Longbridge Beat

Longbridge Beat sits on the lower River Test within the Broadlands Estates Fishery, just downstream of Romsey in Hampshire (one of five named beats on a stretch where 4.5 kilometres of the Test run through the Broadlands Estate). The beat covers roughly a third of a mile of double-bank main river chalk stream, with wading permitted. Positioned on the lower Test, it offers a wonderful variety of water on the wider, lower part of the river: expect deep bends, long pools, and ranunculus-lined runs rather than the narrower, more intimate character of the upper valley.

The season runs 3 April to 15 October, with brown trout and grayling as the primary quarry alongside the possibility of sea trout. Fishing is fly only (upstream dry fly and nymph) with natural imitations required and no lures. Early season on the lower Test can feel more like a salmon river than the sedate upper valley, with fast flows and boiling pools; nymphing tends to dominate, though hatches of large dark olives, grannom, iron blue dun, and hawthorn can bring fish up. Broadlands is blessed with a reliable mayfly hatch, and being lower in the valley it tends to arrive a little earlier (typically first appearing in early May, with the main spectacle through mid to late May). The fish population includes both wild and stocked trout and grayling, with an average size of around 1 to 2 lb, though larger specimens are found in the deeper pools. Stocking is moderate, and all wild fish must be returned.

Up to three rods fish the beat at any one time. Rules require upstream dry fly and nymph only, with flies being natural imitations and hook size no greater than 10. The beat is available as both season rods and day tickets, with day rod prices ranging from £220 in early and late season to £300 at peak. Fortnightly rods are also available. Anglers have use of the Longbridge Fishing Hut with toilet facilities on site. A valid EA rod licence is required.