Chalk Stream · Chalk · Wiltshire

River Bourne (Wiltshire)

La Bourne venue image
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The Wiltshire Bourne (Hampshire Avon tributary, distinct from the Hampshire Bourne) runs through Salisbury Plain country from Tidworth past Salisbury to join the Avon.

Species

A proper day on the water

Low and clear — careful approach country. Stay small, stay accurate.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for brown trout
Cool — slow
10°C est.ideal 10–16°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for brown trout
  • Temperature9428% weight
  • Flow6022% weight
  • Clarity9518% weight
  • Feeding Time5013% weight
  • Pressure807% weight
  • Prey Activity5012% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
9.7°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
9°C
Wind
SW 14 km/h
Gentle breeze
Pressure
1009 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
8.1 mm
Light rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for brown trout
When
Nymphing can work through most of the day.
Where
Cover mixed depths.
Method
Start with tight-line nymphs and adjust if fish rise or drift higher.
Kit
9 ft #4 rod, floating line, 12 ft tapered leader to 4–5 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Good conditions. Clarity is favourable (95), Prey activity is weakest (50).
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
1
Brown SedgeHatch
2
3
2
Freshwater ShrimpHatch
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
Blue Winged OliveHatch
2
3
3
3
3
2
Mayfly (Green Drake)Hatch
2
2

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Gallery · 1
  1. Terrain map of the venue
    Terrain map
Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • Private syndicate
  • Salisbury Estate offers limited access.
Directions
Apple MapsGoogle Maps
About this water

The Wiltshire Bourne (Hampshire Avon tributary, distinct from the Hampshire Bourne) runs through Salisbury Plain country from Tidworth past Salisbury to join the Avon. Classic Wessex chalk stream — stable flows, technical clear water, wild brown trout. Mostly private syndicate water but the Salisbury area sometimes offers limited day tickets via Salisbury Estate or local clubs.

  • Chalk
Seasons & zones
  • Trout1 April → 30 September
Other water nearby · 5