Fisheries
The salmon fisheries on the main chalk rivers in Hampshire are probably more than a thousand years old with fishing rights where the River Itchen and Itchen Navigation meet pre-dating the Magna Carta. The river system, including the Navigation, have a long history of management where the channel has been maintained for stocked trout and fly-fishing. In more recent times, riparian fisheries interests, often with the help of full time river keepers, have largely influenced the management of channel shape and flow control.
As well as brown trout fisheries, the Itchen system also supports a salmon and sea trout fishery, which is predominantly found downstream of Bishopstoke. Although on the main river there is limited access for the general public, some day tickets for fishing are available. Local anglers also enjoy good quality free fishing for grayling and other coarse fish in the heart of Winchester and Southampton.
Rivers by their very nature can support a whole variety of native fish species which include a range of coarse species. Wherever possible this is to be encouraged to maintain a more balanced ecosystem.
There are an increasing number of stillwater fisheries in Hampshire, particularly for carp. This species can reduce habitat quality and water quality when introduced.
