Fishing on the River Allen

Best suited for one or two rods

The River Allen is one of England’s most unspoilt and private chalkstreams, and runs through a handful of historic estates in the fine countryside of Dorset. With a total length of 13 miles, it is a tributary to the Stour, and the two rivers meet here at Deans Court to the South of Wimborne, before rolling on to enter the sea at Christchurch.

This is a stream that holds a strong wild brown trout population and is heaven for dry fly purists. As the Deans Court stretch lies on the confluence with the Stour, there are also many course fish to be seen, especially grayling, gudgeon and dace. 

The stream flows alongside an SNCI meadow which is rich in flora and fauna. While the banks teem with insects, birds and river wildlife, the mayfly hatch is often spectacular.

In the past this stretch was used by drowners to flood the water meadows and there are still leats meandering across the flood plain. At the end of the beat, a Regency cast iron water wheel is all that remains of Brigg Mill which dates back to Domesday.

The beat is varied with a fast reach and slower stretches, and holds plenty of lies and deep pools. Gin-clear, and with swathes of ranunculus, this is an ideal place if you like sight-fishing. Generally it is best fished by wading, though for some of the deeper sections it is better from the bank.

Rules

Dry fly or nymph, upstream
Barbless or debarbed hooks
All fish to be released
Fish from 9.30am to dusk
Wading permitted
Nets must be used
Catches to be recorded in the book provided
For biosecurity all kit must be dry on arrival

Rates

2024

15-April to 14-May | £95/rod
15-May to 5-June | £145/rod
6-June to 31-Dec | No grayling fishing