existing diversity of riverine habitat has been enhanced by manipulation of the physical structure to encourage spawning of trout and grayling.
The fishing is often challenging where there is lush bankside vegetation, which is retained to provide habitat for fly life. Access is best afforded by wading (permitted until 30th November) but beware of a few deep hollows.
Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, River Wylye fishery rules:
- The ticket issued entitles the holder to fish the river only, not the lakes.
- A maximum of two rods are permitted to fish at any one time.
- You must use barbless hooks, or hooks whose barbs have been flattened.
- Catch and release - all fish caught are to be returned unharmed to the river. No keep nets are allowed.
- All litter and line must be taken away at the end of fishing.
- No wading in the river after 1st December (see table below) to protect spawning salmon and trout.
- See table below for restrictions on flies and bait according to season.
- ‘Natural’ baits (maggot, worm etc) can be used only 1st December to 14th March. No ground baiting.
- Payment for a permit to fish is considered as acceptance of these rules.
- At the end of the day please complete the catch return provided. This is for monitoring purposes, and nil returns are also required.
Prices and permitted baits according to season
|
Apr 15 – June 15 |
June 16 – Oct 15 |
Oct 16 – Nov 30 |
Dec 1 – Mar 14 |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout Grayling |
Grayling only | Grayling only |
|
£40 / rod / day |
£40 / rod / day |
£30 / rod / day | £30 / rod / day |
| Dy fly only until May 31 | Dry fly Upstream nymph |
Fly | Fly ‘Ntural’ baits |
| Wading allowed | Wading allowed | Wading allowed | No wading |
How to get there
Grid Reference (entrance): SU037370
Directions from Salisbury
Take the A36, heading towards Warminster. After about 8 miles out of Salisbury take a left turn, sign posted 'The Langfords'. Then take the second left into Duck Street, sign posted for 'Hanging Langford'. Langford Lakes is the first turning on the left just after the bridge across the River Wylye.
Directions from North Wiltshire
Head south to the A303. Head west on this road until the junction of the A303 / A36 near the village of Wylye. At this junction take the A36 south (heading towards Salisbury). After 2 miles turn right sign posted 'The Langfords'. Then take the next right into Duck Street, sign posted for 'Hanging Langford'. Langford Lakes is the first turning on the left just after the bridge across the River Wylye.
Access to the River Wylye
Please park opposite Fishery Cottage (see map). Fishing is permitted from the riverside path that starts at the Fishery Cottage gates, to the bottom of the Round Pond (see map). If you would like to fishing before 9 am please advise us of time of arrival to ensure that the main reserve gate is opened. This gate is normally closed at dusk.
Health and safety Precautions
Beware of slippery, steep or uneven surfaces and wear suitable footwear.
Take special care around the weir and weir pool (see map). Keep off the weir walls and unstable rock surrounds. The water is deep and turbulent here and there are sections of bank which may be undercut.
Take care when wading in the river at permitted times. There are a few deep hollows – take note of warning signs. In times of flood, wading or general access may be disallowed for safety reasons.
As with any body of fresh water, there is a risk of Weil’s Disease. Cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters, and wash hands before eating, drinking and smoking. If you experience flu-like symptoms in the next few days see your doctor.
Fishing is undertaken entirely at the angler’s own risk. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust accepts no responsibility for vehicles or property, or for personal injury suffered, whilst using the premises or its facilities.
The nearest telephone is at Fishery Cottage. The nearest pay phone is on the main road through Steeple Langford, nearest the Salisbury end.
The nearest hospital is Salisbury District (24hr A&E) Odstock Road, Salisbury SP2 8BJ tel 01722 336262
How to book
Contact the reserve office on 01722 792011 or email using the form below. Write to Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, Steeple Langford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4NH.
The Trust works in partnership with the Salmon and Trout Association, Wild Trout Trust, Wiltshire Fishery Association, Game Conservancy Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England.
