Limestone rivers in Gloucestershire
Fishing Breaks has fly fishing for brown trout and grayling on the River Coln in Gloucestershire
Fishing advice and flies | Places to stay | Map
Our rivers
RIVER COLN

The River Coln rises at Brockhampton to the east of Cheltenham, and flows in a south/south-easterly direction through the Cotswold Hills via Andoversford, Withington, Fossbridge, Bibury, Coln St Aldwyns and Fairford. It joins the River Thames to the southwest of Lechlade, where it shares a confluence with the Thames and Severn Canal, by the Round House Footbridge.
The River Coln takes its water from the limestone uplands of the Cotswolds flowing as it does through one of the most beautiful parts of the English countryside. The river has abundant fly life, including a spectacular mayfly hatch and the ranunculus weed thrives.
COLN ST ALDWYN
The beat is within five minutes walk of Coln St Aldwyn the perfect Cotswolds
village with The New Inn a welcoming spot ideal for a pint, lunch and
as somewhere to stay.
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No. RODS |
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“Slow start but had a lovely evening rise.” “Nice small stream in lovely surroundings.” “Pretty stretch of river.” |
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April 1 – May 18 |
£137 per Rod |
May 19 – June 15 |
£193 per Rod |
June 16 – September 30 |
£137 per Rod |
October 1 – November 30 (grayling) |
£60 per Rod |
For further details, please complete our enquiry form or e-mail info@fishingbreaks.co.uk
Fishing advice and flies
These limestone streams fish nearly year-round with trout from April to September and grayling October to March. Like the chalkstreams the hatches are hawthorn in April, mayfly in May/June with a mix of sedges, olives and terrestrials in the summer; damsel patterns are especially deadly. For more fishing advice and to buy flies click here.
Top Gloucestershire Flies:
April |
May |
June |
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July |
August |
September/October |
The Pheasant Tail Nymphs and Damsel Mayfly Nymph in a variety of sizes are the best sub-surface patterns.
Recommended outfit: 8ft rod, with 3-5wt floating line. Tippet to 2lb/6x
Places to stay
Country house hotel |
Spa hotel |
Local inn |
View the full Fishing Breaks accommodation guide