Beat One

Beat One on the East Burton Estate covers 0 mile of single-bank chalk stream on the River Frome, near the village of Wool on the lower middle river. Wool Bridge marks the downstream boundary of the estate on this beat, fishing is from the right bank only, and the River Win enters the Frome through the middle of the stretch, introducing a modest change in flow and character at the confluence. The river carries classic chalk stream features: gravelly runs, ranunculus beds and clear water that rewards a careful, methodical approach. Wading is permitted and helps cover the full width of the channel, particularly useful for reaching fish holding in the deeper glides and bends that make this a popular section for salmon as well as trout.

The estate maintains a good head of wild brown trout, with light supplementary stocking on the main river, and grayling are plentiful, including fish over three pounds. Fly only is the rule, with upstream dry fly and nymph covering both species across the season. The Frome opens in April with strong grannom hatches, followed by hawthorn fly and blue-winged olives, then mayfly from late May into June bringing larger fish to the surface; after mayfly, evening falls of spinners and sedges extend the dry fly fishing, with pale wateries and blue-winged olives producing daytime rises through to the end of the season. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than any other chalk stream, and as a result the fishing holds up well throughout the season. The river has three times produced the British grayling record, each fish weighing over four pounds.

A 9-foot rod in a 4-weight or 5-weight suits both methods well on this width of water. Day tickets start from £60 during the main season. Grayling days are available from £35. A fishing hut is available on the beat. Accommodation can be arranged through the estate, and a riverside hamper, lovingly prepared by the estate and full of home-made breads and pastries, can be ordered and delivered to the beat at a time of your choosing.