Houghton Springs Trout Farm: Where Dorset’s Aquaculture Heritage Comes to Life

Houghton Springs Trout Farm: Where Dorset’s Aquaculture Heritage Comes to Life

Nestled in the serene countryside of Winterborne Houghton, Houghton Springs Trout Farm stands as a proud testament to 45 years of sustainable aquaculture excellence. With a commitment to nurturing the renowned Winterborne strain of rainbow trout, our family-run business thrives on the principles of traceability, quality, and community connection. Join us as we take you through our unique journey, rooted deeply in the heart of Dorset and serving the surrounding counties.

A Legacy in Sustainable Aquaculture

For over four decades, Houghton Springs Trout Farm has dedicated itself to the art of aquaculture, focusing on the Winterborne strain of rainbow trout. This exceptional breed, raised in the pure chalk spring water sourced from the Winterborne aquifer, embodies our commitment to quality and sustainability. Our family has worked tirelessly to refine our methods, ensuring that every fish we raise not only meets but exceeds the highest standards.

The Importance of Heritage

  • Experience: With 45 years in the industry, we have honed our practices, learning from the land and the water.
  • Broodstock to Table: Our fish are raised with care, from carefully selected broodstock to table-ready trout, ensuring the freshest taste for our customers.

Discover more about our history and the values that guide us on our History page.

The Unique Environment of Houghton Springs

At Houghton Springs Trout Farm, we pride ourselves on our unique farming environment. Our fish benefit from the pristine waters of the Winterborne aquifer, which flow naturally through our farm, providing optimal conditions for growth.

Compartmentalised Farming

We are proud to be the UK’s only compartmental trout farm, employing stringent biosecurity measures to prevent disease and ensure the health of our fish. This innovative approach allows us to maintain a low-impact, eco-friendly farm while delivering top-quality products to our customers.

Commitment to Traceability and Quality

Transparency is at the heart of our operations. We believe in providing our customers with the highest quality trout, traceable from our farm to your table.

Our Delivery Service

  • Nightly Deliveries: We offer a reliable nightly delivery service across the UK, ensuring that our fish reach local restaurants, retailers, and home consumers fresh and ready for enjoyment.
  • Product Range: Our offerings include:
    • Eggs and Fry: Ideal for those looking to start their own aquaculture journey.
    • Sporting Fish for Restocking: Perfect for anglers and fisheries in the region.
    • Fresh Rainbow Trout: Available for local restaurants and customers, bringing the taste of Houghton Springs to your home.

Explore our complete product range on our Fish For Sale page.

Sustainability and Innovation: A Bright Future

At Houghton Springs Trout Farm, we’re not just about maintaining the status quo; we’re committed to advancing sustainable practices for the future. Our stewardship of the valley extends beyond fish farming, as we continually seek innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact.

Eco-Friendly Practices

  • Low-Impact Systems: Our farming methods prioritise the health of the ecosystem, ensuring that our operations benefit the local environment.
  • Future Developments: We’re excited to explore new avenues, such as smoked trout products and the integration of floating solar technology, which will enable us to harness renewable energy.

Learn more about our vision for the future on our The Future page.

A Local Connection: Serving Dorset and Beyond

Houghton Springs Trout Farm is more than just a business; it’s a cornerstone of the local community. Our roots in Dorset run deep, and we’re proud to support local chefs and businesses, supplying the freshest trout from Dorchester to Salisbury and beyond.

Accessibility for Nearby Counties

Our commitment to community values extends to our neighbours in Wiltshire, Somerset, and Hampshire. We believe in building relationships with local chefs and retailers, ensuring that our high-quality trout is readily available to those who appreciate its exceptional taste.

Join Our Community

As we move through November 2025, we invite you to join us in celebrating the heritage and future of aquaculture in Dorset. Whether you’re a local resident, a chef looking for the finest ingredients, or an angler in search of quality sporting fish, there’s a place for you at Houghton Springs Trout Farm.

Connect With Us

  • Visit Us: Explore our farm, learn about our sustainable practices, and see firsthand how we raise our fish.
  • Contact Us: Have questions or need more information? Don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact page.

Together, let’s continue to celebrate and nurture the rich aquaculture tradition that makes Dorset a truly special place. Join us in our journey, and taste the difference that comes from sustainable, traceable, and high-quality aquaculture.

For updates, insights, and stories from Houghton Springs Trout Farm, visit our Blog and stay connected with our community.

At Houghton Springs Trout Farm, we’re proud to be your local source for sustainable aquaculture. Taste the difference today!