Timsbury Beat 2

Timsbury Beat 2 covers around 0.4 miles of the main River Test in Hampshire, situated in the village of Timsbury between Romsey and Stockbridge. It forms one of four individual beats on over three miles of bank, encompassing both the main river and two carrier streams. The fishery is accessed via electric gates along a private road and is surrounded by acres of privately owned chalk stream water meadows. Bank fishing only, with easy access along well-maintained banks, with regular mowing and strimming throughout the season.

The chalk water, combined with careful management of the river's weed beds, creates ideal conditions for brown trout, and the fishery is heavily stocked to support consistent sport. The 20-year average is three fish caught per rod per day. Fishing is fly only — upstream dry fly and nymph are the primary methods — and the beat suits beginners well, with open banks and chalk streams being almost always fishable regardless of weather conditions. The season runs from 31 March to 30 October. In April, expect hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn; the mayfly follows from mid-May to early June, and June brings Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives. Salmon can be caught but must be returned to the river.

The beat is limited to one or two rods and is priced at £180 for a day rod. Fishing rotates across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks. On-bank amenities include a fishing hut and toilet facilities, and the main fishing lodge, constructed in 2017, overlooks the main river and is equipped with mains electricity and Wi-Fi. Weed cutting follows dates set by the Test and Itchen Association, so it is worth checking the fishery calendar when planning a visit.