30th May 2007
I had hoped to come down for a week at Mayfly time fishing with David Lloyd. However due to a daughter getting married I could only make two days. David and I arrived at Whitfield Hatches at about 4.00 pm it had been raining very hard in the morning and we were pleased to see the river only slightly coloured. It was by this time very sunny and there were a good number of Mayfly coming off and fish rising. I had a golden hour moving up from the Hatches to just above the railway bridge. I only caught six fish [all stocked] and missed many more but felt I was in paradise after leaving a damp grey London. The activity tailed off about 7.00 pm and we called it a day.
31st May 2007
A grey damp morning and we went at first to the Lower Water. Very few fish showing and hardly any Mayfly. I had one and was feeling quite proud of myself until I bumped into Jim who seemed to be well into double figures. We had a chat and I moved on.. I only had one more but returned to the Whitfield Hatches mid afternoon and there were flies hatching and fish moving. I fished all the way through until about 6.00 pm when I had to return to London. I caught another eight three stocked and the others all wild but not large.All fish caught on a parachute mayfly.
It was a magical two days and I wish I could get down more often. I would just like to thank the two Johns and Jim for running such a magnificent fishery. I assure when I have less going on in my life you will have to drag me away from the bank.
William Petch
(Wimbledon)
The Club is a private one, founded in 1877, of approximately sixty-four members and six Town Rod subscribers. The Club’s waters consist of about 12 miles of wild brown trout & grayling fishing in the main River Frome, River Cerne and River Piddle, together with attendant carriers and side streams. The waters extend both above and below the town of Dorchester and the Club employs a part-time keeper.
The Angling Trust's guidance for anglers during this second lockdown. Fish safely, locally and respect the ‘rule of two’ during lockdown Click Here :-- Advice for Individual Anglers
Price £50 per ticket per day or three days for £100
Day Tickets are only available during the trout season and only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Bank Holidays. (season 1st April – 14th October)
The Police have made it quite clear that poaching is a crime in progress covered by the 1968 Theft Act. Members should always call 999 to report it and not phone the keeper. Without a report the police will not be aware of the extent of a problem.
If possible note or photo vehicles.
Stress if you are vulnerable/elderly or at risk of intimidation..
In order to give the call handler an accurate location they recommend putting the “what3words” app on your smartphone. Click here…
Angling’s representative body, the Angling Trust, has a web site for anglers to record sightings of cormorants, goosanders and mergansers throughout the UK: www.cormorantwatch.com The site is easy to use and will gather vital data to help persuade government of the need for action to protect fisheries.
Invasive plants and animals can carry diseases that kill fish, block waterways and banks, interfering with fishing. They can be small and hard to spot, so are easily spread on damp clothing and equipment.
Protect the environment and fishing you enjoy, by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals.
To find out more please visit
the NNSS Website