E.J. Churchill Sporting
Fishing
A focus on fishing
Every river in our portfolio has been personally visited and carefully selected—nothing is left to chance.
From Scottish hill lochs to the renowned chalk streams of Hampshire, and rivers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we offer access to some of the finest catch-and-release trout and salmon fishing across the UK. Wherever you join us, every detail is thoughtfully arranged, leaving you free to focus on the fishing, the scenery, and the company.
For those wanting to travel further, we can also arrange fishing abroad, from salmon in Iceland to bone fishing in the Caribbean.
England
River Wye
Brown & Rainbow Trout
The River Wye at West Wycombe flows from the estate’s lake, over the Cascade, and down past Sawmill House, offering some of the country’s most scenic chalk stream fishing. The water is crystal clear, making it possible to spot and stalk individual trout. The system includes the main river, two feeder streams and a lake, giving anglers a variety of water to explore.
Brown and rainbow trout are abundant, averaging around 2lbs, with the occasional fish reaching 7lbs. The surrounding wildlife, from red kites to swans, adds to the experience. Fishing is fly-only, mostly from the banks, though two well-appointed boats are available for use on the lake. Every fish is returned, making it a true catch-and-release fishery.
For those who visit West Wycombe, the combination of clarity, structure and wildlife creates a fishing day that is as absorbing as it is enjoyable.
Scotland
River Thurso
Salmon
The River Thurso is widely recognised as one of Scotland’s finest salmon rivers. Fishing here is as memorable as the landscape itself, with water running through rugged northern scenery that feels remote and untamed. The season stretches from January to October, with the main spring run beginning in March and continuing into early June. May and June often bring particularly rewarding fishing when the water is right.
Grilse start arriving mid-May and continue through August, peaking in mid-July, while a smaller run of larger summer salmon enters the river in September. Since netting stopped in 2005, catches have steadily improved, with record seasons in recent years. The river is fed from a loch, and controlled outflows allow water levels to remain ideal for up to four weeks at a time.
For those who fish the Thurso, it’s about more than just the numbers. Each cast through this dramatic Scottish landscape feels worth savouring.
Wales
River Towy
Salmon and sea trout
Golden Grove offers some of the finest beats on the River Towy, winding through the fertile Towy valley under the gaze of ruined castles. The setting is undeniably beautiful, with rich pastureland and abundant wildlife along the banks.
Under new management, the estate has improved access and fishing, keeping rod numbers low and rotating beats so every visit brings a fresh challenge. A full-time ghillie is on hand, with one-to-one guiding available for those who want it.
Salmon and sea trout are the focus here, and fishing is catch-and-release. A day on the Towy at Golden Grove is about more than just landing fish; it’s about enjoying the tranquillity, the surroundings and the sense of history that runs through the valley.