The Parsonage

on the River Test
main river

Situated on the magnificent Middle River Test just downstream of Timsbury, The Parsonage Beat offers a wonderfully diverse and secluded chalk stream experience. This highly regarded fishery provides the perfect "best of both worlds" scenario, combining the classic, beginner-friendly dimensions of the main river with the engaging waters of a long carrier stream, making it an absolutely idyllic setting for a relaxed family day out.

The expansive main river section provides a highly accessible and forgiving environment, making it an excellent place for novices and younger family members to hone their casting skills and build confidence. It features sweeping glides and notably deep holding water beneath wooded far banks. Because of this depth, sight-fishing is not the easiest, but the open nature of the river presents a wonderfully relaxed environment to practice reading the water and covering likely lies without the stress of tight, technical casting. In wonderful contrast, the expansive carrier stream offers a more intimate chalk stream environment. Its peaty banks and clean gravel sections provide richly varied sport and a slightly different pace alongside the main flow.

Complete with excellent facilities for entertaining, the beat boasts a comfortable riverside Cabin, a BBQ area perfect for a family riverside lunch, and a quaint thatched shelter at the top boundary. Whether you are introducing beginners to the sport on the forgiving main river or simply enjoying a group outing, The Parsonage provides a deeply relaxing day of dry fly and nymph fishing tailored for all ability levels.

Rods
1 – 6
Difficulty
Beginner (1/5)
Price
From £95
Length
1 miles
Verified Beat
Information confirmed by FishingBeats
Season In season · 1 May – 15 Nov

Indicative prices only. This calendar does not show whether a beat is bookable or already booked out, and other prices may apply. Always confirm availability and the final price with the booking provider before you travel.

Price calendar

July 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1£225
2£225
3£225
4£225
5£225
6£225
7£225
8£225
9£225
10£225
11£225
12£225
13£225
14£225
15£225
16£225
17£225
18£225
19£225
20£225
21£225
22£225
23£225
24£225
25£225
26£225
27£225
28£225
29£225
30£225
31£225
August 2026
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1£195
2£195
3£195
4£195
5£195
6£195
7£195
8£195
9£195
10£195
11£195
12£195
13£195
14£195
15£195
16£195
17£195
18£195
19£195
20£195
21£195
22£195
23£195
24£195
25£195
26£195
27£195
28£195
29£195
30£195
31£195

Day tickets

Day ticketGrayling
1 Oct – 15 Nov
£95
per day
Day ticketLate Summer
1 Aug – 30 Sep
£195
per day
Day ticketEarly Season
1 May – 12 May
£225
per day
Day ticketSummer
5 Jun – 31 Jul
£225
per day
Day ticketMayfly
13 May – 4 Jun
£298
per day

Season & syndicate rods

Season rodHalf: Two days in May and one day a month June-September
1 May – 30 Sep
£1365
per season
Season rodFull: Two days a month May-September
1 May – 30 Sep
£2163
per season

Booking

Book Through

Fishing Breaks
Fishing Breaks Verified Primary
TuitionGuided daysGhillie servicesBeginners welcome

Season Rods are available too.

View fishing agent
£95 – £298
Book

Stocking & Fish Species

heavy stocking — Stocked with big brown and rainbow trout, which offer a good fight when hooked!
Brown Trout
Brown Trout
Grayling
Grayling
Sea TroutSalmon

Rules & Policies

Catch & Release
Bag limit: 2 fish
EA Rod License Required
Dogs Allowed
Ghillie Available
Ghillie Required
Season: 1 May – 15 Nov
Visit Website

Location

51.01408, -1.51157

View on map →

Fishing Methods

Fly fishing

Fly Methods

Dry Fly Nymph
Wading Allowed
Bank Fishing Only
Double Bank

Amenities

Fishing cabin WC Car parking

More on the River Test

Rising at Ashe, near Overton, the River Test runs for 40 miles through Hampshire, flowing west through Overton, Laverstoke, and Whitchurch before turning south through Longparish, Wherwell, and…

FishingBeats is an independent guide with no affiliation to the fisheries we list. Listings are editorial and unpaid, and are not supplied or approved by the fishery. See our listings policy. Listing details are compiled by FishingBeats and may change or contain mistakes. Some services, such as tuition, ghillies, or accommodation, may only apply to certain packages and not to standard day tickets. Always confirm pricing, access, and what is included directly with the beat before you book. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@fishingbeats.com and we will correct it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many rods are allowed on The Parsonage at any one time?
The Parsonage allows a maximum of 6 rods at any one time.
What species can I expect to catch on The Parsonage?
The Parsonage holds Sea Trout, Salmon, Brown Trout, Grayling. The beat is heavy-stocked to supplement the wild fish — see the Stocking section on the page for details.
Do I need to wade, or can I fish from the bank?
The Parsonage is bank-fishing only — no wading is permitted.
Is a ghillie available, and do I need one?
A ghillie is available on The Parsonage and can be requested through the provider — particularly useful for first-time visitors to the River Test.
Where do I park, and how do I access the beat?
Parking details for The Parsonage are shown on the beat page, including a map pin where one is provided. Always confirm access arrangements with the provider when you book.
What tackle should I bring?
The Parsonage permits the following fly methods: dry_fly, nymph. The fly recommendations section on the The Parsonage page suggests the most effective patterns month by month.
What happens if conditions are poor on the day I've booked?
River conditions can change quickly, especially after rain. Contact the provider as early as possible if you're concerned about The Parsonage — many are happy to offer an alternative date if the river is unfishable. Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by provider; check the notes on the booking page or ask when you book.
Are dogs allowed on the beat?
Dogs are welcome on The Parsonage — please keep them under control near the water and respect any local rules shown on the page.