River Frome (Dorset)

The River Frome is a chalk stream in Dorset, southern England. At approximately 30 miles (48 km) long, it is the principal chalk river in southwest England. Rising near Evershot in the Dorset Downs, the river flows southeast through Dorchester, West Stafford, Moreton, and Wareham before entering Poole Harbour, one of the world's largest natural harbours and an important estuary connected to the English Channel.

The River Frome is renowned for its exceptionally clear, mineral-rich water, a characteristic of England's chalk streams. Its stable flow and high water quality support a diverse range of aquatic plants, insects, fish, and wildlife. The river is designated as part of the River Frome Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its ecological importance.

The river is a highly regarded destination for freshwater anglers. It supports healthy populations of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta), Grayling (Thymallus thymallus), Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), Sea Trout (Salmo trutta), Northern Pike (Esox lucius), European Perch (Perca fluviatilis), Common Roach (Rutilus rutilus), Common Dace (Leuciscus leuciscus), European Chub (Squalius cephalus), and European Eel (Anguilla anguilla). The lower reaches are also used by migratory fish moving between the river and the sea.

The River Frome is navigable from Poole Harbour upstream to the historic market town of Wareham. Beyond its recreational value, it plays an important role in the region's ecology, water supply, and floodplain habitats. Its combination of scenic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and excellent fishing has made it one of England's most celebrated chalk streams.