River Test · Hampshire
Leckford Beat 4
From April · £260 1 to 2 rods Season 1 May to 15 Oct
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Day tickets
Buy a ticket for a single day, with rates and dates further down.
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Bag limit of 5
You may take up to 5 fish. Check the rules below.
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Bank fishing only
You fish from the bank, with no wading.
About Leckford Beat 4
Beat 4 occupies the left-hand bank of the main River Test on the Leckford Estate, situated on the middle Test north of Stockbridge in Hampshire. The Test travels through almost a thousand acres of water meadows here, and this stretch reflects that character well, a broad, moderately paced chalk stream with deep, sweeping bends and a reputation for holding fish consistently through the season. The beat fishes opposite Beat 3 and is sold on a one-to-two rod basis, keeping the water uncrowded and the experience genuinely quiet.
The River Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, and all three are present on Beat 4. The deep water at some parts of the beat is particularly well regarded on the estate for sheltering specimen brown trout, while the beat also carries a notable population of large grayling, a bonus for anglers fishing into autumn. The season runs from late April to mid-October, with the mayfly hatch typically arriving from mid-May to early June, reflected in the beat's premium Mayfly pricing of £320 (standard days £260). April fishing is best matched with Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn patterns, while June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olive hatches to keep dry fly fishing productive well into summer. The beat suits beginners and returning anglers alike, bank-only fishing removes the complexity of wading, and moderate stocking means fish are present without the water feeling artificial.
A fishing hut, toilets, and on-site accommodation are available, making Beat 4 a practical choice for a full day or an overnight trip. A 9-foot rod in a 4- or 5-weight is well suited to the main river glides; carry both dry fly and nymph options, as the chalk stream's water quality produces extensive aquatic life including mayfly, olives, and shrimp, meaning trout can grow fat on natural food and will switch between surface and sub-surface feeding depending on conditions.
How you can fish here
- Methods
- Fly Only
- Fly methods
- Dry Fly, Nymph
- Banks
- Bank fishing only
Pricing and season
Indicative prices. They don't show whether a day is still free and other rates may apply, so confirm availability and the final price with whoever you book through before you travel.
Tickets
These are the 2026 prices. 2027 prices aren't out yet.
- Main Season Day ticket · 30 Apr to 15 Oct
- £260 per day
- Mayfly Season Day ticket · 15 May to 6 Jun
- £320 per day
Day tickets and guided days
- Leckford Estate Fishing Day tickets£260–£320 Book
Across the whole of Leckford Estate Fishing
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Sells day tickets and guides across Leckford Estate Fishing, including this beat.
View fishing agent
Prices by date
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Day rate, hover a day for the ticket
How Leckford Beat 4 compares on the River Test
Typical, lowest and highest full-day rod, from 50 beats with published day rates
typical (median)
cheapest to dearest beat
this beat
Day tickets on the River Test run from £55 to £388. The typical full-day rate is around £260, peaking in May.
Compare with other riversFishing details
- Rods
- 1 to 2
- Difficulty
- Beginner (1/5)
- Water type
- Main river
Rules and policies
Catch & release
Bag limit: 5 fish
EA rod licence required
Dogs allowed
Ghillie available
Ghillie required
Season: 1 May to 15 Oct
Amenities
fishing hut toilets accommodation
Where you'll fish
Location
River onlyExact location is hidden at the owner's request. This beat is on the River Test at Leckford Estate Fishing.
Conditions on the River Test
The river and fishery
Rising at Ashe, near Overton, the River Test runs for 40 miles through Hampshire, flowing south through Whitchurch, Longparish, and Wherwell before the Rivers Dever and Anton join the main channel…
View the River Test guideFlies for this beat
Expected in November on the River Test
Typical months from the river’s hatch calendar, which applies along its whole length rather than to this beat. Not a live report.
We get a small commission if you buy through these links, and it costs you nothing extra. If the calendar has been useful and you feel like supporting an independent site, buying your flies this way is an easy way to do it.
Similar beats on the River Test
FishingBeats is an independent guide with no affiliation to the fisheries we list. Listings are editorial and unpaid, and are not supplied or approved by the fishery. See our listings policy. Listing details are compiled by FishingBeats and may change or contain mistakes. Some services, such as tuition, ghillies, or accommodation, may only apply to certain packages and not to standard day tickets. Always confirm pricing, fishing details, and what is included directly with the beat before you book. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@fishingbeats.com and we will correct it.
FAQ
Leckford Beat 4 FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Leckford Beat 4, from tickets to tactics.
01How many rods are allowed on Leckford Beat 4 at any one time?
Leckford Beat 4 allows a maximum of 2 rods at any one time. Contact Leckford Estate Fishing directly if you need to confirm current availability.
02What species can I expect to catch on Leckford Beat 4?
Leckford Beat 4 holds Brown Trout, Grayling, Rainbow Trout. The beat is moderate-stocked to supplement the wild fish — see the Stocking section on the page for details.
03Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
Leckford Beat 4 is bank-fishing only — no wading is permitted.
04Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
A ghillie is available on Leckford Beat 4 and can be requested through the provider — particularly useful for first-time visitors to the River Test.
05Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
Parking details for Leckford Beat 4 are shown on the beat page, including a map pin where one is provided. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
06What tackle should I bring?
Leckford Beat 4 permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the Leckford Beat 4 page suggests the most effective patterns month by month.
07What happens if conditions are poor on the day I've booked?
River conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. Contact the provider as early as possible if you're concerned about Leckford Beat 4 at Leckford Estate Fishing — many are happy to offer an alternative date if the river is unfishable. Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by provider; check the notes on the booking page or ask when you book.
08Are dogs allowed on the beat?
Dogs are not listed as permitted on Leckford Beat 4. Check the Beat Rules section on the page or contact the provider before bringing a dog, as policies can vary by season and stretch of the River Test.
Worth a read
£260 per rod
Out of season, from April
