Nursling Mill Trout Beat

Nursling Mill Trout Beat sits on the lower River Test in Hampshire, running double-bank on the main river from the Broadlands Estate boundary downstream past Nursling Mill. By this point the Test has grown into a substantial river — too wide to cast across in places — having gathered the Wallop Brook and the River Dun before finally consolidating into a single channel south of Romsey. A large mill pool, several hatch pools, groynes, bends and deeper holes give the water real variety, and the broad, steady flow suits upstream dry fly and upstream nymph fishing from the bank throughout the season.

The beat regularly produces very large brown trout that run downstream toward the estuary, and the mayfly hatches here are exceptional — dense enough to bring even the most cautious fish up confidently, making this one of the more accessible stretches of Test trout fishing for anglers still building their chalk stream experience. Occasional Atlantic salmon move through, and sea trout are also a genuine possibility on this tidal-influenced lower beat. The River Test is fished for trout from its source right down to the tidal limit, and Nursling sits close to that boundary, giving the water a character quite different from the narrower upper beats.

Rods fish from the bank only — no wading — on a beat that suits a single-handed 9 ft rod and a selection of mayfly dressings, CDC emergers and upstream nymphs. The fishery is served by a well-appointed hut with catering facilities, and the Nursling Mill Trout Beat also provides a BBQ and private car park, making it a practical full-day destination. Access is straightforward and the beat is well suited to anglers new to chalk stream fishing.