Westover Fishery, River Anton
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Westover Fishery comprises 2.3 miles of the River Anton, which is a tributary of the River Test, and about a mile of carrier. The fishery is divided into five beats, four on the main river and one on the carrier.
The Anton is a classic Hampshire chalkstream running through traditional water meadows. The Anton joins the famous River Test about 2 miles below the Westover Fishery. The chalkstream ecosystem is a remarkably rich environment for plant and animal life. Clean water rises out of the chalk and is consequently rendered alkaline. The alkaline environment is extremely favourable to plant growth and the rich growth of weed in the river and the trees and other plants on the banks support a huge variety of insect life. The rich riverine invertebrate life in turn supports healthy populations of brown trout. During the spring and summer the trout feed freely on floating insects which hatch throughout the day, creating a wonderful opportunity for the dry-fly fisherman. Fishing on the Anton is entirely from the bank as a moderately competent fly fisherman can reach any part of the river. Wading merely muddies the clear water and spoils the banks. Upstream dry fly is the method of choice on the Anton. The keeper is Sean Wilson, who lives locally. Sean has been looking after this stretch of the Anton for many years and is extremely knowledgeable. |
A classic Hampshire chalkstream running through traditional water meadows Summary
Location
River Anton, near Goodworth Clatford, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 7LF
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