Location

The Colber Stretch is located a short distance to the NW of the market town of Sturminster Newton – GR  50.927847253218616, -2.3103322764184866

Description

1. The Colber stretch requires a walk from Sturminster Newton but it is well worth the effort. At Colber Bridge the river can be fished on both banks. The river is relatively quiet here although disturbance can be caused by swimmers at the bridge in summer.

2. Pole anglers will find the Upstream RH bank very accommodating between the foot bridge and the collapsed Railway bridge about 300 yds upstream.  The bank is accessible and the river has a good depth with a slower flow throughout the section. Beyond the bridge the reed fringing becomes increasingly dense and accessible swims are spaced wider apart. Roach, dace and perch are all available in good numbers. The Colber section is known for it’s big perch and as the season progresses it’s not unusual for 2-3lb fish to turn up in matches. As you progress further up the RH bank, in the reaches of the Upper Colber you will find fewer anglers but there are some very attractive swims for those prepared to make the effort. The Upstream LH bank is less fished as accessible swims are fewer and wider apart but are well-worth a try. The area around the disused railway bridge – accessible from both banks – is very deep where the bridge footings were excavated and fish tend to gather here as the water temperature drops as winter progresses.

3. The Downstream RH bank from the footbridge can only be fished for a few hundred yards but there are some nice quiet swims. The Downstream LH bank can be fished all the way down through the Durrant stretch to the Mill.

Maps

Parking & Access

The most convenient parking for the Colber stretch is the public car park at the end of Ricketts Lane adjacent to Sturminster recreation ground. This is a free public carpark with about 30 spaces. If approaching from the A357, Ricketts Lane can be found approx 1/3 of a mile from the Bridge Street traffic lights on the left. It is a small, narrow entrance to the lane about 30 yds past the fish and chip shop on your left.

SAT NAV Postcode : DT10 1BY

Species

• Bream
• Chub
• Dace
• Eel
• Perch
• Pike
• Roach

Gallery