The Upper Beat

Sitting above the road bridge at Fullerton on the upper-middle River Test in Hampshire, the Upper Beat at Testcombe is a technically demanding stretch of chalk stream fly fishing that rewards experienced anglers prepared to work for their fish. The fishery encompasses approximately 900 yards of main river Test and around 1,000 yards of carrier streams, offering a genuine variety of water within a single day's fishing. The range runs from fast, shallow and highly oxygenated sections to deep and slow pools, while the carrier streams benefit from tree cover and shade (an advantage on bright summer days). All fishing is bank-only; the beat is accessed on foot along the bank.

The season runs 31 March to 14 October, targeting Brown Trout, Grayling on fly only, dry fly and nymph. The upper Test's spring-fed tributaries and carriers provide crystal-clear water running over bright clean gravel and beds of ranunculus, creating ideal conditions for wild brown trout. From below Fullerton, the river develops a network of carriers, and it is here that some of the biggest mayfly hatches on the Test occur, as the riverbed provides perfect habitat for the silt-burrowing nymphs. Expect blue-winged olives and sedge through summer and into autumn, with the evening rise demanding precise presentation and accurate fly selection. The tight, tree-lined carriers call for short, accurate casting and careful watercraft; this is not a beat for the occasional chalk stream visitor.

The Grade II listed fishing hut, built in 1888, serves as an excellent base for the day (originally a pavilion for a tennis court built by the Disraeli family, it now provides a comfortable retreat between sessions). The Mayfly pub is only a short walk away, making it straightforward to combine a full day on the water with an easy lunch stop. A 9-foot rod for a 4-weight line suits the main river; a shorter 7- or 8-foot rod is well worth bringing for the narrower carriers.