Hungerford Fishery

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The Hungerford fishery comprises five miles of excellent private fishing along the chalk-streams of the River Kennet and River Dun around Hungerford.

The River Kennet is one of the country's most important chalk streams. Some 45 miles long, the Kennet is the largest tributary of the Thames and in the summer months contributes up to half its flow. From its source at Avebury it flows through Wiltshire and Berkshire and is joined by other rivers including the Lambourn and Og.

Historically man has developed the river to meet his needs. Numerous mills were built, including Hungerford "Queen's Mill, Eddington Mill and Denford Mill. The excellent quality of the river water drove the brewing industry, including the Manor Brewery in the town from the 18th to 20th century. There was also a thriving tanning industry, with the main tanyard at what is now Riverside, 1 Charnham Street.

The river is fed from chalk aquifers (natural resevoirs) deep underground, which rely on rainfall to keep them topped-up. The aquifers also provide a source of drinking water to local towns including Hungerford.

The river's fast flowing water provides a unique environment for an abundance of Brown Trout and Grayling which thrive and grow into magnificent specimens.

Grayling Fishing at Hungerford
From The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 25th October 1884
See Accompanying text

Commoners of the Town & Manor enjoy free fishing in the main fishery of the Town & Manor waters on the fishing days - Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Sanden Fee Commoners enjoy a similar right on Freeman's Marsh.

Fishing is also available to "rods" who purchase the right to fish in one or more of the three "syndicates" - The Main River Kennet Fishery, Hungerford Marsh Fishery and Freeman's Marsh Fishery.