Blenheim Palace has opened a trout fishing venue, writes David Duffy.

Although classed as a stillwater lake complex, the venue is headed by a cascade and is fed by the River Glyme, creating a moving current for dry-fly and nymph fishing, with depths reaching up to 7ft.

The four beats, which have been stocked with locally-sourced brown and rainbow trout weighing up to 8lb, stretch for more than a mile. They offer a variety of areas, with both open spaces for easy back casting, to stalking areas for more experienced anglers.

The Blenheim estate, at Woodstock, has teamed up with fly fishing equipment supplier Orvis for the venture, allowing fishing on both day tickets and for corporate clients.

Speaking at the press launch, the chief executive of Blenheim Palace, John Hoy, said the opening of the trout fishery offered the estate a unique opportunity.

He said: “The palace has been here for more than 300 years, but it is not often that we can announce a brand new venture. The opening of the trout fishery is an exciting opportunity.

“The sport is immensely popular and I don’t think there is a finer setting for trout fishing. We believe it will be popular.”

Blenheim already offers coarse angling from punts on the estate lake, with excellent tench fishing during the summer and first-class pike fishing during the winter months.

For those who wish to take up fly fishing for the first time, or take some advice from a professional, Orvis-endorsed coaching sessions and equipment will be available to book on request.

A day ticket costs £35 (retain first four fish and release six); half-day ticket £25 (retain first fish and release three). Concessions and under 16s receive a ten per cent discount.

Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult (one non-fishing adult ticket is permitted per child at £5. Additional people pay normal park and gardens admission price).

Online booking is available at blenheim palace.com, or for more information call 08700 60 20 80, or visit blenheimpalace.com l Farmoor Fly Fishing Club are staging their annual training days at Darlow, near Hardwick, on May 20 and 27, June 3 and 10 starting at 7.30pm which are open to everyone.

For more information, contact Ken Day on 01235 554618.