Exceptional wild trout and grayling fishing on the Itchen Navigation
Access
Access to the west bank is by padlock-controlled gates at the top and bottom of the beat. There is also a right of vehicular access across the fields.
Though not currently used, planning permission has been granted for parking in the copse on the east bank land, at the top of the beat.
The Fishing
The fishing at Brambridge covers both banks along the full extent from Kiln Lane to Allbrook Road, a length of approximately 1,665 yards (1,522 meters) and offers unrivalled variety throughout the year. The beat has been in the hands of the current owners since 1970 and since then has undergone a steady process of improvement. The original tow path runs along the eastern bank of the property and forms part of Itchen Way footpath.
The top 200 metres is fast water and as well as being interesting trout fishing, offers what a member of the English Fly Fishing Team described as possibly the best Grayling fishing in Hampshire. The first sluice down to the old lock gates provides classic dry fly fishing and the turning pool below provides gravel spawning grounds with an abundance of smaller trout, grayling and salmon parr.
Below this stretch is a calmer, more traditional flow with open banks, offering fishing for all skill levels. This leads to a slower flowing length where the larger fish abound and may still be caught when fish are proving challenging in the top two sections. In this section the current owners and keepers enjoy occasional forays to spin for pike over the winter.
The Land
The Navigation and adjacent land is designated as SAC and SSSI.
The original towpath runs along the left bank, now designated by HCC as part of The Itchen way" as a result this side is rarely fished and over the last decade a plan has been put in place to improve bank side protection which includes floating berms for better young fish protection.
The left bank woodland of approx. 1 acre (Two Bridges copse ) lies between the Navigation and river at Kiln Lane. This has been left unmanaged to allow for natural seasonal flooding, this being said, the higher ground has not flooded in the current owners' tenure.
The land to the South and West of the beat is as indicated on the accompanying map in the brochure. It is managed, leaving about a metre of wild bankside vegetation, then a few metres of mown grass for easy access, with a backdrop of wild woodland up to the railway boundary. This land and banks total about 9 acres.
The Wildlife
The woodland between the right bank and railway has been wild for over 30 years and provides good habitat for a variety of wildlife. There are several water vole families in residence and an otter is a regular visitor. A field camera initially set up to monitor for mink detected the otter, deer, foxes, rabbits squirrel and pheasants. Swans nest there plus several types of migrating duck, coots and grebes. There is at least one family of kingfishers nesting nearby and these are regularly spotted. The wetland opposite provides a breeding area for the rare Southern Damselfly.