River Test
Testwood Beat
Testwood Beat is a fishing beat on the River Test.
How to book
Fishing details
Testwood Beat at a glance
- Rods
- Up to 3
- Difficulty
- Beginner (1/5)
- Length
- –
- Water type
- main river
Fishing methods
Sitting on the lower reaches of the River Test in Hampshire, the Testwood Beat occupies the final section of the river before it enters the sea, a stretch of main-river chalk stream that fishes very differently from the intimate upper Test. The water divides into three beats prior to flowing into the sea, offering a variety of challenges across both tidal and non-tidal water. The fishery and surrounding land form part of a private estate owned by the Barker-Mill family since 1527, and the beat carries that sense of long, unbroken history. The jewel of the beat is Testwood Pool, a deep, well-defined lie that concentrates fish and gives the water its character.
The Testwood Beat targets brown trout on upstream dry fly and nymph, but its real distinction is the migratory fishing. Before the Test spills into the Solent, double-figure salmon and sea trout are caught here regularly, and sea trout fight hard and frequently reach double figures. Both species move from salt into freshwater lies in the river's lower reaches from spring onwards, with sea trout fishing typically pursued after dark. The beat is rated as beginner-friendly, making it a practical first chalk stream experience, and fishes three rods per day.
The beat is served by a mill-house offering comfortable members' facilities, sleeping cabins for night sea trout anglers, catering facilities, and two riverside huts, a well-equipped setup that suits both day visits and overnight stays. B&B is available with a bed in the sea trout cabin and a full English breakfast in the Mill House overlooking the river, a practical arrangement for anyone planning a dusk-to-dawn session on the pool. A single-handed 9 ft 5-weight covers the dry fly and nymph fishing; bring a heavier outfit if sea trout are the target.
Stocking and fish species
Rules and policies
Amenities
Where Testwood Beat is
The beat's boundary, with parking where we have it.
50.90613, -1.46836
The river
River
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 near Chilbolton. For much of its length the Test is not one river but an amalgam of main channel, mill leats, carriers,…
Flies for this beat
Expected in October 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.
Caperer
Sedge · #10-12
Kite's Imperial
Dry fly · #14-16
Daddy Long Legs
Terrestrial · #10-12
Sawyer's Killer Bug
Nymph · #12-16
The year ahead
Full calendarEvery hatch on the River Test and the months it usually runs.
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Similar beats on the River Test
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FAQ
Testwood Beat FAQs
Practical questions anglers ask before fishing Testwood Beat, from tickets to tactics.
