Bransbury Mill Fishery

Sitting on the lower River Dever near the hamlet of Bransbury in Hampshire, Bransbury Mill Fishery offers around 1.5 miles of double-bank chalk stream fly fishing, with the beat running through disused water meadows on Bransbury Common — a Site of Special Scientific Interest — through which the Dever flows. The Dever is one of the major River Test tributaries, rising near West Stratton and flowing for nearly 10 miles before joining the main river between Wherwell and Barton Stacey. This is intimate, narrow chalk stream fishing: the river runs clear over gravel, and like other upper Test tributaries it is known for the clarity of its water, with fish highly visible, hanging in front of beds of starwort and tipping up to sip passing insects.

Brown trout are the primary quarry, with a healthy stock of wild fish supplemented by fishery-reared browns. The beat carries a substantial stock of wild brown trout, and judicious over-winter feeding has ensured the wild population is in prime condition at the start of the season. Hatches are a strong feature throughout the season, starting with hawthorn in spring, prolific mayfly during May and June, and good hatches of olives and sedges through summer and autumn. Grayling fishing can be enjoyed after the trout season ends. The clear water and visible fish make this an accessible beat for developing dry fly anglers, with the classic chalk stream approach — spot, stalk, cover — well suited to the conditions.

The trout season runs from 1st May to 30th September. Upstream dry fly only applies in May and June; nymphing is permitted from 1st July. All grayling must be returned, and brown trout under 14 inches returned too. The beat is limited to two rods. Rods can fish from both banks and have use of a comfortable lunch hut and rain shelter. Car parking is off Newton Lane — note there is no vehicular access to Bransbury Common itself, so waders are advisable for reaching the water.