Leckford Beat 9

Beat 9 sits on the middle River Test at Leckford Estate, one of eleven miles of the Test's most sought-after fishing water, divided across sixteen beats in the heart of the Hampshire chalk stream valley. The beat covers both banks of the main river and the right-hand bank of a parallel carrier, with the main channel deepest in its top third — the water behind the footbridge and in front of the shared hut is well-known on the estate as a reliable lie for a large brown trout. The carrier runs alongside the main flow before finishing at a pool behind the shared hut, offering a more intimate, short-range contrast to the open main river. The Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream water provides the perfect habitat for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, and Beat 9 holds all three. The beat is rated for experienced anglers — the deeper main channel demands accurate presentation and a considered approach to reading the water. Dry fly and nymph are the only permitted methods. Flies for the Test in the early season include the Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn; the mayfly runs from mid-May to early June, commanding a premium day rate of £320, while June brings Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives, with longer days and brighter skies making early mornings and late evenings the most productive windows. The beat is also a noted spot for watching hobby falcons hunting mayflies on the wing during peak summer hatches. The season runs 29 April to 14 October, with one to two rods at £260 per day outside the mayfly period. Access is via a private track off the A3057 from the Leckford village direction, before the golf course entrance. A shared fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site, and accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer visit.