This is an invitation to come and join the River Wylye syndicate. There are very limited numbers available to keep pressure minimal on the water so it will be sold on a first come basis!

EXCLUSIVE AND VARIED CHALKSTREAM FLY FISHING

The River Wylye at Langford Lakes is exclusive to Aardvark McLeod, a stretch that encapsulates the delights of the wild Wiltshire chalkstream. Wild brown trout and grayling abound, and thanks to great water quality and habit management the fly life can support a range of fish sizes including some large and wary specimens.

Our beat at Steeple Langford runs through the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Langford Lake Nature Reserve, offering spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities to compliment this special fishery. In addition, the site has a wonderful café and loo facilities. Please note that there is no public access to the river, so anglers are not disturbed by the general public visitors.

The fishing is mainly wading with great twists, bend and in-water obstacles to provide fish with a fantastic habitat. Do not be surprised to encounter some large wily Wylye trout along with excellent autumn and winter grayling fishing. Wading is only permitted from the 15th April to 30th November each season to protect important fish spawning periods.

Throughout the season, this beautifully varied stretch of water is available for a mix of syndicate rods, day rods and guided days. The trout fly fishing season on the River Wylye runs from 1st April to the 15th October each year. The beat is perfect for one or two rods.

With demand for chalkstream grayling fly fishing ever growing, the River Wylye also offers a wonderful winter option. It is perfectly suited for day rods and guided trips for those ready to brave the cold. The season is open from 16th October to 28th February.

We have had plenty of water this season and by most reports the river has fished very well. We have seen good numbers of wild browns and grayling landed throughout the season, and a better average size of trout.

From an incredibly high water year in 2024, 2025 was a stark difference with near record lows. Despite everything nature threw at the us, the river did manage to hold up incredibly well, although the fish were understandably very spooky in the latter part of the season. One of the big positives we have noticed this season is that there seems to be a real resurgence in the grayling numbers, particularly on the section upstream of the road bridge (long may that continue). Through the year we have tried to manage the water so it retains its wild feel but offers good fishing throughout.

Syndicate rods will continue to be able fish any day of the week from 1st April to 14th March. We have adjusted the guest ticket policy to allow two free guest tickets for each member, which can either be taken on the same day or spread through the season. Should you want additional guest tickets, these will be available for £60 per person including VAT. We hope that will allow you all to share a bit more time with fellow anglers on the water. The online calendar will remain available to avoid members turning up on a busy day and through the season there will be a splattering of day rod bookings.

Despite the rising costs, we aim to keep the fishing accessible for all and therefore the cost for the Syndicate in 2026 will be:

Wylye Syndicate – £380 for one rod including VAT.

The day tickets costs will be as follows:

River Wylye

Trout (1st April to 14th October 2026 – 1 to 3 rods) – £85 per rod including VAT

Prime Trout (1st May to 15th June 2026 – 1 to 3 rods) – £100 per rod including VAT

Grayling (15th October 2026 to 14th March 2027 – 1 to 3 rods) – £50 per rod including VAT

For more information on the Wylye or help planning your next fly fishing adventure please contact Alistair Routledge or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389. 

About the author

Alistair Routledge

A recent addition to the Aardvark McLeod team hailing from the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa, Alistair enjoys chasing all manner of species on fly, and like any good South African is especially fond of yellowfish.