As fishing becomes a more mainstream activity around the UK and beyond, it’s a good time to consider the appeal of this sport in and around Andover. Find out some of the top spots to go fishing here in the Test Valley and why it’s gaining more fans.
The Rise in Popularity of Fishing
Fishing has been carried out in this region for centuries, with the local lakes providing excellent places to try to hook some fish while soaking up the scenery. However, the activity has reached new levels of popularity in recent years. This is partly due to the popularity of TV shows like Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, who visited the River Test to try and land some pike in the first season.
We can also find fishing entering popular culture in other ways such as in the new online slots based on this theme. Big Bass Mission Fishin’, Go Fishing and Fishing Floats are among the games featuring this approach, with anglers, fish and equipment among the common symbols. These slots typically offer the chance to trigger features like free spins or a round where fish can be collected for cash prizes.
Where Can You Fish Near Andover?
The Test Valley Borough Council website is a good starting point, as it lists the local nature reserves and parks where fishing is allowed. Anton Lakes Local Nature Reserve is close to Andover town centre and offers a naturally stocked lake where you can hope to land carp, tench, perch and other types of fish in the six different swims. As with all the authorised spots listed here, you need a ticket and a fishing rod licence.
Foxcotte Lake provides another convenient option, with 25 different swims you could try. A wide variety of fish can be found, from roach to rudd and pike. The carp can reach 16lb and the pike up to 20lb. Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve lies south of Andover and has various species. Season tickets or day tickets can be obtained for all three of these sites.
The increasing demand from women for fishing experiences provides an example of how this sport is reaching new audiences. The Fishing Breaks business in Nether Wallop is dedicated to helping women who want to give fly fishing a try, with experienced guide Gilly Bate leading the trips.
<iframe width=”853″ height=”480″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/CzwczxBIgY0″ title=”The River Test at Stockbridge, Hampshire” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
Stockbridge’s Long Fishing History
Stockbridge has a claim to fame as having some of the best fishing in the region, with trout sometimes visible as they swim along the River Test flowing past the High Street. This setting has seen it attract anglers for centuries and the town’s Houghton Club is said to be the country’s oldest fishing society. The town also has a nicely varied range of shops that make any visit worthwhile.
These are just some of the spots in and around Andover where you can enjoy great fishing breaks. Expect to see this activity receive more attention as it gets a higher profile in mainstream popular culture while retaining the classic charm it’s always had.
