Free River Itchen Chalk Stream Fishing Parking Good Access

[@rooster5645]

The opposite bank fishing is run by Test Valley Angling Club all the way up to your favourite swim at Gaitors Hill.

[@MUCKER671]

Thanks so much for the new info, I'll pin your comment to the top of the messages.. Thanks again your a star..!😊👍

[@jefftucker201]

Another great informative vid Mucker. As always, cheers for posting and all the best mate.

[@MUCKER671]

Thanks buddy, always appreciated..👍

[@peterthomas9632]

Thanks for a brilliant video I keep meaning to go here as my mobility is limited and these days I can't walk like I used to. Lots of variety all within my walking distance. Many thanks for sharing this.

[@MUCKER671]

Absolute pleasure buddy and glad to be of help. It can be difficult to get relevant information on free fishing especially with good access.. I've loads more videos on good access, fishing & parking on the River Thames if you're interested. You'll definitely find somewhere that suits your needs on the Thames if willing to travel a bit. Lots of free fishing and pretty much straight from the car again. I live between Chichester and Portsmouth on the south coast and travel to the Thames quite a lot for the free parking & fishing etc. The Thames always seems so far away but its only 45 minutes from me, definitely worth it in the end. Thanks for your lovely comment and ill be glad to answer any questions that you may have on these places. Tight Lines to you my friend..😊👍🐟🎣

[@peterthomas9632]

@@MUCKER671 how strange I live at Bracklesham Bay now I used to live in London moved down about 15 years ago. I used to fish at some of the places you’ve got on video lol I did most of my Barbel fishing on the Mole at Dorking. But since my knee surgery I can’t do the long walks. I’ve recently got a ticket with the Chichester AC so I can use the lakes in Chi. I’m not really into Carp persay but love catching them on the float on their match lake. Only ever had one Barbel from the Thames and that was at Runnymede I thought I’d hooked the bottom till it moved off lol l. Thanks for the info. I’d love to catch a barbel from the Itchen. I know their hard to find but worthwhile 😉 take care matey 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@colinbailey5273]

where you stood just down from pitch an putt and looked back up river excellent for laying on in the streamer weed with flake in the edge rod length out

[@MUCKER671]

Definitely my kind of fishing..😊 Thanks again for the info bud..😊👍

[@ninocrudele]

Thank you for this content!!! finally some very good resources and advices to fish for free!!! 🎉👍 The government should control much more this speculation across rivers to make money and to keep closed amazing rivers jist for rich people...

[@MUCKER671]

It's a real pleasure my friend.. More coming soon.. I've just been having a bit of bad luck lately. Ready to start filming in earnest now..😊👍🎣

[@colinbailey5273]

hi nice vid the tributary there is black dyke used to be run by eastleigh and district ac ; the dyke was stocked with tench bream etc

[@MUCKER671]

@@colinbailey5273 Thanks bud great extra info and I'm glad you liked it..

[@colinbailey5273]

@@MUCKER671 no prob i grew up fishing the itchen

[@garryfish7426]

lovely video just fished it today first time out this season had a couple of outstanding roach but as you say worked hard for them. Top tip dont fish it in the school holidays its rammed and if your lucky enough to catch some thing in the next 5 minuets youll have 10 other rods all trotting through your swim that youve worked so hard on feeding for the last three hours and Pikey season normaly turn up for 2 -3 weeks in the summer. Good luck and tight lines to all.

[@MUCKER671]

Thanks bud much appreciated..😊 Glad you managed to Winkle something out. Yeah, it can be frustrating there sometimes but as you say, picking the right time is a good idea co's it can be quite chaotic.. Great message and thanks for taking the time to watch.. Tight lines bud..😊🎣

[@clairew377]

What a lovely spot..! Great info again MUCKER..👏

[@MUCKER671]

Thank you very much for your kind words & I'm glad you enjoyed it.😊👍

[@woodlandbiker]

I fished this for years back in the 80s 90s 00s. Especially right by Gaiters Mill. So many good fish. It's changed over the years and where I used to stand is under water now. Also became very dodgy with yobs about.

[@MUCKER671]

Hi buddy thanks for your comment.👍 It's definitely a much different place nowadays, over fished but you can still catch if you know where to look. Yobs all over the country nowadays, especially the River Thames. I take my life into my own hands sometimes when filming the free fishing stretches. Been threatened loads of times co's of the camera. Just bought a Drone for some lovely B-roll footage, could be interesting.?🥴🥴 Thanks again bud..😊👍

[@ColinDyke-f6c]

I've seen some enormous Barbel at the inland end of this stretch, but been unable to get anywhere near hooking one. I've been informed night fishing is the best bet for Barbel but not a venue I'd want to be through the night. Beautiful stretch of river but as this video suggests, bring your headphones.

[@MUCKER671]

Hello buddy, nice to see you here.. Yeah, massive Chub & Barbel at the top end, so hard to catch. It's a real shame about the odd lowlife in the evenings.👎I'll stick with the miles and miles of free fishing parking etc on the Thames😊 Thanks for the comment bud it's really appreciated. Plenty more where that came from at MUCKER671 Have a lovely day.😊👍

[@TheOnlyShepherd]

I was fishing here yesterday ( under the Bridge ) and caught trout 🎉

[@MUCKER671]

Very nice to, glad to hear it.. Waters high so you did well..😊👍

[@davidkoster8384]

Thanks MUCKER this looks great. Defo going to give it a go. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MUCKER671]

Absolute pleasure bud, glad to help anytime. Hope you catch..😊👍🎣🐟

[@colinbailey5273]

barbel and chub ...... barbel were put in around 1988 89 chub were a bit earlier i think ....

[@MUCKER671]

Ahh the good old days..😉

[@colinbailey5273]

little bend and big bend @?? no commentary ?? great spots really deep on opposite bank ... in the lea of river on the bend good place for carp big perch 3.12 biggest from there pike etc

[@MUCKER671]

Definitely one of the best looking spots, gotta get back there soon..👍

[@ianmaddams9577]

What a beautiful stretch of river with loads of great features and swims. Always good when you upload a new video mate. Great to see so many local anglers using it too . All the best Mucker 👍🏻

[@MUCKER671]

Cheers buddy, your comments are always appreciated.👍 Have you managed to get to Runnymede recently.? 🎣

[@ianmaddams9577]

@@MUCKER671 not for a while . Been busy few wks for me . Hope to get out again soon tho 👍🏻

[@MUCKER671]

Hi buddy, sorry about the late reply, for some reason your comment was put into my held for review section, weirdly..? Hope you're ok.. I'm really hoping to get up to Runnymede in the next couple of weeks, fingers crossed on the weather..! It would be nice to meet up with you if possible on the day so i can pick your brains for info. It would probably be very short notice so basically on the off chance if you know what I mean.? No pressure at all, only if you feel okay with the idea. I'll message you through KZbin if you like.? Like i said, absolutely no pressure at all, i will totally understand if not bud..😊👍

[@MrEdgeSW11]

Went here for a couple of hours last week. Had 4 Brown Trout a Grayling a Gudgoen and a Perch in a couple of hours. Spent 6 hours there yesterday and nothing.

[@MUCKER671]

Hi there, nice to see you in the chat..👍 Well done on last week's catch, very productive.. Yesterday's experience doesn't sound so good.. It can be like that on this stretch sometimes can't it..😒 Fingers crossed I'll be actually fishing & filming some of the spots I've covered over the last few years. Tested out the new Bellyboat in the harbour, can't wait to use it on the Thames..😊👍 Next couple of weeks hopefully.. Tight lines bud..🎣🐟

[@brianreed1451]

brilliant. i live 25mins from here. i fly fish. course fish and my favourite of all. Czech nymphing. that was fabulous viewing mate

[@MUCKER671]

Thanks very much for the nice compliment buddy it's really appreciated..👍I do try my best but I'm still a bit of a noob when it comes to photography and filming though. I've covered quite a lot of free stretches on the Thames and I'm looking to expand my Horizons a bit. I've heard there's a free stretch of the river around Winchester, would you know the name of the beat and anything about the fishing that is free around that area or any other info on free spots with half decent access on any river from the South of England to North Oxford ish.? Thanks again buddy..😊👍

[@brianreed1451]

@@MUCKER671 hi mate. The free stretch in Winchester is the Test. I think it's close to the city centre. Will see what I can find out. A fabulous free stretch on the Dorset Stour is below Longham Bridge which has massive Chub and Barbel. Google Longham River Stour

[@MUCKER671]

I remember the Longham stretch, if i remember correctly you park opposite the entrance to it right next to the bridge, there used to be a lawn mower centre there. Had some lovely Roach about a third of the way down. Thanks for reminding me about that one as its a really nice short easy access spot for people who find it difficult to get around.. Nice one bud..!😊👍🎣

[@brianreed1451]

@@MUCKER671 glad to help

[@fishingforfun3317]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@MUCKER671]

Thank you..😊👍

[@colinbailey5273]

see the streamer weed in the edge ? find a spot with some gravel under it ,, overdepth float with a swan shot 4 inches from hook ,feed a few bits of flake so they land uo on the gravel downstream of the weed lay on over the weed .n keep the bits of flake popin in to land on gravel. youll be able to watch the roach come in and waft it up.

[@MUCKER671]

Sounds lovely.😊👍🎣

[@scottthomas1459]

Were They feed ducks carpark bit were ice cream van get parked, rly Good fishing for Roach, But got say no were Near as gd as was, Best spot fish the Itchen 100% well It has for me Anyways had plenty 2lb Roach out there, Also some lovely Chub in there. Fish Love bread get chucked in stands reason go that bit more,

[@MUCKER671]

Hi buddy, thank you for your comment, very good info..👍 Plenty more coming soon, i just need to get as much filming in before the winter in my new Bellyboat - Floattube. Sea & Freshwater..😊👍Quick question if you don't mind, Have you seen the 1st part of my abandoned at sea 7 Miles out video co's I'm trying to find out what people enjoy the most, Deepsea or Harbour fishing.? thanks again bud and tight lines to you..👍🎣

[@scottthomas1459]

@@MUCKER671 I will have a look Thanks

[@scottthomas1459]

This river Itchen only 15min away from us, I hardly fish there now as fishing been poor, was one year was so dry that river was low as low was madness almost like water got pumped out Lol

[@MUCKER671]

@@scottthomas1459 Hi buddy hope you're well..😊 Definitely lots of water abstraction, shame..😕

[@ashbolts8025]

At the end of that car park lives a family of eels whilst feeding them close in to the bank a shole of sea trout or salmon appears out of nowhere mental it was the best lure was that cheese which looks like balony in that sausage wrapping 👌

[@MUCKER671]

Sounds crazy bud..🥴 Wierd co's i used to feed some eels bye hand under a tiny bridge at the end of my road. Lots of Scuba Divers feed um bye hand on ship wrecks. Great comment thanks..😊👍

[@ashbolts8025]

Nah this was in scumhampton unfortunately lol pup 💙👍

[@donhughes8465]

Loving this guide. Not too far for me to go try it out!

[@MUCKER671]

Thank you and glad to help bud, I'll answer any questions you may have if needed..😊👍

[@eastsussexbeesandwildlife5801]

That was really helpful, thanks so much.

[@MUCKER671]

Absolute pleasure and glad to be of help.. Tight lines.😊👍

[@mikevoller-fishingfun9095]

nice video not been down there for a while but always produced fish when i've fished it. surprised there was'nt more people fishing. did pay to fish the lower itchen fishery just upstream until i discovered the great free fishing below.

[@MUCKER671]

Thank you very much for your nice comment, same here, i thought there would be more people on a day like that.. Thanks again.. 😊👍

[@Mentalelffishing]

I think the opposite bank upstream of the road bridge is club water.

[@MUCKER671]

Cheers for the heads up, much appreciated bud..😊👍

[@harrygooch834]

Many years back I saw someone pull out a 19lb pike just right of the pub near the depth marker and my friend actually caught a 10lb carp right down the bottom by the one-car bridge, which unfortunately had a gill cover missing. More recently I’ve blanked many a time but have had a couple of trout on spinner and maggot.

[@MUCKER671]

Great input again, thank for that.👍

[@colinbailey5273]

off the bridge gaters mill you can watch the carp that move arround in an out from the pool the river actually passes rhrough the mill house the river to the left is the itchen part of the river does feed the old mill house though

[@MUCKER671]

@@colinbailey5273 Ooh sounds lovely, they know where there safe..😊

[@colinbailey5273]

opposite pitch an putt entrance opposite bank private lake council own lake and all the bank down to Cobden bridge It was sold originally by lord swathling back in 70s included the salmon pool ,the only salmon pool in England that can be still netted once a week in season. Thursdays I think.. . The sale included the lake salmon pool monks brook ,runs into the salmon pool alongside the 2 to 3 acre lake , all of the land around the lake approx 15 acres of woodland ...... Also I believe it included fishing rights up to gaters mill and as I said B4 down the salt side , estuary, from wall down to at least Cobden bridge maybe even northern bridge..... Think it has to do with the salmon fishing. How much could you of bought it all for ???? 70.000 pounds!!!!!!!! Original price was 110,000 with the baliffs house included.. They split the two lots . The baliff house,Cecil Arthur's, was sold separately and they built 6 4 bedroom houses on the garden

[@MUCKER671]

Thanks for the info, it would be a nice spot to retire to.. Breakfast then fishing all within 20mins. Perfect..😉

[@BaldysBar]

Great video mate. Looks great for some lure fishing for chub. Are there any trout or Greyling in this stretch?

[@MUCKER671]

Not too sure about that I'm afraid bud, here's a link to the local tackle shop that I like to use, their very helpful and I'm sure they'll be able to help with the finer details of this stretch of river for you.😊👍 Telephone: [phone] Unit 4, Hedge End Trade Park, Tollbar Way, Southampton SO30 2JN www.anglingdirect.co.uk/

[@MUCKER671]

I've just updated the message with the shop telephone number bud. 👍

[@rooster5645]

There are loads of trout and grayling through out the river Itchen including this stretch plus some big chub and barbel

[@nobbyclarke6051]

If your a roach angler as I am I’d imagine it could be superb fishing , stick and pin fishing or even a whip , bag of hemp and a loaf happy days , lovely video cheers Mucker 👍🏻

[@MUCKER671]

I love my Roach fishing especially on a Chalk Stream, the harder the better I reckon.. Definitely bread and a stick float on the River Itchen and Test, the nice thing about it is you don't even need to lose feed just walk up and down slowly checking out different spots. Hope you enjoy my next vid, the finished version is one of my better ones i think..😊👍

[@k7ls492]

brilliant video i just subscribed! any idea of how big the barbel go? looks amazing for a free stretch

[@MUCKER671]

Hi buddy, thanks for the lovely comment and the Sub..👍 It's not renowned for big Barbel because it's fished quite heavily most of the time. There a fairly slow growing species that doesn't react to angling pressure very well, a bit like Pike. There is good sized doubles to be caught though. I'd suggest slightly upstream of the pub and downstream to the bend of the middle section in the public park area. Definitely better in the evenings. Travel light at night for better mobility if you can as you may encounter the odd idiot that can spoil it for you. Mainly drunks from around the area on a Friday and Saturday night. Stick around the pub at night if you're not sure. Smaller Barbel are scattered along the whole stretch. Use the lightest tackle you can get away with and natural baits like large Lob Worms or Luncheon Meat. Hope this helps you out in some way bud.🤞 Not sure if you've already seen my free fishing playlist, Pt 1-2-4 & 6 Walton Lane, Kingslawn and Aragon Avenue on the Thames is free parking and fishing, good chance of a bigger Barbel, just the fuel too pay for and stay for as long as you like..😊 Thanks again for the sub I'm only 3 away from 1000 now..! Happy to help anytime buddy..😊👍🎣🐟

[@k7ls492]

@@MUCKER671 Thanks alot for the tips it’s going to help me alot! 😊 I’m planning a trip in the next couple of weeks hopefully before the river is too coloured so I can check out the swims, must look lovely in the summer. Also I have checked out your videos on the Thames they look like wonderful locations! I’m so surprised how good the stretches look that are free, unfortunately It’s quite a distance away from me 😭 most of my finishing is around ringwood on the Hampshire Avon and Dorset stour. One day I’m sure I’ll get up on the Thames in some of the locations in your videos 😊 Thanks a lot again!

[@MUCKER671]

Your lucky to be local to my two absolute favourite places to be on the planet.. The Royalty is where i like to fish but it's £££s.🥴🥴 Glad i could help bud and good luck.. Let me know through this message if you catch a nice one.. Tight lines..🤞

[@3000waterman]

Be in no doubt, this is HARD fishing. This free stretch gets hammered. And peaceful it ain't.

[@MUCKER671]

Ya definitely need to pick your time here, that's why i prefer a good flood.. Great comment thanks for your input..😊👍

[@MrEdgeSW11]

Dont fish it school holidays or weekends. Paddle borders and kids in the river etc

[@davefloyd9443]

Fished here on and off all my life. Seems the Barbel Specialists camp the top corner pool now. Good advice to walk the banks with a float and bread, maggots, luncheon meat, worm all get bites. Seen large roach in the swim by the tide gauge just above the pub. Below the pub down to the old Mansbridge is fantastic Pike and Perch territory. You can hand feed individual Chub with chips from the beer garden. Never enjoyed fishing in the park below Mansbridge, too busy, bit dodgy, very hard fishing, but seen good fish in there. Below Woodmill the tidal banks are great for Mullet on a rag baited mepps. Just know that there is a sewage works on the far bank.

[@MUCKER671]

Wow, great info thanks very much bud.. it's definitely a tricky place to fish but when you actually catch it can be the best feeling.. Great comment by the way ..😊👍

[@leefoster1184]

Is that up the river a bit from woodmillil

[@donhughes8465]

You should write a book!

[@MUCKER671]

Not a bad idea actually..🤔 Thanks for the comment buddy..😊👍

[@Erevoking]

ive got a paddle board and live close to here, thinking of getting a retractable rod for the paddle board, are you aloud to eat the fish here or do you need to release?

[@MUCKER671]

Catch and release only i think. There used to be a rule with the rod licence that said you could take 1 or maybe 2 non migratory Trout in a day but I'm not sure if that's still a thing.? Sorry for the uncertainty. Give the local tackle shop a buzz, they were very helpful with information.. Tight lines buddy..😊👍🎣🐟

[@colinbailey5273]

no you cant actually fish the opposite bank unless rules have changed

[@MUCKER671]

@@colinbailey5273 Thanks bud..😊👍

[@Mr9Roman2]

So fishing license not required on that section???

[@MUCKER671]

Hi there, you need a licence to fish all fresh water rivers and lakes in the uk bud.. It's the E.A Course & Non Migratory Trout licence..😊👍

[@Mr9Roman2]

@@MUCKER671 thanks for reply. I’m just a bit confused as you said it’s a free fishing from pub till the woodmill. I’m local to this area and I have always noticed many fishermen’s there. So do I need a fishing license for that particular area from white swan and till woodmill or it’s free ?

[@MUCKER671]

Pleasure bud..😊 You don't have to pay to fish this stretch because it isn't a day ticket or club water (it's free to fish) but you will still need to have a Environment Agency Rod Licence to Course fish anywhere in the uk, including here.. It lasts for a year. You don't need a Rod Licence if your under 13yrs old. A rod licence only grants you legal permission to fish and a day ticket or club membership is something you purchase either before you go or on the bank depending on where your going. It's the way Fishery owners make there money. I hope this helps you out my friend..😊👍

[@Mr9Roman2]

@@MUCKER671 alright, even I do spinning with lure?

[@MUCKER671]

Yeah, you need a Rod Licence for all methods of freshwater fishing in the uk. Here's the link you'll need. This lets you fish non-migratory trout and all freshwater fish. www.gov.uk/fishing-licences

[@alamocannon3791]

Think the reason the fish stay by the pub is customers feeding them..

[@MUCKER671]

Definitely bud, not surprising co's the food is delicious at the pub.. Lucky Chub.. Lol..😅👍

[@harrygooch834]

Absolutely, I’ve fed many a big Chubb peanuts from that garden.

[@MUCKER671]

Lovely pub as well..😊👍

[@lukaszjastrzebski2410]

Does anyone know if you could fish for pike there?

[@MUCKER671]

Hi buddy, yeah Pike all along that stretch, fairly difficult to catch. Odd large one turns up here and there. Hope this helps you out in some way..😊👍

[@Erevoking]

i always thought u needed a license to fish here?

[@MUCKER671]

I've always known it to be just a rod licence needed here, i double checked with the local tackle shop before filming so I'd fill your boots if i was you bud..😊👍