Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime
It’s not all about catching fish you might like to catch an event to add to the fishing trip. Here some local events to base your next fishing adventure around.
May – Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge, Mayfly Dinner
The Grosvenor’s annual Mayfly dinner takes place on 2nd May this year. Tickets are £55 per person to include a three-course dinner along with canapés and cheese, and a free glass of Fizz. It’s a fun, relaxed evening and a great way to finish off a day’s fishing. Arrive 7.30pm for 8.00pm seating. Why not come down a day early or stay an extra day and get on the river we still have some very early May dates available. 1st ,2nd or 3rd May at Testcombe could be the perfect answer for early season day after a brilliant foodie event.
August – Trout ‘n About (Stockbridge)
On Sunday 4th August, Stockbridge High Street will be alive with over 100 traders showcasing the best local food, produce and crafts. The event runs from 10am to 4pm and, now in its 17th year, is a fabulous day out for all the family. With various fly fishing spots right on the doorstep it’s an easy thing to combine with a day out on the river. Still plenty of great fishing to be had within 15 mins of Stockbridge, and school holidays can make availability easier. Make it a fabulous family day out including a day on the river or even one of the local lakes with a guide.
All summer – Black Chalk Wine
In the heart of the Test Valley, Black Chalk Wine is just 10 minutes from Stockbridge and 20 from Winchester. It’s a perfect spot if you fancy combining a bit of wine tasting with your fishing. Alternatively visit after fishing on Friday evenings when ‘Friday Night Late’ sees a series of local food trucks set up stall. Timings are generally 5pm to 9pm.
August – Great Dorset Chilli Festival
If you’re near the Frome or Wylye rivers over the weekend of 3/4 August you might want to pop by the Great Dorset Chilli Festival at the Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton. This fun, friendly festival has stalls selling all things chilli, from pepper plants to cayenne condiments; seeds to ceramics; artisan food producers; music; chilli eating competitions; spicy street food; local ice creams to cool the mouth and local beers to quench the thirst. Tickets go on sale in May. Pack your waders and spend the morning or afternoon on the beautiful Wylye a wonderful way to cool off after all those spicy and never hot enough chillies. Our beat can fish three rods at a time so bring a friend.
September – Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
The Sturminster Newton cheese festival has been running since 1999 and aims to showcase all that’s good in and around the area. It’s not all cheese. Alongside the two tents featuring cheese producers, there’s live music, artisan food producers, children’s entertainment, a real ale tent with over 30 local ales, a festival cider tent, and a wine bar. This year the festival runs over the weekend of 14 and 15 September and is within easy reach of fishing on the River Frome and River Wylye. Tickets are available on the gate.
For more information, further mayfly fishing 2024 availability or to book one of these days please do not hesitate to contact Justin Hancock or Alex Jardine, alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.