Chalk stream Fishing

River Nadder

The Nadder is the most substantial of the Avon tributaries, rising at Donhead St Mary and flowing through some of the prettiest countryside in southern England as it makes its way through the peaceful Wiltshire sheep meadows.

During the course of its 22 miles the Nadder grows in size until it flows through the park of Wilton House where a fantastic Palladian Bridge straddles the river. Just below the park, the river joins the Wylye for the last couple of miles before the combined rivers join the Avon near to Salisbury Cathedral Close.

COMPTON CHAMBERLAYNEsince 1992

Generally regarded as the finest stretch of the River Nadder the Fishing Breaks beats here – seven in all – are part of the Compton Chamberlayne Estate, who I have represented for over 35 years.

The beats wind through lovely, sheep-grazed water meadows, each for one or two rods, the river well stocked with locally reared brown trout. Here is an overview of each of the beats.

All the beats are fished from the lefthand bank as you look upstream. The Estate owns both banks so there will be nobody on the opposite bank which are lightly managed to create a natural wildlife haven especially for insects and birds. Each beat has off road parking with a fishing hut. The beats run upstream from 1-6, with Beat 7 in the middle between Beats 3 and 4.

Beat 1: The most open of all the beats with the downstream section running through the water meadows and the top section more shaded with trees and a deep pool.

Beat 2: A mixture of gentle curved sections, with some sharp bends and deep, shaded pools.

Beat 3: Very similar to Beat 2 with enough tree and bushes on the fishing bank to provide cover and shade without too much hinderance to casting.

Beat 4: This beat starts with the mill pool which can be waded. Returning to the bank upstream of the mill the river is straighter and meanders less than any of the other beats.

Beat 5: Similar to Beat 4 but with more deep pools shaded by trees on the opposite bank.

Beat 6: This is the most varied beat, with steep banks, plenty of tree cover and very pretty. To be avoided if you have mobility issues.

Beat 7: A beat that is a mixture on the main river between the end of Beat 3 and the start of Beat 4, plus the carrier that flows to the north of Dinton Mill.

We will allocate you the best available beat, or combination of beats, but if you have a preference please ask. Click here to see the beat map.