Sturminster & Hinton Angling Association

River Conditions

When possible this page will be updated just before the weekend with any special or unusual conditions that exist or which may be expected.

21st December

The river is clear and cold following the recent frosty weather. There are still fish to be caught - please see yesterday's match results.    Martin Drake

11th December (10.15 am)

The first spate was a month late this year and local folk will know that the river has been up and down like a Yo Yo over the past few weeks. A bright day yesterday and clear skies today (currently anyway!) has allowed  water levels to drop back and provided there is no more rain the river should be fishable in parts at least at the weekend.    Martin Drake 

5th October

This is the first bulletin of the season. Currently water levels are quite low with restricted flows due to the very dry September, For further information please see the match report for yesterday on the News Page.    Martin Drake 

2009

4 March

The river is just tending to rise following some rain yesterday although today is a little less blustery and the promised snow lasted only a few minutes. Please keep an eye on this page as we head towards the last weekend of the season.    Martin Drake 

11February (11am)

Following heavy rain on Monday (about 18 hours worth) the Stour rose quickly during the night and yesterday (Tuesday) there was water across the road at Coach Road at the bottom of Bridge Street. Miraculously the river is now back within its banks and assuming more clement weather over the next couple of days it should be fishable at the weekend.    Martin Drake   

23 January (10.30am)

Overnight rain has seen the river at West Stour out in the fields with flooding as high as seen this winter. The Stour is definitely 'out of sorts'.    Martin Drake 

22 January (7.40pm)

Further rain last night and now has seen the river rise again. Realistically conditions at the weekend may not be fishable depending on the weather come Friday/Saturday.     Martin Drake

19 January

Following rain yesterday the river has risen very quickly this morning and is now across the fields at Colber. Clearly it will take several days to fine down assuming no more inclement weather.      Martin Drake

2008

13 December

Near perfect water conditions during the week have been changed overnight by heavy rain and by mid morning the Stour had burst its banks. Unfortunately the venue for the Angling Times Winter League match planned for tomorrow has been moved.   

5 December

With further heavy rain overnight, the Stour rose above its banks this morning suggesting that fishing at the weekend will be unlikely even though the weather is expected to improve. The old watercourse may be worth a try but please note that the road at Hammoon is subject to flooding.    Martin Drake 

4 December

Heavy rain overnight which continues spasmodically today has caused the river to rise with very coloured water noted in the River Cale near Marnhull and in the Stour at Kings Mill immediately above Association waters at Hinton. If rain continues (raining heavily at 2.50pm today) then the outlook for the Open Match on Saturday 6th December could be doubtful. Please contact Ian Paulley on 01258 861969 by Friday morning at the latest. The draw is due to be at Sturminster Football Club at 8.30am,  fishing 10am - 3pm.    Martin Drake  

25 November

Whilst stocking today at Cutt Mill the water level had dropped about 4-5" by 2.30pm. There is still a good push of water but if it stays dry for the rest of the week, fishing conditions should be fine by the weekend.    Martin Drake

9 October (Late am)

River Cale very coloured where it enters the Stour near Factory Farm, Marnhull. Well within its banks at Fiddleford but again very coloured although fish seen topping at the Trail Way (Black) Bridge. Fishable and likely to be fine at the weekend assuming no further rain??    Martin Drake 

11 July (Late am)

The river is back within its banks but obviously coloured. Weather tomorrow is considered reasonable such that fishing may well be possible on Sunday.    Martin Drake

10 July

Yesterday's 12 hours plus of rain has resulted in  the river being over its banks this morning. With rather better weather now expected water levels will probably drop back today. I will post further news later.     Martin Drake

9 July

The near gales of last weekend have been followed by wet conditions with the forecast suggesting a possible inch of rain today. This bulletin was posted at 1pm and the River Cale was very coloured earlier where it enters the Stour near Marnhull. Non residents wishing to fish later in the week should contact David Rigby on 01258 472068 for up to date news.    Martin Drake   

12 March (6.30pm)

The river is fishable at Black Bridge (Trailway) and there should be some swims in Sowley and further upstream available assuming no rain tonight. Certainly parts of the Stour somewhat further upstream (West Stour) are now beginning to fine down. Tight lines!     Martin Drake

11 March

Further rain overnight has resulted in the River Stour being over its banks in places, to include Fiddleford/Hammoon. Any fishing during the last couple of days of the season will very much depend upon any rainfall tonight. If there is any hope a another update will be posted.    Martin Drake 

10 March

It would now seem likely that the rain overnight and today will spoil the last few days of the season on the River Stour. The River Cale is bank high and very coloured where it enters the Stour at Marnhull and further up the Stour the river is starting to show signs of colouration with increasing levels. Normally a lot of coloured water enters quite early in rainy conditions from the Divelish which flows into the Stour at Dunns Mouth part way between Cutt and Sturminster Mills. Similarly the River Lydden which flows north to Kings Mill (above the Association's upper limit) is certain to have some effect both on colouration at water levels.  Any member hoping to fish the Stour tomorrow would probably best be directed to Fiddleford or Hammoon,  conditions there being entirely dependent on any further rain tonight.  This is just bad luck!!    Martin Drake   

7 March

28 February

24 January

22 January, Mid-Day

Overnight rain has again raised water levels which remain very coloured and unfishable.

Expect another Report on Thursday    David Rigby

The river has dropped a few feet in the last couple of days but is still bank-high and unfishable. Unfortunately, in view of the latest weather forecast, this situation is unlikely to improve for the next 4 or 5 days. Watch this space....    David Rigby

11 January, 1pm

The river in Sturminster is just breaking the banks after very heavy overnight rain which continues. The water is very coloured. Members should check with Ian Paulley regarding the match at Fiddleford scheduled for this Sunday 13th January, telephone 01258  861969.   Martin Drake

The river below Sturminster Mill is now back within its banks but note the heavy water conditions above the weir/hatches.

Currently it would not be possible to open the hatches.  More rain is due.    Martin Drake