The River Mells and Egford Brook, Vallis Vale

The River Mells and Egford Brook, Vallis Vale

There are three potential access points;
1. Vallis Vale Parking BA11 3JA
2. Park on Hapsford Hill and walk upstream through the business park BA11 3NW
3. Park in Great Elm and walk downstream BA11 3NY

General description

Our fishing is in the Mells River and the adjoining Egford Brook as the water runs through Vallis Vale, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s beautiful and the trout fishing is excellent.

You could imagine that you’re anywhere in the world but you will need to use a little imagination as it’s a popular beauty spot, there’s plenty of dog walkers and groups of people enjoying some time away from Frome. That said the trout are used it so you’ll still find fish no matter how many other people are enjoying the beautiful valley.

You’ll notice Vallis has clearly been of industrial importance to the local area, apparently from the early 18th century it was a source of quality lime and latterly supplied stone to repair the roads of Frome.

There are secluded wooded areas along the river so you will be able to find solitude, alternatively if you like more peace avoid the weekends, fish evenings or chose a rainy day, then you’ll have the place to yourself.

There’s plenty of variety with deeper glides, fast rifles and small pools. I’m not sure why the Mells is such a prolific trout water but it is, there’s lots of fish and some surprisingly big ones too.

It’s fly only and catch and release so that we can protect the stock of wild trout.

Known Species

  • Brown Trout