East Lodge Beat

Set just south of Twyford in Hampshire, East Lodge is a beat on the River Itchen with a fishing history stretching back to the 17th century. The estate water covers two miles of double-bank chalk stream, comprising both the main river and a fast-flowing side stream called Rosemary's Leat, which bisects the surrounding water meadows. The Itchen carries the highest conservation designations, being both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), typifying the classic chalk river with only a narrow range of seasonal variation in physical and chemical characteristics — the water is naturally base-rich, of great clarity, and maintains a relatively constant temperature with dissolved oxygen levels at or near saturation.

The water is varied and suits both novice and expert. The river is stocked with brown trout only, but also supports a very large population of wild trout and grayling, testament to the quality of habitat management on the beat. Insect hatches, particularly blue-winged olive and sedge, are prolific throughout the season, offering reliable dry fly action, while the mayfly period typically begins around 15 May and represents the most sought-after weeks on the water. As a general rule, warmer months favour trout fishing and the cooler months grayling. Mayfly hatches on the Itchen are generally lighter than on the River Test, but the river is well blessed with fly life throughout the season.

The beat accommodates up to ten rods and is well set up for corporate and group days, with a fishing lodge, on-site catering, and equipment hire available — making it a practical choice for less experienced anglers coming to chalk stream fly fishing for the first time. The Itchen has its own place in fly fishing history: it was here that George Skues developed the principles of nymph fishing that remain central to the sport today. A 9 ft 5-weight is a sensible starting point; the gin-clear water rewards a careful, upstream approach — if you can see the trout, they can see you.