The Lamb Stream

The Lamb Stream runs for approximately 1 mile along a chalk stream carrier of the River Kennet in Berkshire, threading through classic water-meadow habitat typical of the upper Kennet valley. Though the main river spans just 22 miles from source to Newbury, 18th-century water engineers created more than 80 miles of fishable water through a maze of carriers, and this beat is a product of that tradition. Expect a narrower, more intimate channel than the main river: overhung banks, tight casting angles, and fish that demand a careful approach. The beat is rated as adventurer difficulty and suits anglers who are comfortable reading complex water and placing a fly accurately under pressure.

The Brown Trout here are pursued on dry fly and nymph throughout a season running 1 April to 30 September. Olive hatches in spring combine with grannom and hawthorn before the mayfly arrives, which is followed by excellent evening fishing through summer as caddis flies gather; the mayfly arrives comparatively late relative to other southern chalk streams, with the best sport often found in the first weeks of June. The river flows crystal clear for almost the whole season, making it a genuine sight-fishery where you can target specific fish. The Kennet is also home to the rare "Greenback" brown trout, a green-flanked and largely spotless strain found nowhere else on the chalk streams; each season a lucky few anglers manage to encounter one.

The beat is fly only, with both dry fly and nymph permitted. A 9 ft rod for a 4 or 5 weight line suits the carrier conditions well, with fine tippet essential on clear summer water. A fishing hut and refreshments are available on site.