Leckford Beat 5

Half a mile of double-bank main river on the Hampshire Test, Beat 5 sits within the Leckford Estate, which runs through the middle of the estate with Leckford village to the east and Longstock to the west. The right-hand bank extends to the top of Broadwater and the boundary of the estate's Water Gardens; the left-hand bank reaches the Ash Tree, where it meets Beat 4. The focal point is a fishing hut positioned on Cabbage Island — named for the native Butterburs that line its banks in spring — with a deep, sweeping pool directly in front that holds fish consistently through the season and produces reliable evening rises. 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 5 carries all three. Stocking is moderate, with all fish hatched and grown on the Leckford Estate itself. The beat is fly-only — dry fly and nymph — and is rated suitable for beginners, making it a sound choice for anglers new to chalk stream fishing. April sees hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn, while the mayfly period on the main Test typically begins around 15 May. June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives, with evening rises extending well into the summer months. The season runs 29 April to 14 October, with one or two rods on the water at any time. Day rod prices are £260 in the main season and £320 during the mayfly window. The fishing HQ is positioned at the Farm Shop and Nursery site in Longstock, providing a central meeting point to check rules, sign in, and meet the river-keeping team. The beat also has its own fishing hut and toilet facilities on-island, and accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer stay.