Side-stream fishing

[MikeT]

Hi Rog.

 

It was my first visit to Bickerley, and I was very impressed with the quirky little stream. Starting from the car parking area at Hampshire Hatches lane ford, I walked upstream on the left-hand bank as far as the end of the field by the small wood, but found only four or five fishable swims, and all of those were within a hundred yards up from the ford. It was very wet and muddy (over knee deep in places). Apparently, all stretches of the river can be very productive, though I didn’t have a bite there.

 

Downstream of the ford, towards where it joins the main river, there are some great trotting swims, and I believe that’s where most people go. The path was wet on Saturday, but just about negotiable with wellies, I’d say. I mostly fished at the small pool immediately below the ford, as described above, which was within twenty yards of my car (and therefore a great spot if you don’t have time to go hiking around).

 

I didn’t see any bankside evidence of angling activity, and I’m sure it can hardly have been fished recently. It’s a tranquil and pretty place, and I’d recommend it for those who enjoy the simple pleasures of trotting a float for modest-sized but beautiful wild freshwater fishes.