Sea Trout

One of the greatest success stories on the Itchen in recent years are the increasing runs of sea trout, these are brown trout (Salmo Trutta) which migrate to sea to feed before returning to the river to spawn much like salmon. Unlike salmon they only migrate a short distance at sea, some don't even leave the estuary, which is likely why they are currently more successful than salmon. Catching them is something of an enigma with the greatest success usually had working flies across the pools at night, however many are caught each year by sight fishing with upstream nymphs or even on dry flies at times. Exactly when they start to run the river is unclear however their season opens at the beginning of May and there will be fresh run fish at this point, they will continue running until after the season closes. They colour up quite heavily as they stay in the river and towards the later part of the season become very difficult to distinguish from brown trout, the only certain way to tell is by scale reading. If you're particularly interested in targeting the sea trout please reach out in advance, we do permit fishing until midnight on our day rod bookings but if you'd like to stay after dark you either need to be fishing in a pair or to hire a guide. Even if you're not targeting them you may be in for a feisty surprise with the majority of sea trout caught accidentally while fishing for brown trout.