Timsbury Beat 3

Beat 3 is one of four private, fly-only beats at Timsbury Fishery, situated beside the River Test between Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire. Each beat consists of a stretch of the main river and a stretch of carrier stream, and at just over half a mile Beat 3 offers a manageable, bank-fished length suited to one or two rods. The river is maintained to a high standard, with easy access to all the beats through regular mowing and strimming along the banks, as well as weed cutting during the summer. The fishery is accessed via electric gates along a private road and is surrounded by acres of privately owned chalk stream water meadows.

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 is rated suitable for beginners, making it a practical introduction to chalk stream technique. The main flies hatching on the River Test in April are the Large Dark Olive, the Grannom Caddis and the Hawthorn; the mayfly follows from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives and terrestrials. The season runs 31 March to 30 October. Rods rotate across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks, with a free-for-all period between early October and the season's end.

Day rod prices run from £180 to £300 (upper beat), with a season rod available at £1,800. The main fishing lodge, constructed in 2017, overlooks the main river and is well equipped with a patio, mains electricity, Wi-Fi, a fully fitted kitchen, and a washroom with flushing toilet. Additional huts with picnic tables are positioned at strategic points around the fishery. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers most situations on this water.