Leckford Beat 13

Beat 13 fishes the Old Test — a double-bank carrier on the Leckford Estate in Hampshire — offering a long and secluded stretch of chalk stream sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds by the Great Common, a hundred-acre island that splits the river at the top of the beat. The water runs through a varied character, from fast shallow glides to deep meanders, making it one of the more diverse carrier beats on the estate. The River Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for rainbow and brown trout as well as grayling, and Beat 13 holds all three, with blue trout also present. Moderate stocking keeps fish numbers consistent throughout the season without overwhelming the natural character of the water.

Upstream dry fly fishing only applies until 31 July, after which a nymph may be used, provided it is a fair representation of a natural. May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings and terrestrials, while June brings an abundance of blue-winged olives and medium olives. Past the fishing hut, halfway down the stretch, a footbridge known as the Salmon Bridge marks a notable feature — the shallows behind it serve as a favoured spawning site for salmon returning in the winter months. The beat suits one or two rods and is rated as beginner-friendly, making it a sound introduction to carrier fly fishing on the middle Test.

For carrier beats of this type, a lighter rod rated for a 3 or 4 weight is well suited to the water. Fly choice ranges from traditional chalk stream patterns — Tup's Indispensible, Greenwell's Glory, and the Leckford Professor — through to smaller midges and reed smuts on size 18s or 20s. The season runs 1 May to 15 October, priced at £260 per rod per day in the main season and £320 during the mayfly period. A fishing hut, toilet facilities, and on-site accommodation are available on the estate.