Budget-Friendly Fishing Beats

River Itchen

Abbots Worthy

Sitting on the upper River Itchen just three miles north of Winchester, the Abbots Worthy beat offers around a third of a mile of single and double-bank chalk stream fly fishing on one of Hampshire's most historically significant stretches of water. John Keats walked these very water meadows in 1819, and the Itchen's clear flows and harvest-season landscapes are said to have inspired his ode *To Autumn*. The river here carries a main channel alongside a mill stream, with a chalk bottom, good ranunculus weed beds, and clear water that makes sight fishing the primary approach. Fishing is predominantly from the right bank looking upstream, though parts of the beat can be fished from both banks, and wading is possible in places. The beat holds grayling to over 3 lbs alongside a lightly supplemented wild brown trout population — above Easton, the upper Itchen is managed primarily for wild trout, and this beat reflects that ethos. Most of the River Itchen is managed as an SSSI, and catch and release is encouraged to preserve native brown trout. Fly life is good throughout the season, with reliable hatches of Iron Blue and Large Dark Olive in good numbers, and even the occasional Turkey Brown. May brings the first mayfly of the year, while mayfly hatches on the Itchen are generally lighter than on the Test — olives, sedge, and BWO carry the season through to autumn. The grayling fishing runs to 14 December, priced at £55 per rod. The beat suits one to three rods and is well set up for a day's independent fishing, with a fishing hut on site for lunch breaks and shelter, a feature of many chalk stream beats in this valley. Car parking is available on site. Access is straightforward via the A33, M3, and A34, and Winchester is reachable by train from London Waterloo — making this a practical day-trip destination from the capital as well as a natural base for exploring the wider Itchen valley.

Hampshire Avon

Avon Springs

Avon Springs sits beside the Hampshire Avon near Salisbury in Wiltshire, offering a mile of upper chalk stream river fishing on one of southern England's most characterful game rivers. The Hampshire Avon is fed by two headwater streams rising in the Vale of Pewsey — the East Avon from chalk and the West Avon from greensand — which means it sits slightly outside the strictest definition of a chalk stream, but persistent colour from early-season rain clears quickly, and from summer through to season's end the water clarity is comparable to many true chalk streams. The beat accommodates up to four rods and carries a high proportion of wild fish, alongside fish reared on site that are the progeny of the original Avon native strain. The target species are brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, with grayling running to 3 lb. Hatches are a genuine draw: early season brings grannom and large dark olives, while the mayfly (Greendrake) — once it starts — can continue for many weeks. The Avon and Wylye can carry mayfly hatching off into July, giving this beat an extended window for the classic dry fly. The river also sees hatches of damselfly and sedge throughout the season. The beat is rated as explorer-level — expect fish that have seen flies before and reward careful presentation. Dry fly only is in force until 1 June, after which traditional nymphs may be used. The season runs 13 April to 13 March, covering both the trout and grayling seasons. Day rod prices run from £71 in the grayling season to £130 during the mayfly window, with early and main season rods at £102 — accessible pricing for a well-managed chalk stream beat. A fishing hut and toilets are on site. The Hampshire Avon is around 90 minutes from London Waterloo to Salisbury, making Avon Springs a practical choice for anglers travelling from London or across the south.

River Itchen

Breach Farm

South of Winchester, the Itchen flows through water meadow pastures — and Breach Farm sits squarely in this open, pastoral section of the river. The river here runs westerly through largely open ground before turning south past Winchester, giving the beat a wide, gliding character with few bankside obstructions to interfere with a back cast. Both banks are available, and the beat suits up to three rods without crowding. A short walk of around 200 yards from the car park brings you to a fishing shelter beside the water. Dry fly remains the most productive method on this stretch, with sensitive stocking programmes maintaining quality fishing for brown trout and grayling through the season, which runs from 16 April to 31 December. The open meadow setting means the Mayfly hatch — typically at its best through May — is well worth planning around, and insect hatches, particularly the blue-winged olive and sedge, are prolific and offer reliable dry fly action from early summer into autumn. Broadly speaking, the warmer months favour trout fishing while the cooler months shift focus to grayling, making Breach Farm a genuinely year-round proposition. The beat is rated as beginner-friendly, and the uncluttered banks make it a good choice for anglers still building their casting confidence. Traditional chalk stream dry fly patterns work well on the Itchen — sizes 18 and 20 in Medium Olive, Iron Blue, and Blue-Winged Olive duns, along with size 16 sedge patterns, will cover most situations. A 9-ft rod in a 4- or 5-weight is a sensible all-round choice. Wading is optional; if you do wade, chest waders and a buoyancy aid are advised. Day ticket prices run from £75 for grayling days to £165 in summer and £175 in the early season. On-site car parking and a fishing shelter are provided.

River Dever

Bullington Manor Beat 1

The River Dever is a Hampshire chalk stream and is also known locally as the Bullington Stream. Bullington Manor Beat 1 sits on the upper Dever near Upper Bullington, a village the river passes through on its westward course from its source near Micheldever. The beat runs double-bank from just upstream of the old mill, though only one bank is prepared for fishing at any given point — anglers work the left bank upstream to the midway mark, then cross to fish the opposite bank back down, making it a particularly comfortable draw for left-handers. It is the narrowest of the Bullington Manor beats, with two well-defined hatch pools and a quieter, rarely pressured section beyond a disused railway viaduct. Up to six rods can be accommodated, though the intimate scale of the water suits smaller parties well. Like the other upper Test tributaries, the Dever is known for the clarity of its water, with fish highly visible as they hang in front of beds of starwort and tip up to sip passing insects. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling are all present. The clear water lends itself to sight fishing with both dry fly and nymph, and the beat is rated suitable for beginners — the relatively straightforward bank configuration and visible fish make it a sound introduction to chalk stream fly fishing. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly runs from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. Grayling fishing extends the season through to 14 December. An 8½ ft rod with a 3–5wt floating line is the recommended outfit, with tippet down to 2lb/6x. Day rod prices run from £125 (grayling only) to £395 during the mayfly window. The beat shares a mill cabin with Beat 2, and car parking is on site. Additional cabin accommodation — including the Buckingham Palace fishing cabin and Dever Castle cabin — is available at the fishery.

River Dever

Bullington Manor Beat 2

Half a mile of single-bank chalk stream on the River Dever near Bullington in Hampshire, Beat 2 at Bullington Manor sits on one of the Test's most characterful tributaries. The Dever rises near West Stratton and flows for nearly 10 miles before joining the main river between Wherwell and Barton Stacey. Much narrower and more tightly enclosed than the main Test, the Dever demands stealth, light tackle, and precise upstream presentations. Like the other upper Test tributaries it is known for the clarity of its water, with fish highly visible, hanging in front of big beds of starwort and lazily tipping up to sip passing insects. This is intimate, exploratory water — the "adventurer" difficulty rating reflects a stream that rewards careful reading and punishes a heavy footfall. The beat holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, with moderate stocking supplementing resident fish through a season running 20 April to 14 October. The mayfly is the most celebrated hatch of the chalk stream season, a hatch that drives all river life crazy — ducks, dragonflies, and of course big trout — and Mayfly Season pricing (£395) reflects the premium those weeks command. The Large Dark Olive is one of the first main hatches of the season, usually brief each day but quite prolific, and these hatches inevitably get good trout moving. As August slips into September, cooler and damper weather spurs fresh hatches of olives, including the Blue-Winged Olive — a key period for both trout and grayling before the season closes. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted; fly only throughout. A fishing hut is on site. Up to six rods can be accommodated, making this a viable option for a small group day. A 9ft 3- or 4-weight is the practical choice for a river of this scale. Early and late-season day tickets start from £125 for grayling-only fishing, rising through £175 for the combined trout and grayling period.

River Dever

Bullington Manor Beat 3

Half a mile of single-bank dry fly and nymph water on the River Dever near Bullington, Hampshire, Beat 3 at Bullington Manor sits on one of the most intimate chalk stream tributaries in the Test system. The Dever rises at West Stratton near Micheldever and flows westwards for 11 miles to meet the Test at Wherwell, passing through Upper and Lower Bullington along the way. Narrower and more tightly enclosed than the main Test, the Dever demands stealth, light tackle, and precise upstream presentations. At Bullington the river is an exquisite example of a chalk stream — its water astonishingly clear and gentle-flowing, allowing individual fish to be observed in detail. Fish are highly visible, hanging in front of beds of starwort and tipping up from time to time to sip passing insects. The beat targets brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling on a fly-only, lightly stocked basis, and is rated expert — this is sight-fishing water where presentation and reading the fish matter far more than covering the bank. The river has good hatches of the main groups of upwinged flies, and in recent years Grannom have reportedly made a reappearance. Mayfly season (priced at £395) is the peak window, with olives and blue-winged olives carrying the fishing through summer and into the grayling season from late September. The season runs 20 April to 14 Oct, with day rod prices ranging from £125 for grayling-only days up to £395 during Mayfly. Habitat restoration work near Bullington has created pools with gravel glides at their tails, new riffles, and pinched channel sections that give the beat varied character and defined lies. Up to six rods can be accommodated, and a fishing hut is available on site. Bank fishing only; waders are not required but are useful for approaching fish on the far bank.

River Dever

Bullington Manor Beat 4

Half a mile of fly-only water on the River Dever near Bullington, Beat 4 sits on one of the Test's most characterful major tributaries — a chalk stream that rises near West Stratton and flows for nearly ten miles before joining the main river between Wherwell and Barton Stacey. Much narrower and more tightly enclosed than the main Test, the Dever demands stealth, light tackle, and precise upstream presentations — and the Bullington stretch, fished from the bank only, exemplifies that character. Like the other upper Test tributaries, the Dever is known for the clarity of its water, with fish highly visible, hanging in front of big beds of starwort and tipping up to sip passing insects. The beat holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, and is heavily stocked through the season. Fishing is dry fly and nymph only. Grannom is the first sedge to hatch in spring, emerging in April and lasting around two weeks — a useful early-season trigger on a beat that opens 20 April. The mayfly hatch in late May and early June is the headline event, reflected in the Mayfly Season day ticket of £395. Through summer, the Dever comes alive during evening hatches of olives, and the blue-winged olive can be found on the water all summer, with June and September known for the heaviest hatches, the emergence typically beginning in the late afternoon or early evening and continuing until dark. Grayling extend the season to 13 December, with day tickets from £125. The beat is rated Adventurer difficulty — the Dever's intimate, enclosed nature rewards experienced anglers who can read the water and place a fly accurately. Up to six rods can fish the beat on any given day, with a fishing hut on site providing shelter and a base for the day. A 9ft 3- or 4-weight rod with a long, fine leader suits the conditions well. Day tickets run from £125 in the grayling-only period to £395 during mayfly. The Dever is around one hour thirty minutes by road or train from London, making it a practical destination from most of southern England.

River Test

Chilbolton Fishing Beat

A 280-metre stretch of the main River Test adjacent to Chilbolton Common in Hampshire, this single-bank beat offers one or two rods a private day on one of England's most significant chalk streams. The beat has two mid-stream islands, which break the flow into varied current seams, slacker inside bends, and defined lies that reward careful reading before the first cast. During the winter of 2021, the Wessex Rivers Trust carried out extensive bank improvements resulting in better access and a more sinuous river profile. The beat is reached via an 800-metre walk across the flat, open common and is fished from the left bank only; no wading is permitted. The fishing is for brown trout and grayling on upstream dry fly and nymph only. April brings Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn to the surface, while mayfly can be expected from mid-May to June — the most productive fortnight of the chalk stream calendar. The latter half of the season is largely dominated by hatches of various caddis flies, with olives and terrestrials filling the gaps through summer. The beat is rated beginner-friendly — open banks and readable water make it a sound introduction to chalk stream technique. All grayling must be returned, as must all trout under 12 inches. The season runs 31 March to 30 October. Day tickets are priced at £175 for a single rod and £330 for two rods during the main trout season; grayling-only days are available at £55. On site there is a rustic fishing hut with tables and chairs, a BBQ, and a selection of wellies and hire tackle, along with a fishing jetty, an outside fishing table, and a composting toilet — everything needed for a full day without leaving the water.

Hampshire Avon

Coombe Mill

Just under a mile of single-bank dry fly and nymph water on the Hampshire Avon, Coombe Mill sits on the upper chalk stream reach of this historic Wiltshire river. The Avon rises near the Wiltshire/Berkshire border and flows southward for over 40 miles, and for trout fishermen the pick of the beats are upstream of Salisbury, especially over Salisbury Plain — the country where Frank Sawyer keepered and developed the Pheasant Tail Nymph. One of the most varied chalk streams in the UK, with over 180 species of aquatic plant recorded, it also has one of the most diverse populations of fish, plant and wildlife. Persistent heavy rain early in the season can leave the river a little coloured, but it clears quickly, and from summer through to the end of the season the water clarity is comparable to that of many chalk streams. The beat targets wild brown trout and grayling on a fly-only, catch-and-release basis, rated as explorer-level water — expect fish that have seen pressure and reward careful presentation over brute-force casting. The trout season opens in time to catch hatches of grannom and large dark olives, and consistently good fly hatches — especially mayfly (Greendrake), which once started can continue for many weeks — make the Avon a firm favourite for fly fishermen. The classic Wessex chalk streams such as the Avon, Test and Itchen have mayfly hatches starting at the end of May and carrying on to early June. Blue-winged olives and sedges carry the fishing through summer and into autumn. Grayling in the Hampshire Avon are thought to be an original, native population, and on the chalk streams they are usually only targeted from October through to the end of December. The grayling season here runs to 30 December, making this a genuinely year-round beat. Up to three rods fish the bank simultaneously. Rods of between 7½ and 9 ft rated from 3# to 5# lines are the norm, with the longer and slightly heavier outfits suited to wider stretches of the Avon. A 9 ft leader is a sensible minimum. Day-rod pricing runs from £81 in the grayling season to £232 during the mayfly, with main-season days at £156. A fishing hut and toilets are on site. Wading is not permitted; all fishing is from the bank.

River Dove

Cotton's Fishing Temple

Sitting on a narrow meander of the River Dove in Beresford Dale, Derbyshire, Cotton's Fishing Temple beat carries more angling history than almost anywhere else in England. Charles Cotton built his fishing house here in 1674, its stone doorway inscribed with the entwined initials of Cotton and Izaak Walton — *Piscatoribus Sacrum*, a sacred place for anglers — and Cotton's account of fishing the Dove remains one of the finest early treatises on modern fly fishing. The beat runs for just under 0.68 miles through this limestone gorge, where the tree-lined river tumbles over weirs and through pools on the upper Dove, close to Hartington. The fishing is predominantly for wild brown trout and grayling, lightly stocked and fished on a strict catch-and-release basis. This is expert-level water: the temperature and clarity of the limestone-fed river are ideal for both species, but the clear water and educated fish demand precise presentation. Flies revolve around olives, caddis, and terrestrials, with a worthwhile mayfly hatch in late spring — reflected in the beat's higher Mayfly Season day-rod price of £125. Grayling hold station on the shallow, clean gravel beds and fish well into the winter on nymph and dry fly, with a dedicated Grayling Season rod available from £35. Up to three rods fish the beat, with a fishing hut on site for shelter. A #5 or #6 weight outfit is ideal, with general patterns in sizes 12 to 16. Early Season rods are priced at £75, with the Main Season at £65. The beat is accessed near Hartington in the Peak District — just under a mile from the village — and the season runs from 31 March through to 27 February, covering both the trout and grayling seasons in full.

River Allen

Deans Court

Running through the grounds of the Deans Court estate on the southern edge of Wimborne Minster, this roughly half-mile beat occupies the lowest reach of the River Allen in Dorset, where the Allen meets the Stour just south of the town before the combined river rolls on to the sea at Christchurch. The river carries an abundance of macrophytes — principally common water-crowfoot (*Ranunculus aquatilis*) — which support a healthy invertebrate population and keep the water well oxygenated. Gin-clear and fast-flowing, it rewards anglers who enjoy sight fishing to fish that come from nowhere to grab a dry fly drifting along weed margins; wading is generally the most effective approach, though bank fishing is possible in sections. Rods are limited to one or two, keeping the beat quiet and unhurried. The Allen is strictly managed to support a thriving, self-sustaining population of entirely wild brown trout, and there is no stocking on this beat. Because the Deans Court stretch lies on the confluence with the Stour, grayling are also well represented alongside the trout. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted, and the beat is rated suitable for beginners — the open character of the water, aided by an ongoing Landscape Recovery Scheme that has seen fencing removed to open up casting lines across the beat, makes presentation straightforward. The mayfly hatch can be spectacular and is the highlight of the early season; the Dorset Stour system has a reputation for early mayfly hatches relative to the classic Wessex rivers, so expect activity from the first weeks of May. The season runs 1 May to 30 September, with grayling providing a focus through the later months on nymph. A 3- or 4-weight rod of 8–9ft suits the scale of the stream. Day tickets run from £95 (late season) to £145 (main season). A fishing cabin sits 30 metres from the bank and is equipped with a bunk bed, basic kitchen with gas hob, WC, fire pit and BBQ — well suited to an overnight stay for two. Car parking is on site, and the centre of Wimborne is only a few minutes' walk for an evening meal.

River Lambourn

Donnington Grove

Donnington Grove offers just under two-thirds of a mile of single-bank chalk stream fishing on the River Lambourn, near the village of Donnington in Berkshire. The Lambourn is a classic chalk stream — small and fast-flowing, and this beat reflects that character: powered entirely from chalk springs, which produces exceptionally clear water and year-round stable temperatures. The river's flow regime remains near-natural in form, not being significantly modified by groundwater abstraction — a rarity among southern chalk streams that keeps the water quality and aquatic life in excellent condition. The Lambourn sits in the top 10% for England and Wales for the number of macroinvertebrate families recorded, which underpins the quality of hatches throughout the season. The river supports one of the best and most productive fisheries for brown trout in the area, with natural populations of grayling also present. Stocking is light, so the fish are predominantly wild and accordingly wary — this beat is rated legend difficulty, and while the nutrient-rich water allows trout and grayling to grow to large sizes, the clarity makes them hard to tempt. Dry fly and nymph are the only permitted methods. The hawthorn hatch happens around the end of April, with the mayfly running from mid-May to the end of the second week in June — reflected in the dedicated Mayfly Season day rod at £124. In the second half of the season, small flies delicately fished are the key. Grayling fishing extends the season well into winter at £63 per rod. Wading is permitted, which is often essential on this intimate stream. A fishing hut and toilets are on site.

River Meon

Exton Manor Farm

Just under a third of a mile of single-bank dry fly and nymph water on the River Meon at Exton, in Hampshire's South Downs National Park. The Meon is the most easterly of the Hampshire chalk streams, rising at East Meon and reaching the Solent 15 miles to the south — in many respects a smaller version of the Itchen, just as clear but perhaps a little faster flowing. It is a varied river, reflecting the patchwork nature of the surrounding farmland, with gravel shallows, deep pools, open meadows and woodland within a typical half-mile section. At Exton Manor Farm, the water runs in front of a fishing hut before opening up on the right with a hedge on the left; a steel gate and cattle crossing mark roughly two-thirds of the way up the beat, which ends at a road bridge shaded by a stand of trees. The fishing is for wild brown trout on a catch-and-release basis, and it earns its "legend" difficulty rating. The river is a tapestry of weaving gravel courses and white-flowering crowfoot, and drag is a thorny issue where competing, swirling currents demand precise presentation. The chalk-filtered water supports over half a dozen species of stonefly, twenty-two species of mayfly, and nearly forty species of caddisfly — olives and mayfly feature through the main season, with surface activity peaking in summer. Nymph fishing is permitted alongside the dry fly, and sight-fishing to individual fish with a small pheasant tail nymph is a viable and exciting approach. This beat appeared on the cover of the April 2019 issue of *Trout & Salmon* magazine. The season runs 2 April to 29 September, priced at £110 early season, £145 through the main season and £100 late season. A fishing hut on the bank provides shelter and a base for the day. A 7–8ft rod rated for a #3 or #4 line suits the intimate scale of the river; fine tippet and careful wading are essential on water this clear. The whole river carries protection under Hampshire County Council's Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation designation.

River Frome

Gaston Bridge Beat

Three-quarters of a mile of single-rod chalk stream on the River Frome, the Gaston Bridge Beat sits within the Wrackleford Estate just north of Dorchester in Dorset. The Frome is the most westerly of the famous English chalk streams, rising in the chalk downs of west Dorset and maturing into a fine trout river by the time it reaches Wrackleford. The section downstream from the ford is best fished from the left bank — where the fishing hut sits at its centre — with a short walk through the farmyard giving access to the upper section, which leads to the garden of Wrackleford House. Two weirs punctuate the beat, one close to the hut and one at the start of the garden section; both create reliable fish-holding areas, and the deep pool beside the hut deserves particular attention. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than any other chalk stream, and as a result the fishing holds up well throughout the season. The trout season opens in April with a grannom hatch, the mayfly follows from late May into June, and glorious summer action with olives, sedges, ants and daddy-long-legs extends the dry fly fishing well into autumn. The Frome has also built a growing reputation for big grayling, targeted through the late summer and autumn primarily by sight nymphing, with deeper nymphing techniques coming into their own through winter. The beat is well tended and lightly stocked, making it a sound choice for less experienced fly fishers getting to grips with chalk stream technique. The season runs from 1 April to 31 January, with day ticket prices from £80 in April to £140 during the mayfly peak. A 7.5 ft rod with a 3–4 weight floating line and tippet to 6x suits the intimate nature of this water. Waders are helpful but not essential. Day tickets run from dawn till dusk, and a fishing hut is on site for shelter. A freshly prepared luncheon hamper can be delivered to the beat by prior arrangement with the estate.

River Test

Ginger Beer

Sitting on the middle River Test at Kimbridge, Hampshire — between the towns of Romsey and Stockbridge — Ginger Beer is a third of a mile of single-bank chalk stream fishing on one of England's most historically significant rivers. The beat opens with a deep hatch pool at its head before becoming significantly shallower downstream, and away from that upper pool the river bed is clearly visible, along with the fish holding above it. The Test's high alkalinity and clarity, combined with rich aquatic insect and shrimp life, sustain a flourishing ecosystem that keeps fish in condition and feeding throughout the season. The beat holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, all heavily stocked, making it well suited to anglers new to chalk stream fishing. Fishing for trout is restricted to dry fly or nymph, presented upstream only. April sees hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn, with the mayfly running from mid-May through to early June. June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives, while the grayling season extends the fishing well into autumn and winter. The season runs 2 April to 13 December, with day rod prices of £250 in the main season, £300 during the mayfly window, and £95 for grayling-only days. Up to four rods can book the beat exclusively. All fishing is catch and release. A thatched fishing hut with a well-tended lawn sits right on the water, with toilet facilities on site. A 9-ft, 4- or 5-weight rod covers most situations; carry a selection of upstream nymphs alongside your dry fly box for brighter days when fish are reluctant to rise to the surface.

River Frome

Ilsington

Six miles of fly-only chalk stream on the River Frome, the Ilsington beat sits downstream of Dorchester in the heart of Dorset, on the river's course between West Stafford and Bovington — a section where the Frome, at 30 miles long, is considered the major chalk stream of southwest England. Long held as a private syndicate, Ilsington has only recently become available to visiting rods, with close to five miles to discover. The river carries classic chalk stream features: riffles, pools, glides and overhanging trees, with sight fishing in crystal-clear water throughout. Wild brown trout and grayling are the primary quarry. Trout over 3lb are regularly caught, and parties will often land thirty fish or more between them. The fish most closely associated with the Frome is the grayling — the river has previously produced record fish, and specimens approaching the four-pound mark are caught most seasons. Over the years, the Frome has thrice laid claim to the British grayling record, each fish weighing over 4lb. The lower river also sees reasonable runs of salmon and sea trout. The season runs 1 April to 30 November. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than any other chalk stream, so the fishing holds up well throughout: upwinged flies dominate April and early May, mayfly hatches are excellent from mid-May until mid-June, and high summer evenings in July and August can be surprisingly productive with hatches of Pale Wateries, Blue-Winged Olives and sedges extending well into autumn. The beat accepts one to four rods and is rated suitable for beginners, making it a practical choice for a group or a guided day. A 7.5ft rod with a 3–4wt floating line is the recommended trout outfit for dry fly and nymph work; a longer 9ft rod suits the deeper glides and grayling nymphing later in the season. Day ticket prices run from £100 for a grayling day to £131 in summer, rising to £236 during the mayfly. Car parking and a fishing hut are on site. All wild fish are returned.

River Itchen

Kanara

Kanara is a well-established beat on the River Itchen, situated below Winchester near Otterbourne, with around 640 yards of double-bank chalk stream running downstream from the bridge on Kiln Lane. It sits roughly ten minutes south of Twyford and is easily reached from the M3 at Junction 12 — making it a practical day-trip from London in under two hours. The water combines a quick-flowing upper section with deeper, slower pools towards the bottom of the beat, and is largely a wading stretch that holds both stocked and wild brown trout alongside a noted winter grayling population. Hatches of blue-winged olive and sedge are prolific on the Itchen, providing reliable dry fly action across the season, while the mayfly — typically peaking in late May and early June — commands the highest day-rod prices here at £225. Summer rods are priced at £194, with grayling days available from £114 through the back end of the season to 30 November. The lower section is best fished over the left shoulder or with side and roll casts, and will test anyone without a solid command of their casting. There are some large-sized browns on the beat, so a strong leader is advisable, though wild browns and grayling are spread throughout and a light rod suits much of the fishing. The beat is rated expert — both the casting and the approach to shy fish in crystal-clear chalk stream water demand real experience. One to two rods fish the beat comfortably. The Itchen is the river where G.E.M. Skues developed the concept of nymph fishing, and that tradition of precise, technical fly fishing remains very much alive at Kanara. A fishing cabin and car parking are provided on site. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required, and anglers should note that sea trout and salmon are present in the lower Itchen corridor — check beat-specific rules on retained fish and method restrictions before your visit.

River Test

Kimbridge Meadow Fishery

Kimbridge Meadow Fishery sits on a tranquil collection of carriers that snake around woodland and water meadows beside the River Test, between Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire — an area known as the Middle Test and one of the finest sections of the river. Created in the early 1980s, water from the main River Test was diverted through various water meadows and woods to form this fishery, giving it the intimate, manageable character of a carrier while drawing on the chalk stream's characteristic clarity and steady flow. The beat covers 2.2 miles of double-bank water, bank fishing only, and accommodates up to four rods on a day ticket at £125 per rod. The water is stocked with rainbow and blue trout on a moderate basis, making it well suited to anglers new to chalk stream fly fishing without feeling over-managed. A bag limit of two brace per person applies, with all wild fish to be returned carefully. Fly fishing only, with dry fly and nymph both permitted. On the River Test, April and early May typically bring hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom caddis and Hawthorn, while May sees the first mayfly of the year, followed in June by an abundance of Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives. On bright summer days, nymph fishing comes into its own when nothing is visibly rising. The season runs 1 May to 12 October. To ensure a worthwhile experience, the fishery limits rods to a maximum of four individuals on any day. A fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site. A 9-ft, 4-weight rod with a 9–10 ft tapered leader is the standard chalk stream setup and will cover everything this water asks of you.

River Test

Old Station Beat

Old Station Beat is a restored 450-metre length of main River Test on Bossington Estate, situated immediately below the hallowed Houghton Club water near the village of Houghton in Hampshire. Following an ambitious habitat restoration programme carried out in collaboration with the Environment Agency, the beat was transformed from an over-wide, over-deep channel into a free-flowing chalk stream, and today offers a varied mix of runs, riffles and pools on a single bank. Up to twelve rods can fish the beat across the season, which runs from mid-April to mid-October. The beat is at its best during the Mayfly and offers a plentiful mix of stocked and wild fish throughout the season. Stocked brown trout run from two pounds upwards, with wild trout and the occasional grayling also present. In April, look for Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn on the surface; May brings the first Mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings and terrestrials, while June sees Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives come through. Dry fly and nymph are the primary methods, and the beat is rated suitable for beginners — a good choice for an angler new to chalk stream fishing who wants to learn the basics of presentation and reading water on the Test. All fishing is catch and release. GAIA- and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are available for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting, and guided days can also be arranged to accompany you on the river, particularly useful for a novice angler. A good supply of high-quality tackle, clothing, sunglasses and flies is available to hire on the day. Catering runs from picnic hampers supplied by a local deli through to full corporate lunches, with options available through the Estate office. Day rod prices are £328 across all periods of the season.

River Itchen

Shawford Park

Shawford Park sits on the lower River Itchen in Hampshire, just south of Winchester, where the river heads south through a series of water meadows passing the village of Shawford. The beat covers 0.85 miles of main chalk stream — the Itchen is designated a Special Area of Conservation, renowned for its fast-flowing, clear water and prized for its brown trout and grayling fishing. Below Easton the river carries more commercial fisheries where trout are stocked, and Shawford Park is heavily stocked accordingly. Wading is permitted, which helps anglers work the water thoroughly on this single-bank stretch. The season runs 16 April to 2 October, targeting brown trout and grayling on dry fly and nymph. Dry fly only applies until mid-June — a rule that sharpens the focus during the most productive hatches. The Mayfly period typically begins around 15 May and is known as 'duffers fortnight', though the hatch can be early or late. The Itchen's steady flow and nutrient-rich water support a thriving ecosystem, and hatches of blue-winged olive and sedge are prolific, offering reliable dry fly action through summer and into September. As the season moves into mid-summer and river height drops, fish become noticeably spooky with angler pressure high on most beats. This beat is rated expert — the clarity of the water demands precise presentation and a careful upstream approach. The gin-clear water is a plus for the angler, but your approach needs to be silent and considered: if you can see the trout, they can see you. Up to four rods fish the beat, with day rod prices running from £185 in the late season to £371 during the Mayfly window. Dropping from the standard 9 ft 5-weight to a 10 ft 3-weight can make a significant difference in low summer flows. A fishing hut, WC and car parking are provided on site. Shawford station offers mainline services to London Waterloo, making the beat straightforwardly accessible for visiting anglers travelling without a car.

River Frome

The Bricks Beat

The Bricks Beat occupies the original course of the River Frome — a carrier reduced in flow by a mill diversion — running for half a mile of single-bank water on the Wrackleford Estate just north of Dorchester, Dorset. The channel is narrow but deceptively deep, with tight twisting bends that make for a sporting stretch demanding accurate presentation and careful reading of the water. A fishing hut sits at the midway point on the left bank, useful when Dorset weather turns. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than any other chalk stream, which means consistent flows and reliable hatches throughout the season. The season opens with a grannom hatch, followed by hawthorn, mayfly and blue-winged olives as the season progresses, with sedges rounding off the year. Mayfly hatches are excellent from mid-May until mid-June, and the high summer evenings fish well with hatches of pale wateries, blue-winged olives and sedges extending well into autumn. The beat is lightly stocked and rated suitable for beginners, making it a practical introduction to chalk stream dry fly and nymph fishing without the pressure of a busier main-river rod. The River Frome has a growing reputation as one of the best rivers in the country to target big grayling, and the long season — 1 April to 31 January — gives ample time to pursue both trout and grayling on the same water. Day tickets run from £80 in April to £140 during the mayfly window, with summer rates at £95. One rod only is permitted, and fishing is from the bank throughout. Day tickets can be booked online through the Wrackleford reservations page, with the estate also offering equipment hire, accommodation, and guiding to complement a day on the water. A short rod — 7 to 8 ft in a 3–4 weight — suits the confined nature of the carrier well.

River Test

The Parsonage

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.

River Test

Timsbury 5

Hampshire Avon

Upavon Farm

Upavon Farm sits right at the point where the two headwater streams of the Hampshire Avon converge, placing this 0.3-mile beat at the very top of the main river as it begins its chalk-filtered run southward across Salisbury Plain. To fish this stretch effectively, wading is required — the river here is intimate and heavily vegetated, demanding careful approach and precise presentation. One to two rods are accommodated, keeping the beat uncrowded. This challenging chalk stream offers the keen fly fisher a superb opportunity to fish for quality wild brown trout from April through to early October. From October, the focus shifts to wild grayling as they become more dominant throughout the winter months. The season runs from 14 April to 30 December on a strict catch-and-release, fly-only basis. Dry fly only applies until 30 June; nymphing is permitted thereafter, making the beat particularly well suited to targeting grayling on deep-sunk patterns through autumn and winter. The trout season opens in time to catch early hatches of grannom and large dark olives, and consistently good fly hatches — especially mayfly (greendrake) — make the Avon a firm favourite for fly fishermen. Olives, duns, spinners, caenis, and sedges feature throughout the season; on tippets of 3–6 lb, klinkhammers and parachute-hackled dries in sizes 16–20 work well. For trout fishermen, the pick of the Avon beats are upstream of Salisbury, especially over Salisbury Plain where Frank Sawyer — inventor of the Pheasant Tail Nymph — lived and keepered all his life. A rod between 7 ft and 8 ft 6 in (7 ft favoured) with a floating line rated #3/4/5 depending on wind conditions is recommended for the Upavon stretch. Day rod pricing runs from £74 in the grayling season to £111–£137 in peak summer, with toilet facilities on site. Upavon also hosts two local inns — the Ship and the Antelope — both within two minutes' walk, making it straightforward to base a day's fishing around the village. This is expert-level water: the clarity, the wading, and the dry-fly-only restriction through June demand experience, but the reward is access to some of the most historically significant wild-trout fishing on the upper Avon.

River Anton

Upper Clatford

A short stretch of the River Anton — a classic Hampshire chalk stream and one of the four main tributaries to the River Test — the Upper Clatford beat sits in the Anton valley, 3.5 miles upstream from where the river meets the Test. At just over a fifth of a mile, this is an intimate piece of water, and its tributary character means the river here is narrow and intimate, with narrow, fast-flowing gravel sections home to feisty wild trout. The Pillhill Brook, the Anton's principal tributary, joins the river at Upper Clatford, adding extra flow and variety to the beat. Banks are kept clear for walkways while streamside vegetation is encouraged, and the surrounds are largely made up of pasture land and old English woodland that have remained relatively unchanged for generations. The Anton is known for its prolific fly life and holds some very large wild brown trout and grayling. The beat is rated as adventurer difficulty — expect overhanging trees, tight casting angles, and fish that have seen pressure. The river flows crystal clear for almost the whole season, making it a genuine sight-fishery where you can target specific fish. Stocking is light, so the emphasis is on wild fish. Luscious beds of ranunculus support an abundance of fly life with good hatches visible almost year-round — mayfly brings the peak Mayfly Season rate in late May and early June, while small olives trickle off through mid-morning to mid-afternoon in autumn, and evening sedge hatches extend well into the summer months. Even in winter the river runs exceptionally clear, offering fine grayling fishing — challenging, but with a good population of big fish the rewards are worth the effort. The beat takes one to two rods and is open from 30 April to 30 December, covering trout through to grayling season. Day tickets run from £75 in the grayling season to £284 during mayfly. Wading is permitted, though on a river this clear and compact it is rarely necessary. The Anton is easily accessed, under an hour's drive from Junction 12 on the M25, making it a practical day-trip destination from London or the wider south-east.

River Test

Whitchurch Fulling Mill

The higher you venture up the River Test, the better the hatches, the clearer the water and the wilder the fish — and there is no better way of summing up Whitchurch Fulling Mill. Sitting on the upper Test as it flows through the town of Whitchurch in north Hampshire, this beat covers just under 0.6 miles of main chalk stream channel. The fishing divides into three sections: the Garden beat and a Side Stream downstream of the mill, and an Upper section above it. Wading is welcome throughout, though bank fishing is only practical for part of the Garden section. The Test here is a groundwater-fed chalk stream rising from the Upper Chalk aquifer, maintaining stable, cool, clear flows with consistent water levels averaging 0.5 to 1 metre in channelised sections. The water runs gin-clear and fast, with lovely rafts of ranunculus and ideal conditions for sight fishing — particularly for those who like to wade. Wild trout thrive here alongside grayling, and with that three-way mix of wild, lightly stocked and grayling, there is usually something on the feed. The season opens 30 May and runs to 30 December, with dry fly only the rule until 1 August — after which nymphs come into play for both brown trout and grayling. The mayfly typically runs from mid-May to early June, meaning the Mayfly Season day rate of £425 puts you on the water just as that hatch peaks. Grayling fishing from autumn through to late December is available from £125 per rod. The beat is rated as adventurer-level: the water is exceptionally clear and generally not too deep, so fish are easy to spot but equally easy to spook, demanding careful approach and accurate presentation. Up to two rods share the water. A 9 ft 5-weight is the baseline rod for chalk stream fishing of this kind. Fishing runs from 9.30 am until dusk. A rod room with tea and coffee facilities is available on site, and anglers are welcome to use the summer house in the garden for relaxing and picnicking. The White Hart Hotel in Whitchurch, half a mile away on Newbury Street, serves food and has rooms.

River Allen

Wimborne St. Giles (Village Water)

Around a mile of single-bank dry fly and nymph water on the upper River Allen, the Village Water beat sits within the parkland of the Shaftesbury Estate at Wimborne St. Giles in east Dorset — where the Allen rises as a winterbourne on the chalk downland of Cranborne Chase and flows roughly southwards through the village before picking up its main tributaries further downstream. At this point the river carries the character of a true headwater: an abundance of macrophytes, including common water-crowfoot (*Ranunculus aquatilis*), lines the channel, and the water runs clear over white gravel. Bankside vegetation has been left pleasingly wild, and the corridor of cover it provides must work in the fish's favour. The Allen is a remarkable conservation success story, and the river now holds a healthy, self-sustaining wild brown trout population — there is no stocking on this beat. The season runs 1 May to 30 June, placing you squarely in the best of the hatches: fly hatches occur consistently through the season, including a strong mayfly appearance in early June, followed by blue-winged olives and sedges through the back half of the season. The Allen runs gin-clear, so you shouldn't have problems seeing your quarry — if you take your time so they don't see you first. This is rated as expert-level water; the beats are not what you would term easy fishing in some parts, and fish will be lying in tricky spots. A single rod fishes this beat at £85 per day. A longer rod — around 10 ft in a 4-weight — helps reach over bankside vegetation for cleaner drifts, though there are open sections where a shorter outfit works well. Fine tippet is essential on water this clear. Booking is available online, and the wider fishery offers a hatch calendar, weekly river updates, a fly shop, and car parking on most beats.

River Allen

Wimborne St. Giles - Home Beats

Three beats — Bowerswaine, Upper Brockington and Lower Brockington — make up the Home Beats on the Shaftesbury Estate section of the River Allen, covering 1.6 miles of intimate Dorset chalk stream water near Wimborne St Giles. The Allen starts as a winterbourne on the chalk downland of Cranborne Chase and flows roughly southwards through Wimborne St Giles, arriving at the Home Beats as a clear, manageable stream with a mix of bank fishing and wading sections. Nearly its entire length is under the ownership of just two large estates that have been in the same family for many generations, which keeps pressure low and the water in good condition. The river holds a strong wild brown trout population and is well suited to dry fly fishing, with grayling also present through the season. The Home Beats are lightly stocked to complement the wild fish, and the season runs 1 May to 30 September. The opening weeks are dominated by the grannom hatch, with mayfly following in late May into June, and summer fishing turning to olives, sedges, ants and daddy long legs. The water runs very clear, so stealth is essential — the fish are visible, and so are you. The beat is rated beginner-friendly in terms of access and wading, but the clarity demands a careful approach regardless of experience. A 7.5 ft rod with a 3–4 wt floating line covers most situations, with tippet down to 6x. Up to three rods fish the combined beats, keeping the water uncrowded. Day rod prices run from £75 in late season to £165 in early season, making this one of the more accessible entry points onto a genuinely private Dorset chalk stream. The water has been carefully tended by river keeper Stewart Hand for over twenty years, and on-site parking is available.

River Frome

Wrackleford Home Beat

Three-quarters of a mile of double-bank fly fishing on the River Frome, the Wrackleford Home Beat sits on the Wrackleford Estate just north of Dorchester in Dorset — the most westerly of the English chalk streams, the Frome having matured into a fine trout river by the time it reaches Wrackleford. The Sydling Brook joins the Frome just upstream of Wrackleford, adding volume and clarity to the water. The beat divides into two distinct characters: above the central thatched fishing hut the river runs smooth, with slow meanders and deep pools; below it the water quickens into shallow runs and faster glides, with a substantial pool a third of the way down — a layout that gives two rods genuinely different fishing without overlap. Brown trout and grayling are the target species, with the beat regularly stocked to complement any resident wild fish. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than most chalk streams, and the season opens with fine hatches of upwinged flies in April and early May, building to an excellent mayfly from mid-May until mid-June, followed by Pale Wateries, Blue-Winged Olives and sedges through summer and into autumn. The season opens with a grannom hatch, progressing through hawthorn, mayfly and blue-winged olives, with sedges rounding off the year. Grayling fishing extends the season to 31 January, making this a productive winter destination too. Waders are helpful but not essential — the double bank gives good access throughout. The beat is rated suitable for beginners and takes a maximum of two rods, priced from £100 in April rising to £190 during the mayfly, with grayling days at £75. It can be grouped with the Gaston Bridge Beat to extend the fishing for a larger party. The thatched fishing hut at the beat's centre provides shelter and a base for the day.

River Kennet

Avington Estate Beat

Four miles of chalk stream on the Avington Estate near Hungerford, Berkshire, covering the main River Kennet and an intricate network of carriers — the kind of labyrinthine system created by 18th-century water engineers that gives the Kennet far more than its road-map length suggests. The fishery comprises the Kennet and its twisting carriers, and the water is fished on an exclusive-use basis, with all rods sharing the full four miles rather than rotating through individual beats. The Kennet here is a fairly big river by chalk stream standards, offering a mix of open glides, faster riffles, and intimate carrier channels. Brown and rainbow trout are the target species, fished upstream on dry fly and nymph. The season at Avington runs from 1 April through to 30 September. There is a great variety of fishing to suit all levels of experience throughout the season, including what is most often a spectacular mayfly hatch. Olive hatches in spring are combined with grannom, and the mayfly is followed by some excellent evening fishing through the summer months as caddis flies gather. Because the Kennet runs slightly cooler than most other chalk streams, the mayfly hatch tends to start a little later, creating a longer and more sustained hatch throughout late spring and early summer. The beat is well stocked and suited to beginners, with the carrier network offering sheltered, manageable water alongside the more demanding main river. Avington offers one of the best fishing lodges on the whole of the Kennet — once a cricket pavilion, it was dismantled and moved to its current riverside location, and is filled with old fishing rods, cased fish, and trophy pictures of many happy anglers. A fully catered riverside luncheon is included. Group bookings and corporate days can be arranged on a limited number of Mondays throughout the season, with the fishery and hut able to accommodate groups of up to twelve. A 9 ft four-weight rod is the standard tool for this water.

River Test

The Home Beat

The Home Beat at Testcombe Fishery offers a varied mix of water on the upper River Test in Hampshire, combining main river fishing on the true left bank with a parallel carrier stream running alongside. In total, the Testcombe fishery covers approximately 900 yards of main river Test and around 1,000 yards of carrier streams — the Home Beat itself is suited to two to three rods. The stretch runs from the iconic Mayfly Pub bridge to the village of Chilbolton, placing it firmly on the upper-middle Test. The variety of water — from fast, shallow and highly oxygenated to deep and slow — makes it an ideal beat for warmer weather fishing. The beat holds good numbers of brown trout and, for those fishing later into the autumn, grayling. The season runs 31 March to 14 October, with dry fly and nymph both permitted — the clarity of the water means fishing regularly involves sight fishing for individual fish, adding real excitement to every approach. Expect a hawthorn hatch in late April and the mayfly from mid-May to early June — the most sought-after period on the Test. The carrier, with tree cover on one bank and a narrow channel, suits smaller rods and presents a genuine technical challenge. The beat is rated for adventurous anglers; accurate presentation and a careful approach are rewarded. The focal point of the Home Beat is the Grade II listed fishing hut dating to 1888, situated on a long island in the middle of the stretch — originally a tennis pavilion built for the Disraeli family, now an exceptional base for a day's chalk stream fishing. A standard 8.5 ft, 3–5 wt outfit with a floating line covers most situations, though the narrower carrier rewards a shorter rod. The beat is around one hour fifteen minutes from London Waterloo to Andover by train.

River Test

The Lawn Beat

The Lawn Beat sits on the River Test in Hampshire, one of England's great chalk streams — 39 miles long from source to estuary — where spring water from the chalk aquifer keeps flows clear, cold, and stable year-round. The beat offers up to two rods on a lightly stocked stretch of classic chalk stream water, with the kind of open, readable character that suits an angler still building confidence on moving water. Many beats on the Test don't require wading, making bank fishing the natural approach here. Brown trout and grayling share the water. The trout season runs from April to early October, with grayling fishing extending until Christmas. Hatches follow a reliable chalk stream calendar: hawthorn in late April, mayfly from mid-May to early June, then a summer of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. Both dry fly and nymph are permitted, and with light stocking supplementing a resident wild population, there are fish willing to come to the surface without demanding the precision required on more pressured beats. The high mineral content of the water sustains an abundance of invertebrates — the primary food source for trout — making this prime dry fly water where the challenge lies in mimicking insects on the surface. A 9-ft 4-weight or 5-weight covers everything you'll encounter here. The beat is limited to one or two rods, keeping the water uncrowded. Accommodation is available in the B&B within the main house, making it straightforward to plan an early start or a late-evening rise without a long drive. Grayling fishing through autumn and into winter gives the beat a long, productive season well beyond the trout close.

River Test

The Lower beat

The Lower Beat sits on the upper River Test just downstream of the village of Wherwell, forming part of the Testcombe fishery in Hampshire. The beat runs for a little over 750 metres of main river, with all fishing from the true right-hand bank along a well-maintained path. In several places, wooden walkways help anglers reach past mature reed beds to target fish that would otherwise be out of sight. The water character shifts through the beat — the lower section is shallower and faster, fishing particularly well through the summer months. Brown trout and grayling are the target species, with dry fly and nymph the permitted methods. The beat was once the chosen fishing spot of King George VI, and the water still carries that reputation for quality sight-fishing. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other up-winged flies, with June seeing an abundance of blue-winged olives and medium olives. The latter half of the season is dominated by sedge hatches, with fish becoming aggressive to a well-presented imitation in the afternoon shadows. The beat is rated as adventurer difficulty — some sections are open for back casts, while others, often right where the best fish hold, are more overgrown and demand precise presentation. The season runs 31 March to 14 October, bank fishing only. A 9-ft 5-weight is the standard choice for the main river; a shorter rod suits the carrier sections, where tree cover on one bank makes tight casting the order of the day. A small wooden fishing shelter set back from the river in a quiet copse provides a base for the day. The beat is reachable in around an hour and fifteen minutes from London Waterloo to Andover by train.

River Test

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 and 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.

River Kennet

The Old Mill

The Old Mill sits on the River Kennet in Berkshire, one of England's lesser-celebrated chalk streams and all the more rewarding for it. The Kennet rises west of Avebury and travels eastwards through Marlborough and out of Wiltshire into Berkshire, and this beat occupies a classic stretch of that Berkshire/Wiltshire borderland. The water runs fast and clear over wonderful gravel beds, with good Ranunculus growth and excellent fly life — the hallmarks of a well-managed chalk stream. The river flows crystal clear for almost the whole season, making it a genuine sight-fishery where you can target specific fish. The beat fishes for brown trout on upstream dry fly and upstream nymph, and its beginner-friendly character makes it an ideal first chalk stream experience. The upper Kennet has been famous for trout fishing since the late nineteenth century because of its healthy populations of wild brown trout, supplemented today with stocked fish. Olive hatches in spring are combined with grannom and followed by hawthorn, while the mayfly hatch can be impressive, giving way to excellent evening fishing through summer as caddis flies gather and adult olives return to lay their eggs. September can be a rewarding month for stalking wary risers, though a stealthy approach is often required as water levels can be low by that point. Keep an eye out, too, for the Kennet's famous curiosity: the Kennet Greenback, a green-flanked and virtually spotless form of brown trout found nowhere else on the chalk streams — incredibly rare, but lucky anglers manage to catch one or two each season. The season on the Kennet opens in May and runs through to the end of September. A 9 ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers all conditions here. The beat is restricted to upstream dry fly and upstream nymph, keeping the fishing traditional and the water undisturbed. A small hut and seating area provide a comfortable base for lunch or a break between sessions. The Kennet is one of the easiest chalk streams to reach from London, with journey times of around an hour, and its proximity to the M4 makes it a practical option from most directions.

River Frome

7 Hatches

Seven Hatches is a half-mile, double-bank day-ticket beat on the River Frome at Wrackleford Estate, set just north of Dorchester in Dorset. The estate waters sit on the Frome just north of Dorchester, and the estate occupies the lush Frome valley, with the river flowing through a series of water meadows and withybeds. The beat runs from a road bridge at the lower end upstream to a footbridge, taking in a varied mix of character: the lower section carries faster, more complex currents with eddies and braided flow, while the river narrows and deepens as it moves upstream, finishing in a broad, slow pool just below the footbridge. The decline of migratory fish on the Frome has been matched by a rise in brown trout fishing, with the river and its tributaries gaining a reputation for a thriving wild trout population. Over recent years, the Frome has also built a growing reputation as one of the best rivers in the country to target big grayling, making this beat fishable well beyond the trout season — the ticket runs from 1 April through to 31 January. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than most chalk streams, and fishing holds up well throughout the season. It opens with a grannom hatch, followed by hawthorn, mayfly and blue-winged olives, with sedges rounding off the year. Mayfly day tickets are priced at £190, reflecting the quality of the hatch; grayling days are available from £75. The beat is rated suitable for beginners and is limited to a single rod, keeping the water uncrowded. Wrackleford offers a good blend of wild fish supplemented by healthy stocking, and in recent years the estate has improved access with banks that are groomed without being over-manicured. A thatched fishing hut sits roughly 50 metres from the parking area overlooking the river. A 7.5 ft rod with a 3–4 weight floating line and tippet to 6x suits the Frome well.

River Lambourn

Bagnor Fishery

Bagnor Fishery sits on the River Lambourn near the village of Bagnor, just north of Newbury in west Berkshire. The fishery comprises just over 3,000 metres of double-bank fishing on a classic chalk stream — small and fast-flowing, typical of an upstream English waterway. The river is powered entirely from chalk springs, producing exceptionally clear water and year-round stable temperatures. The estate stretch is split into beats and offers a rural, narrow chalk stream setting well suited to fly fishing. The Lambourn supports one of the most productive fisheries for wild brown trout in the area, with natural populations of grayling also present. The river ranks in the top 10% for England and Wales for the number of macroinvertebrate families recorded — a strong foundation for consistent hatches throughout the season. Expect hawthorn early on, followed by a mayfly hatch, then a mixture of olives, sedges and terrestrials later in the year. Fishing is by upstream dry fly and Skues-style nymph only; no weighted nymphs of any type are permitted. The clear water and sight-fishing nature of the beat make it accessible to beginners while still demanding careful presentation. The fishery is open from 1 April to 1 November. The fishery is open six days a week — closed on Wednesdays for maintenance — and limited wading is permitted within four feet of the bank. On-site amenities include a heated fishing hut with facilities to make drinks, a dedicated car park, and toilet facilities. Newbury station offers a 40-minute rail link to London Paddington, making this a practical day-trip option for anglers travelling from the capital.

River Test

Beat Eleven - Wherwell Estate

Beat Eleven sits on the main channel of the River Test within the Wherwell Estate, just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire. At 0.42 miles of single-bank main river, it is one of the larger, more open beats on the estate — favoured by anglers looking for a bigger river experience compared to the narrower carriers lower in the numbering. Beats 11, 10 and 9 are on the main river, giving this stretch a character distinct from the tree-lined carrier beats: expect wider glides, clear chalk-filtered water, and fish holding in defined lies along the margins and weed edges. The beat fishes dry fly and nymph for brown trout and rainbow trout from 1 May to 15 October, with grayling available from November. Good hatches of smaller up-winged flies can be expected right from the start of the season, including medium olives and iron blues. May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other up-wings and terrestrials, while June brings blue-winged olives and medium olives. Stocking is moderate, and the river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish. The beat is rated beginner-friendly, making it a sound choice for anglers new to chalk stream fishing. It was also chosen as the location for Series 3, Episode 4 of the BBC's *Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing*, filmed during the mayfly hatch. The Wherwell Estate is in easy reach of London and many other main towns in the south of England — around one hour fifteen minutes by road or train from London Waterloo to Andover. The beat is accessed via electronic gates and comes with a fishing hut, a lakeside hut with kitchen, and a catch returns folder. Day rod pricing for the 2026 trout season is £218; grayling rods from 1 November 2026 are £85.

River Test

Beat Five - Wherwell Estate

Beat Five covers approximately 0.4 miles of the River Test on the Wherwell Estate, situated on the upper River Test just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire. Beat Five is one of the smaller carrier streams on the estate, and the water changes character along its length — open and meadow-fringed at the top, tightening into a more enclosed, shaded run lower down. Marginal cress beds kick the flow from side to side, creating varied current lanes and holding lies throughout. The beat is rated as suitable for beginners, making it a practical introduction to chalk stream fishing without sacrificing the quality of the water. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and anglers may keep a brace of stocked trout if they wish, though wild trout should be handled carefully and returned. Fishing is dry fly and small upstream nymphs only. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through. September sees the return of the large dark olive as temperatures cool, and the final weeks of the trout season into early October can produce excellent sport as fish feed hard before winter. The trout season runs 1 May to 15 October; grayling fishing starts mid-October and runs through to mid-March, with day rod prices from £85 for grayling and £218 for a trout day. The estate is easily reached from London — around one hour fifteen minutes by road or train to Andover. On the bank, each beat is serviced by its own fishing hut, suitable for the group to use for lunch. The fishery also provides a catch returns folder and access via electronic gates, keeping the day straightforward from arrival to sign-off.

River Test

Beat Four - Wherwell Estate

Situated on the upper River Test, just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire, Beat Four covers approximately 0.4 miles of carrier stream on the Wherwell Estate. Beat Four is one of several smaller carriers that make up the estate's eight-beat fishery, and its deeper, meandering character means trout hold confidently in well-defined lies — often visible from the bank before a cast is made. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and the beat is well suited to beginners getting to grips with chalk stream technique. Fishing is dry fly and small upstream nymph only, running from 1 May to 15 October. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come into their own. September sees the return of the large dark olive, and the final weeks of the season in early October can produce excellent sport as cooling temperatures push trout into an aggressive pre-spawning feed. A brace of stocked trout may be kept; wild fish should be returned carefully. Day rods are priced at £218 for the trout season (2026). Grayling fishing starts mid-October at £85 per rod from 1 November. Each beat is serviced by its own fishing hut, and the estate also provides a lakeside hut with kitchen facilities, electronic gate access, and a catch returns folder. The estate is around one hour fifteen minutes from London Waterloo by train to Andover, making it a practical day-trip destination from the capital.

River Test

Beat Nine Wherwell Estate

Running on the main River Test rather than one of the estate's smaller carriers, Beat Nine sits on the main river within the Wherwell Estate on the upper River Test, just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire. The beat covers just over a third of a mile of single-bank chalk stream — a section where traditional autumn fringing and potentially good spawning and juvenile habitat characterise the margins — making it one of the more open, less-managed stretches on the estate. The river here holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and the beat is fished on a dry fly and small upstream nymph basis throughout its season, which runs from 1 May to 15 October. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials — September sees the return of the Large Dark Olive, and the cooling temperatures of early October can provoke trout into an aggressive feed as they build condition before spawning. A brace of stocked trout may be retained; wild trout should be handled carefully and returned. Grayling fishing is available from 1 November at £85 per rod. The trout day rod rate for 2026 is £218. The estate is easily reached from London — around an hour and fifteen minutes by road or train to Andover. On-bank amenities include fishing huts with a catch returns folder, a lakeside hut with kitchen, and electronic gate access — practical comforts that suit a full day on the water without distraction.

River Test

Beat Seven - Wherwell Estate

Beat Seven on the Wherwell Estate Fishing, near the village of Wherwell in Hampshire, is made up of two narrow parallel River Test carriers that converge at the lower end, giving a total bank length of 870 metres — just over half a mile of intimate chalk stream water. These carriers were originally part of the water meadow system, and while the fishery is stocked, the smaller channels hold a notably large population of wild brown trout. The deeper, slower character of the water provides ideal conditions for fish to hold and feed confidently, making it one of the more productive wild trout nurseries on the estate. Hatches begin from the season opener on 1 May, with medium olives and iron blue duns appearing early in the season, followed by the main mayfly event typically in the latter half of May and running into early June. The banks are well maintained by the river keeper, who manages weed cutting to encourage prolific hatches throughout the season. Dry fly and small upstream nymphs are the permitted methods, and the confined, tree-lined nature of the carriers rewards accurate, short-range casting — the upper Test's manageable width suits overhead casting well and makes Beat Seven a good choice for those newer to chalk stream fishing. Anglers may keep a brace of stocked trout; wild fish should be returned with care. The trout season runs from 1 May to mid-October, with grayling fishing available from mid-October through to mid-March. Day rod prices are £218 for trout (2026) and £85 for grayling from November 2026. Each beat is served by its own fishing hut, suitable for taking lunch. Access to the estate is via electronic gates, and catch returns folders are provided on the beat. The Wherwell Estate is within easy reach of London and the wider south of England, with Andover the nearest mainline station.

River Test

Beat Ten - Wherwell Estate

Beat Ten sits on the main River Test within the Wherwell Estate fishery, near the village of Wherwell in Hampshire's Test Valley. Beats 10 and 11 are on the main river channel, and at just over half a kilometre of double-bank water, this is one of the upper beats favoured by anglers looking for a larger river experience. The river widens noticeably here, with willow-lined banks offering access from both sides and plenty of room to work a dry fly upstream without feeling hemmed in. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and the beat is rated suitable for beginners — the open character of the main channel makes presentation straightforward compared to the tighter carrier beats elsewhere on the estate. Fishing is dry fly and small upstream nymphs only. From the 1st May opening, expect good hatches of smaller up-winged flies including medium olives and iron blue duns, with the main mayfly event typically starting in the latter half of the third week of May and running into early June. The riverkeeper manages weed cutting specifically to encourage prolific fly hatches throughout the season. The trout season runs 1 May to 15 October, priced at £218 per rod in 2026. Grayling fishing is available from 1 November at £85. Each beat has its own fishing hut, suitable for the group to use for lunch, and Beat Ten also benefits from access to a lakeside fishing hut with a kitchen. Electronic gates control site access. Catch returns are required and a folder is provided on the beat. Wherwell Estate is easily reached from London and many other towns in the south of England, whether by road or rail.

River Test

Beat Three - Wherwell Estate

Beat Three sits on one of the smaller carrier streams of the Wherwell Estate Fishing on the upper River Test in Hampshire, covering approximately 0.34 miles (540 metres) of chalk stream water. The beat runs at the intersection of two River Test carriers, meandering from open water meadow towards the thatched cottages on the edge of the village of Wherwell. The carriers here are characterised by tree-lined pools and gravel runs — intimate, readable water that suits an angler still building their chalk stream experience. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish. Rods may keep a brace of stocked trout, but wild trout should be returned carefully. Dry fly and small upstream nymphs are the methods here, and the carrier setting — manageable widths, clear chalk-filtered water — makes it well suited to beginners learning to read rising fish. From the season opener on 1 May, expect hatches of medium olives and iron blue duns, with the mayfly event typically beginning in the latter half of the third week of May and running into early June. Trout fishing runs through to mid-October, after which grayling fishing takes over through to mid-March. A day rod for trout beats costs £218 (2026); grayling days from 1 November are priced at £85. Each beat is serviced by its own fishing hut, and the estate also provides a lakeside fishing hut with kitchen facilities. Electronic gates control access to the fishery, and a catch returns folder is kept on the beat to support the estate's fish management. Wherwell Estate is within easy reach of London and the wider south of England, whether travelling by road or rail. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.

River Test

Bere Mill

Half a mile of wild-fish chalk stream on the upper River Test, Bere Mill sits beside the historic mill at Freefolk in Hampshire, just downstream of Whitchurch. The beat is a true product of the upper Test's character — an amalgam of main river, mill channels and carriers formed by centuries of water meadow management, giving anglers a varied mix of water types within a compact fishery. Wading is required to cover the beat properly, and up to three rods can fish at once. The river holds wild brown trout and grayling, and Bere Mill is run entirely catch and release — no stocked fish are introduced. The upper valley setting brings great water clarity alongside prolific hatches of fly. Hawthorn appears in late April, mayfly runs from mid-May into early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives and terrestrials. Nymphing is also productive, and a large population of freshwater shrimp means heavier fish are regularly taken on a shrimp imitation worked close to the bottom. The beat also holds specimen grayling, which come into their own once the trout season closes. Grayling fishing runs through to 14th March, and the Test provides excellent sport right through the winter months. Upstream dry fly and upstream nymph are the permitted methods, making this a good beat for anglers new to chalk stream fishing — the varied water and generous length give plenty of room to learn. A former trout farm lake on the grounds offers an additional option to cast at rising fish. The fishing hut is a Japanese tea hut set within organically managed gardens and water meadows, which the owners run according to environmental principles — a setting that tends to produce good fly life throughout the season. A 9-foot rod in a 4- or 5-weight covers most situations on this width of upper Test water.

River Dever

Bransbury Mill Fishery

Sitting on the lower River Dever near the hamlet of Bransbury in Hampshire, Bransbury Mill Fishery offers around 1.5 miles of double-bank chalk stream fly fishing, with the beat running through disused water meadows on Bransbury Common — a Site of Special Scientific Interest — through which the Dever flows. The Dever is one of the major River Test tributaries, rising near West Stratton and flowing for nearly 10 miles before joining the main river between Wherwell and Barton Stacey. This is intimate, narrow chalk stream fishing: the river runs clear over gravel, and like other upper Test tributaries it is known for the clarity of its water, with fish highly visible, hanging in front of beds of starwort and tipping up to sip passing insects. Brown trout are the primary quarry, with a healthy stock of wild fish supplemented by fishery-reared browns. The beat carries a substantial stock of wild brown trout, and judicious over-winter feeding has ensured the wild population is in prime condition at the start of the season. Hatches are a strong feature throughout the season, starting with hawthorn in spring, prolific mayfly during May and June, and good hatches of olives and sedges through summer and autumn. Grayling fishing can be enjoyed after the trout season ends. The clear water and visible fish make this an accessible beat for developing dry fly anglers, with the classic chalk stream approach — spot, stalk, cover — well suited to the conditions. The trout season runs from 1st May to 30th September. Upstream dry fly only applies in May and June; nymphing is permitted from 1st July. All grayling must be returned, and brown trout under 14 inches returned too. The beat is limited to two rods. Rods can fish from both banks and have use of a comfortable lunch hut and rain shelter. Car parking is off Newton Lane — note there is no vehicular access to Bransbury Common itself, so waders are advisable for reaching the water.

Candover Brook

Candover Brook – Lower Candover Beat

The Candover Brook is a 9.6 km (6-mile) chalk stream in Hampshire, and the Lower Candover Beat sits on one of its most intimate stretches — a single-rod, single-bank run of classic upper-Itchen tributary water with mown banks and clear sightlines to rising fish. The stream rises from springs just south of Preston Candover and flows with the steady, spring-fed clarity typical of the catchment. The Candover Brook joins the Itchen above Alresford, making this genuinely upper-river chalk stream fishing — small, intimate, and entirely wild. As a small upper-Itchen tributary, the Candover Brook is almost exclusively wild trout water, with no stocking. The fish are educated and the stream is narrow enough that presentation matters from the first cast — but the beat is well suited to beginners learning upstream dry fly and nymph technique, particularly with a guide on hand. The season opens with large dark olives, one of the first main hatches, brief each day but prolific enough to get good trout moving. The classic mayfly hatch follows from late May into early June, and blue-winged olives and sedge provide reliable dry fly action through summer and into autumn. The brook is also one of the few rivers in southern England still home to the endangered native white-clawed crayfish, a mark of the water quality here. A 7 ft to 8 ft rod rated for a 3- or 4-weight line suits the confined casting on this narrow stream. The beat is available exclusively in conjunction with the estate's holiday accommodation and cannot be booked as a standalone day ticket. AAPGAI/GAIA-qualified instructors are available on site, alongside guided fishing days, catered riverside luncheons, and corporate event packages — making it a practical choice for a first chalk stream visit or a hosted group trip in the Hampshire countryside.

Candover Brook

Candover Brook – Upper Candover Beat

The Candover Brook is a 9.6 km chalk stream in Hampshire and one of the upper Itchen's most intimate tributaries. The stream rises from springs just south of the village of Preston Candover, and the Upper Candover Beat sits near the headwaters — a single-rod stretch of narrow, clear chalk stream with mown banks giving clean access to both sides of the water. These small upper Itchen streams are almost exclusively wild trout fisheries, and the Candover is no exception — no stocked fish, just native brown trout that know their water well. The channel is narrow and fast-flowing, ideal for in-stream vegetation and brown trout spawning habitat, with large woody debris adding habitat complexity, diverse flow types, and important cover for juvenile trout. The fish are sharp and selective, making this a rewarding challenge for beginners keen to develop their upstream dry fly and nymph technique on genuinely wild fish. The wider Itchen catchment supports mayflies, stoneflies, damselflies, and water crowfoot — expect classic chalk stream hatches through the season. The brook is also one of the few rivers remaining in southern England that is home to the endangered native white-clawed crayfish, a mark of the water's ecological quality. The beat is available in conjunction with estate accommodation only and is not let separately. The Candover Brook forms part of the Itchen Valley Countryside Heritage Area. AAPGAI/GAIA qualified instructors are on hand, and the wider estate offers guided fishing days, catered riverside luncheons, and corporate or group events — making this a practical choice for a first chalk stream visit or a hosted day with less experienced guests.

River Kennet

Craven Fishery Beat

The Craven Fishery sits on the River Kennet at Hampstead Marshall in Berkshire, offering around 1.2 miles of chalk stream fishing across a mix of main river and a historic milling channel. The character of the water changes noticeably along the beat — shallow riffles and gravel runs give way to slower, deeper glides downstream — while a large top weir, originally constructed to provide a head of water for milling, now creates a notable pool that holds bigger fish. The surrounding landscape runs through gardens, water meadows and riparian woodland, and the fishery has a long and illustrious past that has at one time or another hosted all the angling greats. The beat holds mainly brown trout and is carefully managed by a full-time riverkeeper. A dry fly only rule applies until the first of July, after which upstream nymphing is permitted — making this a good beat for anglers learning to read and present to rising fish. Spring brings olive hatches combined with grannom and hawthorn, before an impressive mayfly hatch leads into excellent evening fishing through summer as caddis and adult olives return to the water. Because the Kennet runs slightly cooler than most other chalk streams, the mayfly hatch tends to start a little later, producing a longer and more sustained hatch through late spring and early summer. The river has also benefited from ongoing habitat improvement work carried out through a collaboration between riverkeeper Josh Purton and Action for the River Kennet. The fishery's layout — main river plus a former milling channel — gives anglers genuine variety within a single day. A casting pond on site makes this a practical choice for less experienced rods wanting to warm up before stepping onto the river. The historic fishing lodge serves as a fine base for the day, its walls lined with memorabilia from fishing days past and present. The nearest train station is Kintbury, just a short walk away, and the beat is around 15 minutes by road from Newbury.

River Dever

Dever Springs

Dever Springs sits near Barton Stacey in Hampshire, combining two spring-fed lakes totalling six acres and a half-mile stretch of the River Dever — a chalk stream that rises near Micheldever and flows westwards for 11 miles to meet the River Test. The lakes are gin-clear, fed directly from chalk aquifers, and the banks are kept well-trimmed for easy casting, with platforms and seats at regular intervals. The river beat runs alongside the lakes and, while the chalk stream requires some stealth and patience, the reward is brown trout and grayling in classic chalk stream surroundings. The fishery is open year-round and caters to all abilities, with tackle and qualified instruction provided. The minimum stocking size is 4 lb, with 6 lb 8 oz being the current average, and specimen fish taken at Dever include a British record brown of 28 lb 2 oz. The trout are for the most part caught on nymphs and lures using a medium-weight fly rod, though at certain times of year the dry fly action can be spectacular as fish rise to the surface. The lakes are well-established and abounding with aquatic fly life, including an abundant mayfly hatch in season, most especially in May and June when the epic mayfly hatch occurs. The River Dever also has good hatches of the main groups of upwinged flies, and in recent years grannom have reportedly made a reappearance. Day rods are sold in groups of 10–20, with per-head pricing ranging from £125 for a grayling day to £395 during the mayfly. The fishing lodge features a spacious seating area, bar, fire pit, a large safari-style dining room and a veranda overlooking the lakes. After a morning on the lake and river, a three-course lunch is prepared by in-house caterers using local produce, with fine wines and spirits available. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included, and parking is on site.

River Kennet

Dog Kennels

Dog Kennels is one of the named beats within the Barton Court Estate on the River Kennet, set within a private family estate between Hungerford and Kintbury in Berkshire. The estate encompasses main river, carriers, and side streams across over three miles of bank, with each section criss-crossing and interlocking through classic Berkshire water meadows. This beat sits within that carrier network — a narrower, more intimate stretch of chalk stream where wild trout spawning redds have been recorded on the gravels, and the water runs clear and steady over classic chalk-stream substrate. The fishery is now purely a fly-fishing venue, with an excellent head of wild brown trout. Among them is the elusive Kennet "greenback" — one of the last indigenous native trout strains remaining in southern England, sporting fewer spots than any brown trout you are likely to encounter elsewhere. Fishing is restricted to single dry fly and traditional upstream nymph, making it well suited to beginners learning to read chalk-stream water. The Kennet season opens in May; expect hawthorn early on, followed by a mayfly hatch, then a mixture of olives, sedges, and terrestrials through the back end. Because the Kennet's waters run slightly cooler than most other chalk streams, the mayfly hatch tends to start a little later, creating a longer and more sustained hatch through late spring and early summer. Up to six rods fish the beat. On-site facilities include a brand-new shepherd's hut and a dedicated fishing hut available for exclusive group use. Guided fishing, tackle hire, and catering by local chefs — either riverbank or prepared in advance — are all available to book. Parking is at Station Road, with an alternative near the Dundas Arms. Kintbury station sits just 64 metres from the fishery entrance, making this one of the more straightforwardly accessible chalk-stream beats in Berkshire for those travelling without a car.

River Alre

Drove Lane Beat

Drove Lane Beat sits at the most downstream stretch of the River Alre in Hampshire, at the confluence of the Alre and Cheriton Brook where they join to form the main River Itchen. The Alre is a classic English chalk stream with a shallow gravel bed and fast-flowing water, fed year-round by chalk springs, and the chalk aquifer filters rainwater through fissures, yielding gin-clear water with a consistent baseflow dominated by groundwater contributions. Only two days each week are fished here, keeping the water well rested and traditionally managed. The beat targets wild brown trout on upstream dry fly and upstream nymph, and suits anglers new to chalk stream fishing. The Alre runs around a metre deep in the centre, but the water is so clear it can be difficult to judge depth — fish appear to swim in air. Through this lower section the river forms a good natural trout fishery with fish visible over bright gravel in open runs and beneath bankside vegetation. Mayflies can be expected on the water from mid-May into June, and chalk streams support some of the most abundant mayfly hatches in England. Blue-winged olives and pale wateries carry the dry fly fishing through summer, with evening rises the most productive window once the season matures. A 9 ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers the water comfortably. The beat is part of a private estate, offering wild trout fishing on private estate water. The fishery provides a strong support package for visiting rods, including guided fishing days, corporate and group events, AAPGAI/GAIA qualified instructors, catered riverside luncheons, and gift vouchers — making it a practical choice for a first chalk stream day or a hosted group outing.

River Itchen

East Lodge Beat

Set just south of Twyford in Hampshire, East Lodge is a beat on the River Itchen with a fishing history stretching back to the 17th century. The estate water covers two miles of double-bank chalk stream, comprising both the main river and a fast-flowing side stream called Rosemary's Leat, which bisects the surrounding water meadows. The Itchen carries the highest conservation designations, being both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), typifying the classic chalk river with only a narrow range of seasonal variation in physical and chemical characteristics — the water is naturally base-rich, of great clarity, and maintains a relatively constant temperature with dissolved oxygen levels at or near saturation. The water is varied and suits both novice and expert. The river is stocked with brown trout only, but also supports a very large population of wild trout and grayling, testament to the quality of habitat management on the beat. Insect hatches, particularly blue-winged olive and sedge, are prolific throughout the season, offering reliable dry fly action, while the mayfly period typically begins around 15 May and represents the most sought-after weeks on the water. As a general rule, warmer months favour trout fishing and the cooler months grayling. Mayfly hatches on the Itchen are generally lighter than on the River Test, but the river is well blessed with fly life throughout the season. The beat accommodates up to ten rods and is well set up for corporate and group days, with a fishing lodge, on-site catering, and equipment hire available — making it a practical choice for less experienced anglers coming to chalk stream fly fishing for the first time. The Itchen has its own place in fly fishing history: it was here that George Skues developed the principles of nymph fishing that remain central to the sport today. A 9 ft 5-weight is a sensible starting point; the gin-clear water rewards a careful, upstream approach — if you can see the trout, they can see you.

River Itchen

Elm Stream Beat

The Elm Stream Beat puts a single rod on a carrier stream of the River Itchen in Hampshire — a braided section where the carrier runs parallel to the main river, offering a more intimate and sheltered piece of water than the main channel. Above Easton is considered the upper Itchen, where much of the fishing is managed for wild trout, and this beat sits firmly within that tradition: all fish are wild, unstocked, and well rested. Wading is required to fish it effectively, making it an engaging and active experience rather than a bank-side one. The target species is wild brown trout, taken on upstream dry fly or upstream nymph. The main flies hatching on the Itchen in April are the Large Dark Olive, the Grannom Caddis, and the Hawthorn; the classic mayfly hatch on the Itchen runs from the end of May through to early June; and June brings an abundance of Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives. September sees the return of the Large Dark Olive, with cooler weather and less sunlight improving the fishing. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, and guided fishing days with AAPGAI/GAIA-qualified instructors are available — a practical option for those new to chalk stream technique or unfamiliar with reading carrier water. An 8'6" rod for a 4 or 5-weight floating line is the recognised all-round chalk stream setup, though the intimate nature of a carrier stream makes a lighter 3 or 4-weight equally at home. This is a single-rod beat available exclusively in conjunction with holiday accommodation on the estate — it cannot be booked as a standalone day ticket. The wider estate offers catered riverside luncheons, corporate and group events, private lake fishing, and overseas fishing trips, making it a well-supported base for a dedicated fishing stay in Hampshire.

River Test

Houghton Lodge – Lower Beat

Around 300 yards of main river Test at Houghton Lodge, just upstream of the village of Houghton in the Test Valley, Hampshire. The lower beat runs for approximately 350 yards on the main river channel, with fishing from the right-hand bank. The Test here is a classic middle-river chalk stream — crystal-clear, mineral-rich water with a steady flow and cool, stable temperatures — carrying good width and pace through open water meadow. The water is stocked with brown trout, and this area of the Test is also home to a good head of wild brown trout and good-sized grayling. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, making it a sound introduction to chalk stream technique without the pressure of more technical water. The season runs 1 May to 15 October, covering the full arc of the Test's best hatches: May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year, while June brings an abundance of Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives. September sees the return of the Large Dark Olive, with cooler weather and less sunlight improving the fishing. Both upstream dry fly and upstream nymph are permitted. The estate encourages the release of fish caught, and all rods are asked to fish with barbless hooks or with barbs pressed down. There is a fishing hut on the beat with chairs. Access is via Houghton Lodge Gardens, Houghton, Stockbridge, SO20 6LQ, which is well signposted from the town of Stockbridge. A single 9-ft rod in a 4- or 5-weight is ideal for the width of water here.

River Test

Houghton Lodge – Upper Beat

Houghton Lodge Estate's Upper Beat runs for half a mile along a main carrier of the River Test, just upstream of the village of Houghton in the Test Valley, Hampshire. Houghton sits roughly 1.8 miles south-west of Stockbridge, placing this beat squarely in the middle Test valley. Fishing is from the true right-hand bank only, giving a clear, uncluttered approach to the water. The Test Valley water meadows surround the carrier, offering open views and good wildlife throughout the season. The beat is stocked with brown trout from local fisheries, and this area of the Test also holds a good head of wild brown trout and good-sized grayling. The season runs from 1 May to 15 October, and the hatch calendar rewards those who plan around it. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through in numbers. September sees the return of the large dark olive, and the final weeks of the season in October can produce aggressive feeding as trout put on condition before spawning. Upstream dry fly is the primary method, with upstream nymph a useful alternative on bright summer days when surface activity is limited. The beat is rated suitable for beginners — the well-maintained banks allow for easy wading and casting, and the carrier setting keeps the water at a manageable width and pace. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers most situations here. The estate encourages the release of fish, and all rods are asked to fish with barbless hooks or with barbs pressed down. A brace of stocked trout may be kept if you wish, but wild trout should be returned carefully, and all fish under 2 lb go back. A fishing hut is available on the beat for anglers' use. The beat is accessed via Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge, which is well signposted from the town.

River Nadder

Hurdcott Estate Beat

The Hurdcott Estate beat sits on the River Nadder as it flows through the water meadows at the heart of the estate, in the Nadder Valley of Wiltshire. The river is deeply incised, with a series of serpentine bends that slow its flow and create sequences of riffles leading into deeper pools — the kind of varied water that rewards an angler who takes time to read it. The river is relatively narrow, so long casts are not necessary, making this an accessible beat for those newer to chalk stream fishing. The Nadder is classed as a mixed-geology chalk stream, carrying the slightest tinge of colour that can deepen after heavy rainfall, though it clears quickly and offers good visibility for spotting fish through much of the season. The beat holds both brown trout and grayling, targeted on upstream dry fly and upstream nymph. Fish here have an intimate, willing quality — brown trout and grayling that will readily sample a well-presented dry fly. The season opens well with good hatches of grannom, before the main event — the mayfly — which can be spectacularly good even after heavy rain. Later in the season, early morning and evening sedge hatches give the best chance of consistent sport. The long summer evenings also see good hatches of olives that can keep brown trout rising well into dusk. The season runs from 1 April through to 15 October, in line with the wider Avon catchment. The beat accommodates up to eight rods, making it well suited to a group day or corporate outing. A fishing hut is provided, reached via a tree-lined avenue that leads directly from the drive — a practical base for lunch or shelter. A 9-foot 5-weight rod covers most situations here; the narrow, winding character of the water means presentation and approach matter far more than distance. The Nadder is around one hour forty minutes from London Waterloo to Tisbury by train, placing this Wiltshire beat within easy reach for a day visit from the south of England.

River Itchen

Lower Bishopstoke Fishery

Half a mile of double-bank chalk stream on the lower River Itchen, just south of Bishopstoke in Hampshire, the Lower Bishopstoke Fishery runs through open wildflower meadows with the right bank fished exclusively and the left bank left entirely to nature. That undisturbed margin provides rich invertebrate habitat and juvenile fish cover — a deliberate choice that pays dividends in the quality of the rises you'll find. Sea trout run this lower section of the Itchen below Bishopstoke, and a short section of the old Itchen Navigation adds variety to the water types on offer. Fly selection on the Itchen revolves around olives, caddis, terrestrials, and a prolific mayfly hatch. April opens with large dark olives, grannom caddis, and hawthorn; the mayfly follows from mid-May to early June; summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. The beat is stocked regularly with brown trout and is rated beginner-friendly, making it a sound introduction to Itchen chalk stream fishing without sacrificing the chance of a genuine sea trout encounter. Sea trout are targeted after dark using downstream skated and surface patterns, from dusk to midnight. All fishing is catch and release, upstream dry fly and upstream natural nymph during daylight hours, with a maximum of two rods. The season runs 3 April to 31 October. Day rod prices range from £100 during weed-cut periods to £120 in low season and £175 at peak. A rod of 8½ ft rated 3–5wt with a floating line and fine tippet down to 6x suits the river well. A fishing hut, benches at intervals along the bank, and a private car park are all on site.

River Kennet

Middle Cut

Middle Cut is a carrier beat within the Barton Court Estate water meadow network, sitting on the Berkshire/Wiltshire border near Kintbury — where the River Kennet idles through the grounds of a private family estate between Hungerford and Kintbury. The beat runs along one of the estate's chalk stream carriers, a narrower side channel cut from the main river, with dense hawthorn lines along both banks that define the character of the water and provide natural cover for fish. Barton Court has a host of main river, carriers and side streams, with over three miles of bank, and no two sections are the same as they criss-cross and interlock along classic Berkshire water meadows. Brown and rainbow trout are the target species, and the beat is well suited to beginners — the carrier format keeps the fishing intimate and readable. Methods are restricted to single dry fly and traditional upstream nymph. The Kennet season opens in May, with a good hawthorn hatch early on, followed by a mayfly hatch and then a mixture of olives, sedges and terrestrials later in the year. The hawthorn hatch is particularly productive on Middle Cut, where the bankside trees drop flies directly onto the water. Because the Kennet's waters run slightly cooler than most other chalk streams, the mayfly hatch tends to start a little later, creating a longer and more sustained hatch throughout late spring and early summer. As the season progresses, sedge, olive and terrestrial hatches can be excellent, with beetles, ants and hoppers providing surface sport in the late summer months. Up to six rods can fish the beat. Barton Court offers day-rod access as well as exclusive-use or group days, with guides, catering and tackle hire to suit all abilities, plus a brand-new shepherd's hut and a dedicated fishing hut for exclusive group use. Parking is available on Station Road or near the Dundas Arms. Kintbury station is just 64 metres from the entrance to the fishery, making Middle Cut one of the most straightforward chalk stream beats to reach from London by train.

River Frome

Muckleford Beat

Half a mile of double-bank fly fishing on the River Frome in Dorset, the Muckleford Beat offers a single rod a varied and manageable stretch of clear, slow-flowing chalk stream over gravelly bottoms and beds of ranunculus — well suited to an angler building confidence on moving water. The beat divides naturally into three distinct sections: a deep, slow lower pool with enticing lies along the far bank, a mid-section of reed-lined runs where shallow water conceals surprisingly deep holes and larger fish, and a top pool beneath a bridge that draws curious onlookers — an informal reminder that the Frome's crystal clarity makes every cast visible. The Frome is considered the major chalk stream of southwest England, and it is less affected by abstraction than any other chalk stream, meaning the fishing holds up well throughout the season. The trout season opens in April with a grannom hatch, the mayfly arrives from late May into June, followed by summer action with olives, sedges, ants and daddy-long-legs. Long summer evenings bring good hatches of olives and sedges, and the Frome has built a growing reputation as one of the best rivers in the country for big grayling, with sight nymphing the primary method through late summer and autumn. The beat runs from 1 April to 31 January, covering both the trout and grayling seasons. Day ticket prices range from £75 for grayling to £190 during the mayfly peak — the premium reflecting the Frome's record-breaking grayling history, having thrice produced fish over 4 lb. A fishing hut sits at the base of the beat. A 7.5 ft rod with a 3–4 wt floating line and tippet down to 6x suits this water well. The beat can be combined with the adjacent 7 Hatches Beat for parties requiring additional rods.

River Test

Nursling Mill Trout Beat

Nursling Mill Trout Beat sits on the lower River Test in Hampshire, running double-bank on the main river from the Broadlands Estate boundary downstream past Nursling Mill. By this point the Test has grown into a substantial river — too wide to cast across in places — having gathered the Wallop Brook and the River Dun before finally consolidating into a single channel south of Romsey. A large mill pool, several hatch pools, groynes, bends and deeper holes give the water real variety, and the broad, steady flow suits upstream dry fly and upstream nymph fishing from the bank throughout the season. The beat regularly produces very large brown trout that run downstream toward the estuary, and the mayfly hatches here are exceptional — dense enough to bring even the most cautious fish up confidently, making this one of the more accessible stretches of Test trout fishing for anglers still building their chalk stream experience. Occasional Atlantic salmon move through, and sea trout are also a genuine possibility on this tidal-influenced lower beat. The River Test is fished for trout from its source right down to the tidal limit, and Nursling sits close to that boundary, giving the water a character quite different from the narrower upper beats. Rods fish from the bank only — no wading — on a beat that suits a single-handed 9 ft rod and a selection of mayfly dressings, CDC emergers and upstream nymphs. The fishery is served by a well-appointed hut with catering facilities, and the Nursling Mill Trout Beat also provides a BBQ and private car park, making it a practical full-day destination. Access is straightforward and the beat is well suited to anglers new to chalk stream fishing.

River Kennet

Old River

The Old River beat sits on the River Kennet within the Barton Court Estate, between Hungerford and Kintbury in Berkshire, where the Kennet runs not as a single channel but as a network of main river, carriers, and side streams twisting through old water meadows — one moment you're stalking a trout in a narrow carrier under overhanging sedge, the next casting to a steady rise in the main river. The Old River section is characterised by dense hawthorn trees lining the banks, making it particularly productive when terrestrials are on the water, and the weed-rich channels of the 'old' river hold good fish that can be encouraged into the open. The estate is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the water runs with the clarity typical of a well-managed Berkshire chalk stream. Brown and rainbow trout are present, with fish of three pounds and over regularly caught and a population of wild fish that increases year on year. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, and guided fishing is available on-site. Spring brings olive hatches combined with grannom and hawthorn; the mayfly follows, and through summer, caddis and adult olives return to the water in the evenings. Because the Kennet runs slightly cooler than most other chalk streams, the mayfly hatch tends to start a little later, producing a longer and more sustained hatch through late spring and early summer. As the season progresses, sedge, olive, and terrestrial hatches can be excellent, with beetles, ants, and hoppers providing good surface sport into late summer. Methods are restricted to single dry fly and traditional upstream nymph, with up to six rods on the water. On-site facilities include a brand-new shepherd's hut and a dedicated fishing hut for exclusive group use, with guided fishing, tackle hire, and catering from local chefs all available. Kintbury station sits just 64 metres from the fishery entrance, with additional parking available on Station Road or near the Dundas Arms.

River Kennet

Park Stream

Park Stream is one of the named carrier streams winding through the Barton Court Estate on the River Kennet near Kintbury, Berkshire — part of a network of main river, carriers, and side streams that criss-cross and interlock along classic Berkshire water meadows, with over three miles of bank across the estate. As a chalk stream side channel, it carries the hallmarks of the Kennet system: crystal-clear water for almost the whole season, making it a genuine sight-fishery where you can target specific fish. Wild brown trout redds have been observed here, a sign that the population of fish born in the river increases year by year. Fishing is single dry fly or traditional upstream nymph, and the beat is well suited to beginners finding their feet on chalk stream water. Olive hatches in spring are combined with grannom and followed by hawthorn, while the mayfly can be impressive, followed by excellent evening fishing through summer as caddis flies gather and adult olives return to lay their eggs. Barton Court offers one of the better mayfly hatches on the southern chalk streams, with the hatch arriving comparatively late — the best sport often falling in the first weeks of June. Keep an eye out for the Kennet Greenback, a unique form of wild brown trout with green flanks and few spots, found nowhere else on the chalk streams. Up to six rods can fish Park Stream, with the beat available on an exclusive group basis. On-site facilities include a brand-new shepherd's hut and a dedicated fishing hut for exclusive group use, and guided fishing, tackle hire, and catering from local chefs — riverbank or prepared in advance — can all be arranged. Barton Court has the unusual advantage of a train station just 64 metres from the fishery entrance, with parking available on Station Road or near the Dundas Arms at the lower end of the beat.

River Kennet

Parsons Ditch

Parsons Ditch is a named carrier stream within the Barton Court Estate, set in the historic water meadow network between Hungerford and Kintbury in West Berkshire. The estate carries over three miles of bank across main river, carriers, and side streams, all criss-crossing and interlocking through classic Berkshire water meadows. Parsons Ditch itself is a willow-lined channel — the willows pollarded annually — that forms part of a restored and actively managed system. The wider estate is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Fishing is single dry fly and traditional upstream nymph for wild brown trout, and the beat is well suited to beginners. The estate is now purely a fly-fishing venue with an excellent head of wild brown trout. Olive hatches in spring are combined with grannom and followed by hawthorn, while the mayfly can be impressive and summer evenings bring caddis and adult olives returning to lay eggs. Barton Court is noted for one of the better mayfly hatches on the southern chalkstreams, arriving comparatively late, with the best sport often found in the first weeks of June. Keep an eye out for the Kennet 'greenback' — a green-flanked, near-spotless brown trout found nowhere else on the chalkstreams. Up to six rods can fish Parsons Ditch on an exclusive group basis. The estate offers guided fishing, tackle hire, and catering, with a dedicated fishing hut for exclusive group use and an on-site shepherd's hut. Parking is available on Station Road or near the Dundas Arms. Kintbury station is just 64 metres from the fishery entrance, making this one of the more straightforward chalk stream beats to reach by train from London or the wider south of England.

River Test

Private Estate Beats 1 – Middle River Test

Three beats of generously sized chalk stream water sit on the middle River Test in Hampshire, immediately downstream of the famous Houghton Club water — one of the most coveted stretches of river in England. The estate was formerly home to Sir Thomas Sopwith, the aviation pioneer and yachtsman, who lived here until 1989, and the water retains the character of a carefully tended private estate. All three beats are large, fishing up to six rods per beat, and offer varied water across the main river and carriers, including hatch pools, bends, runs and mill streams. The middle Test, like much of the river, splits into multiple channels, giving each beat a genuine mix of pace and structure to explore. The target species is brown trout, fished upstream on dry fly or nymph. The trout season runs from April to early October; the hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a reliable variety of caddis, olives and terrestrials. These beats are noted for the large trout regularly caught here, and the water is actively managed by an experienced riverkeeper. The beats suit beginners as well as more seasoned rods — the varied structure means there is always fishable water regardless of conditions, and guided days can be arranged. Each beat has a fully equipped fishing cabin with a wood-burning stove for cooler days and BBQ and catering facilities. The beats are well suited to groups or corporate days of five to eighteen rods. Dates are limited and in high demand — enquire well in advance, particularly for the mayfly window.

River Test

Private Estate Beats 3 – Upper River Test

Sitting on the upper reaches of the River Test in Hampshire, Private Estate Beats 3 offers up to two rods a day of classic chalk stream fly fishing in a setting shaped by centuries of water management. The upper Test valley delivers a variety of water — carriers and main river sections — with excellent clarity throughout the season and prolific hatches of fly. The beat carries the hallmarks of a working estate: thatched fishing huts for shelter and lunch, historic water wheels, and ancient eel racks that speak to the river's long agricultural past. The fishing holds a good mix of stocked and wild brown trout, making it well suited to anglers still building their chalk stream experience. Methods are upstream dry fly and upstream nymph — the two disciplines that developed along these waters in the 19th century and were revolutionary at the time. The trout season runs from April to early October. The hawthorn hatch falls in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. June sees an abundance of blue-winged olives and medium olives — and on summer days when trout lock onto a single species, they can be very selective indeed. A 9 ft 4-weight rod covers most situations on water this size. Fine tapered leaders of 9–10 ft and tippet no heavier than 4 lb help the fly turn over cleanly and land without disturbance. Rods are limited to two, keeping the beat quiet and giving each angler plenty of room to work the water without pressure. The thatched hut provides a practical base for the day.

River Frome

Stratton Beat

Just under two-thirds of a mile of double-bank dry fly and nymph water on the River Frome, the major chalk stream of southwest England, the Stratton Beat sits on the quiet water meadows south of Stratton village in Dorset. The beat opens with straighter, faster water near the top before the river broadens into long, sweeping bends with deep pools running down to the bottom boundary — a varied character that suits up to two rods without crowding. The Frome and its tributaries provide a rich habitat for wild brown trout and grayling, and stocking is virtually non-existent along much of the river, which allows wild trout and grayling to thrive. The Frome is less affected by abstraction than most chalk streams, and the season opens with fine hatches of upwinged flies in April and early May; mayfly hatches are excellent from mid-May until mid-June, with high-summer evenings producing pale wateries, blue-winged olives and sedges extending well into autumn. The season opens with a grannom hatch, followed by hawthorn, mayfly and blue-winged olives as the season progresses, with sedges rounding off the year. The beat's long trout season runs from 1 April, with grayling fishing continuing through to 31 January — late summer and autumn grayling fishing is primarily sight nymphing, with methods turning to deeper nymphing techniques through winter. Day ticket prices range from £75 for grayling to £190 during the mayfly window, reflecting the beat's seasonal variety. A thatched fishing hut with toilet facilities is on site, and accommodation is available, making Stratton a practical base for a multi-day visit. A 7–9 ft rod with a 3–4 weight floating line and fine tippet down to 6x covers most situations on this accessible, beginner-friendly beat.

River Test

Testwood Beat

Sitting on the lower reaches of the River Test in Hampshire, the Testwood Beat occupies the final section of the river before it enters the sea — a stretch of main-river chalk stream that fishes very differently from the intimate upper Test. The water divides into three beats prior to flowing into the sea, offering a variety of challenges across both tidal and non-tidal water. The fishery and surrounding land form part of a private estate owned by the Barker-Mill family since 1527, and the beat carries that sense of long, unbroken history. The jewel of the beat is Testwood Pool, a deep, well-defined lie that concentrates fish and gives the water its character. The Testwood Beat targets brown trout on upstream dry fly and nymph, but its real distinction is the migratory fishing. Before the Test spills into the Solent, double-figure salmon and sea trout are caught here regularly, and sea trout fight hard and frequently reach double figures. Both species move from salt into freshwater lies in the river's lower reaches from spring onwards, with sea trout fishing typically pursued after dark. The beat is rated as beginner-friendly, making it a practical first chalk stream experience, and fishes three rods per day. The beat is served by a mill-house offering comfortable members' facilities, sleeping cabins for night sea trout anglers, catering facilities, and two riverside huts — a well-equipped setup that suits both day visits and overnight stays. B&B is available with a bed in the sea trout cabin and a full English breakfast in the Mill House overlooking the river, a practical arrangement for anyone planning a dusk-to-dawn session on the pool. A single-handed 9 ft 5-weight covers the dry fly and nymph fishing; bring a heavier outfit if sea trout are the target.

River Dun

The Blue Pool Beat

A tributary of the River Test, the River Dun joins the main river near Kimbridge at Mottisfont in Hampshire's Test Valley. The Blue Pool Beat runs just over a kilometre immediately upstream of Holbury Mill, where the river passes through secluded old woodland on a single-bank configuration suited to one or two rods. The water averages around six metres wide and 1.5 metres deep, and like all chalk streams is commonly described as "gin clear." At the top of the beat sits the namesake Blue Pool — a spring rising directly from the chalk aquifer that gives the water a distinctly blue appearance, and which local folklore claims is bottomless. The beat carries a very good wild brown trout population, supported by extensive stream habitat above the beat that provides excellent spawning grounds. The Environment Agency and the Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust have worked together on fish passage improvements on the River Dun in Hampshire, with both mills now equipped with fish ladders allowing free migration throughout the system — raising the prospect of salmon spawning on the Dun again in the future. Fishing is upstream dry fly and upstream nymph only. The trout season runs from April to early October; hawthorn hatches arrive in late April, mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. Reliable patterns include Black Gnat, Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Iron Blue, and Mayfly in season, tied on size 16 or smaller. The intimate width keeps presentations manageable and fish are generally visible in the clear water, making this a well-suited beat for beginners. A comfortable fishing hut and picnic furniture are on site — a practical base for a full day's fishing. The beat is a secluded spot and wildlife is abundant, with deer, kingfisher, and orchids regularly seen along the banks. A 9-foot, 4-weight rod is ideal for the width and the delicate presentations the clear water demands. An Environment Agency rod licence is required. The beat is accessed via Holbury Lane near Lockerley, with parking close to the water.

River Itchen

The Easton Beat

The Easton Beat sits on the main River Itchen in Hampshire, passing through the village of Easton on the upper river — a stretch that carries real significance for the fly fisher. Above Easton is considered to be the Upper Itchen, where much of the fishing is managed for wild trout; below Easton, more commercial fisheries with stocked fish begin to appear. This single-rod, bank-only beat on the main chalk stream channel puts you in genuinely wild water, with the clarity and pace typical of the upper Itchen. Brown trout are the target here, taken on dry fly or nymph — fly only throughout. The Itchen's steady flow and nutrient-rich waters support a thriving ecosystem, with insect hatches — particularly the blue-winged olive and sedge — prolific and offering reliable dry fly action. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly runs from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. Mayfly hatches on the Itchen are generally lighter than on the Test, but the season-long olive and caddis activity keeps fish looking up well into autumn. The trout season runs from approximately 1 April to 16 October. Rated as beginner-friendly, this is a good introduction to chalk stream fishing without the pressure of a crowded or heavily technical beat. A rod of around 8½ ft in a 3–5wt with a floating line suits the water well, with tippet down to 2lb/6x. A shepherd's hut on the bank provides a comfortable base for the day — somewhere to rest, eat lunch, and watch the water between rises. A valid Environment Agency rod licence is required.

River Test

The Greyhound Beat

A double-bank beat on the River Test in Hampshire, the Greyhound Beat offers up to two rods a day's upstream dry fly and nymph fishing on one of England's most celebrated chalk streams. The Test meanders gracefully through the gentle gradient of the Test Valley, running smooth and clear enough to spot fish holding over gravel in water between one and three feet deep. That visibility is central to the experience here: you're hunting individual brown and rainbow trout, reading their position and rise form before presenting a fly. The trout season runs from April to early October. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. September sees the return of the Large Dark Olive, with cooler weather and reduced sunlight improving conditions through to the end of the season. On bright summer days when nothing is rising, upstream nymph fishing comes into its own — and this beat permits both methods, making it well suited to beginners learning to read chalk stream water. A healthy population of freshwater shrimp means larger fish are often taken on a shrimp imitation fished close to the bottom. A single 9-ft 4- or 5-weight rod covers most situations. The beat is rated beginner-friendly, with double-bank access giving plenty of room to find a comfortable casting position. Between sessions, Lucy's fishing hut provides a proper base — refrigerator, coffee machine, kettle, BBQ, and fire pit — alongside a private riverside patio. It's a practical, well-equipped day out on a river that rewards careful observation and a well-placed fly.

River Test

The Little River Beat

A chalk stream main river beat on the Hampshire Test, the Little River Beat offers up to two rods a day's fly-only fishing on one of England's most historically significant rivers. The Test is generally regarded as the birthplace of modern fly fishing, and this beat puts you on the main channel in the classic Test Valley setting — clear, steady water over gravel, with the visibility to spot and stalk individual fish. The Test is fly fished for brown trout, sea trout, and coarse fish, and this beat holds all three. The trout fly fishing season runs from early April to late October. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials. June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives hatching in numbers, while September brings the return of the large dark olive, with cooler weather and less sunlight improving conditions. Both dry fly and nymph are permitted — nymph fishing proves particularly useful on bright days when nothing is rising. The beat is graded for beginners, making it a sound choice for anglers new to chalk stream fishing who want to learn on forgiving, readable water without the pressure of a more technical stretch. The beat is limited to two rods, keeping the water uncrowded. Between sessions, the Drawing Pool Lodge provides a comfortable base with a kitchenette with running water and electricity, a BBQ, and WC — everything needed for a full day on the bank. The River Test is around an hour and twenty minutes from London by road or train, making this an accessible day trip from the capital or a natural anchor for a longer Hampshire visit.

River Test

The Priory Beat

Three-quarters of a mile of double-bank fly fishing on the main River Test, the Priory Beat sits within the Wherwell Priory fishery just outside the thatched Hampshire village of Wherwell, on the upper-middle Test. The beat runs double-bank for its full length and offers a varied character: fast, deep runs at the downstream end give way to a shaded glide leading up to a productive double hatch pool, above which a long straight section is well suited to sight-casting to holding fish, before the final stretch — shaded by trees on the opposite bank — can be fished from the bank or by wading. The water is expertly managed by a resident keeper who maintains good weed growth and encourages the hatches of fly that bring trout up to a dry fly. The upper valley position means excellent water clarity alongside prolific hatches, with a mix of stocked and wild brown trout and healthy shoals of grayling throughout the season. Hatches of medium olives and iron blue duns can be expected from the 1st May opening, with the main mayfly event typically running from the latter half of the third week of May into early June. Trout fishing runs from early May through to mid-October, with grayling fishing available from mid-October through to mid-March. The Priory Beat offers varied fishing with difficulty levels to suit all anglers, making it a sound choice for those relatively new to chalk stream technique. Fishing is fly only — dry fly and nymph — and the upper Test width is manageable for casting, with the majority of fishing done by overhead cast. A rod of 8'6" to 9' in a #4 or #5 line is the recommended outfit. The fishing lodge has been fully restored and provides a comfortable base for the day.

River Itchen

The Shallows Beat

The Shallows Beat sits on the River Itchen in Hampshire, one of England's finest chalk streams, and offers up to two rods a compact, approachable stretch of clear, spring-fed water. The beat runs to around 250 metres and divides into two distinct sections: a swifter, shallower run and a longer, straighter pool where the river widens and the pace eases. The Itchen flows west from Alresford before turning south through Winchester, and is additionally designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), reflecting the exceptional quality of its water and habitat. The target species is brown trout, fished upstream with dry fly or nymph — the two methods that define chalk stream tradition. April brings hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn, while the Grannom and Hawthorn give way to mayfly, and from June onwards prolific hatches of Blue-Winged Olive provide excellent late-evening sport. During August and September, sedges and Daddy Long Legs prove the favourites, typical of a Hampshire chalk stream. Rated as beginner-friendly, the beat suits anglers new to chalk stream fishing who want to learn to read clear water and present a fly to visible fish without the pressure of a more demanding, heavily syndicated stretch. The beat is backed by a full suite of on-site support: the Itchen is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so fishing here comes with responsible, well-managed access. Guided fishing days are available with AAPGAI/GAIA qualified instructors, making this an ideal choice for those looking to develop their upstream dry fly and nymph technique. Corporate and group events, catered riverside luncheons, blast and cast days, private estate lakes, and gift vouchers round out the offering for those planning a full day's experience on the water.

River Test

Timsbury Beat 1

Timsbury Beat 1 sits on the River Test in the village of Timsbury, accessed via a private road through acres of chalk stream water meadows at the heart of the golden stretch of the Test below Stockbridge and above Romsey. The beat covers a third of a mile of main river chalk stream and includes a section of carrier, giving anglers a variety of water within a single day. Each beat at Timsbury consists of a stretch of the main river and a stretch of the carrier, and rods rotate across all four beats so that every angler fishes the whole fishery over the course of the season. Up to two rods fish the beat at any one time, keeping the water uncrowded. The fishery is predominantly a brown trout fishery, stocked with fish carefully selected locally from River Test stock. Itinerant rainbow trout also appear, and later in the season salmon regularly roll in the deeper pools, with a genuine chance of connecting with one or a sea trout. The 20-year average across the fishery is three fish caught per rod per day. Fishing is fly only — upstream dry fly and nymph — and suits beginners well, with heavily stocked water and clear chalk stream visibility making it straightforward to spot and present to rising fish. The season opens in April with Large Dark Olive, Grannom caddis and Hawthorn on the water, before the mayfly arrives from mid-May through to early June, followed by Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives through June and into summer. The season runs 1 April to 31 October, with day rods from £180. Banks are maintained to a high standard, with regular mowing and strimming keeping access clear throughout the season. The main fishing lodge has power, a kitchen area, WC, washing facilities and a large patio overlooking the river; three further huts with picnic tables are positioned around the fishery. Access is through an electrically controlled farm gate, with parking on site.

River Test

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.

River Test

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.

River Test

Timsbury Beat 4

Beat 4 sits within Timsbury Fishery on the River Test near the village of Timsbury, between Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire, accessed via a private road through chalk stream water meadows. This beat covers roughly a third of a mile of main river and includes a stretch of carrier stream — each of the four beats at Timsbury consists of a stretch of the main river and a stretch of the carrier — giving a varied day's fishing across two distinct water types. The banks are maintained to a high standard, with regular mowing and strimming along the banks and weed cutting during the summer, making for easy bank access throughout the season. The chalk water, combined with careful management of the river's weed beds, creates ideal conditions for brown trout, and the fishing is predominantly upstream dry fly or nymph. The fishery is heavily stocked and well suited to beginners, with a 20-year average of three fish caught per rod per day. The main flies hatching on the River Test in April are the Large Dark Olive, the Grannom Caddis and the Hawthorn; May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings, while June brings Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives. Salmon have been caught on the fishery but are required to be returned. The season runs 31 March to 30 October, with one or two rods per day. Fishing rotates over the four beats so that a rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks. Day rod prices start at £180, with a season rod available at £1,800. The main fishing lodge, constructed in 2017, overlooks the main river and is well equipped with mains electricity, Wi-Fi, a fully fitted kitchen, and a washroom with flushing toilet. A fishing hut is also available on the beat itself. Fly-only rules apply throughout; a 9-foot rod for a 4- or 5-weight line is the standard choice for this kind of chalk stream dry fly and nymph work.

River Test

Upper Mill

Upper Mill sits on the main River Test in Hampshire, offering double-bank chalk stream fishing on one of England's most storied trout rivers. The upper Test combines open main-river water with excellent clarity, and its position in the upper valley means it enjoys reliable fly hatches throughout the season. Wading is permitted, and with access from both banks, anglers can work across the full width of the river — a genuine advantage on a chalk stream where reading the lie and the approach matter as much as the cast itself. The beat holds a mix of stocked and wild brown trout alongside healthy shoals of grayling. Trout fishing runs through spring and summer, with the season building from the first Large Dark Olive, Grannom caddis and hawthorn hatches in April, before the first mayfly of the year arrives in May — typically the most productive weeks on the upper river. June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olive hatches, with evening rises extending the day well into summer. Grayling fishing is increasingly popular in winter, making this a year-round destination for the committed angler. The beat is rated at adventurer difficulty — the clear water and selective fish demand accurate upstream presentation, and both dry fly and nymph are permitted. One or two rods fish the beat at any time, keeping the water uncrowded. The beat is supported by a strong roster of on-site services, including guided fishing days with AAPGAI/GAIA qualified instructors — well suited to anyone looking to sharpen their chalk stream technique. Catered riverside luncheons, corporate and group events, blast and cast days, gift vouchers, and access to private estate lakes round out the offering, making Upper Mill a practical choice for both the solo rod and a small group planning a full day on the Test.

River Kennet

Upper Park

The Upper Park beat sits on the Barton Court Estate on the River Kennet near Kintbury, Berkshire, where the Kennet runs not as a single channel but as a network of main river, carriers, and side streams twisting through old water meadows. This section carries a piece of angling history: it still holds the River Kennet pike record at 33lb 2oz. The beat is now fished exclusively as fly water, and up to six rods can fish it at once, making it well suited to group days. The fishery now offers an excellent head of wild brown trout, where anglers can experience authentic Kennet trout fishing. Methods are restricted to single dry fly and traditional upstream nymph — the classic chalk stream approach — and the beat is rated suitable for beginners, with varied sections that criss-cross through classic Berkshire water meadows, making it perfect for both confident chalkstream fishermen and those easing into the sport. Spring brings olive hatches combined with grannom and hawthorn, while the mayfly can be impressive, followed by good evening fishing through summer as caddis flies gather. The mayfly hatch arrives comparatively late compared to other rivers, with the best sport often found in the first weeks of June. Keep an eye out for the Kennet Greenback — a green-flanked, near-spotless brown trout found nowhere else on the chalkstreams. On-site facilities include a brand-new shepherd's hut and a dedicated fishing hut for exclusive group use. Guided fishing, tackle hire, and catering from local chefs — riverbank or prepared in advance — are all available to book. Parking is on Station Road, with an alternative near the Dundas Arms, a two-minute walk from the lower end of the fishery. The estate has the unusual advantage of a train station just 64 metres from the fishery entrance, making it one of the most accessible chalk stream beats in Berkshire for those travelling without a car.

Hampshire Avon

Upper Woodford Valley Beat

Half a mile of chalk stream on the Hampshire Avon, the Upper Woodford Valley Beat sits in the Woodford Valley north of Salisbury — the stretch of river that runs through chalk down the valley toward Salisbury and one of the most historically significant reaches of fly fishing water in England. The upper Avon through the Woodford Valley was home to Frank Sawyer and Oliver Kite, and it is from their observations on this river that numerous fly fishing innovations emerged that continue to shape the sport worldwide. The beat is bank-only, available to one or two rods, and fished entirely catch and release. Brown trout and grayling are the target species, with light stocking supplementing a resident population of fish. The season opens on 15 April in time for early hatches of grannom and large dark olives, and the Avon is known for consistently good fly hatches — particularly the mayfly (Green Drake), which once started can continue for many weeks. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, with the mayfly running from mid-May into early June. All the usual upwinged flies are present throughout the season. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted, making this a versatile beat that suits upstream dry fly in the calmer summer months and induced-take nymph tactics as the season progresses toward the 30 September close. A 9-foot rod in a 4- or 5-weight is the standard choice for this type of water. The beat is rated beginner-friendly, with open bank access and straightforward wading-free fishing making it a sound introduction to chalk stream fly fishing. On-site amenities include a fishing shelter, outside furniture, and tea and coffee facilities — practical comforts that make a full day on the bank comfortable regardless of the weather.

River Anton

Westover Fishery Beat 1

Westover Fishery Beat 1 sits on the Westover Estate, which holds 2.3 miles of the River Anton — a chalk stream in Hampshire that rises in Andover and flows southwards for approximately eight miles to meet the River Test near Chilbolton. The estate's fishing runs through wide shallow sections and deep narrow cuts passing through old water meadows, and Beat 1 benefits from easy car access. The river here is compact enough that fishing is entirely from the bank, as a moderately competent fly fisher can reach any part of the river. The Anton at Westover is stocked with brown trout reared locally at the Houghton Club, alongside a good population of wild trout. The river is known for its prolific fly life — lush beds of ranunculus are shaped through the season and support an abundance of fly life, with good hatches visible almost year-round. Mayfly hatches start around 15th May and continue into the first week of June, while from mid-morning through to mid-afternoon small olives trickle off the surface later in the season, with sedge hatches continuing into the evenings. The main season runs from mid-April to the beginning of October, with upstream dry fly only until 30th June. A single-bank beat fished upstream on a dry fly, Beat 1 suits those new to chalk stream fishing — the open bank and clear, crystal water make it a fine sight-fishery where you can target specific fish. A 9ft rod in a 4- or 5-weight is ideal for the intimate scale of the Anton. A maximum of two rods per beat applies, keeping the water uncrowded. The river joins the Test near Chilbolton, placing this beat firmly in the heart of Hampshire chalk stream country.

River Anton

Westover Fishery Carrier Beat

The Carrier Beat forms part of the Westover Fishery, which comprises 2.3 miles of the River Anton and about a mile of back-stream. The Anton is a Hampshire chalk stream that rises in Andover and flows southwards for approximately eight miles, passing through the villages of Upper Clatford, Goodworth Clatford and Cottonworth before meeting the Test just below Chilbolton — putting the fishery roughly two miles above that confluence. The carrier itself is a classic piece of chalk stream back-water: narrower and more intimate than the main river, with the clear, alkaline water and dense ranunculus beds typical of the Anton system. Exceptionally clean water rises from the chalk aquifer, and the rich weed growth supports a wide variety of insect life throughout the season. The Anton at Westover is stocked with brown trout reared locally at the Houghton Club, and there is also a good population of wild trout. The river is known for its prolific fly life, and during spring and summer the trout feed on floating insects that hatch throughout the day, creating consistent opportunities for the dry-fly angler. The main season runs from mid-April to the beginning of October, with upstream dry fly only until 30th June. The carrier's compact width and open banks make it well suited to beginners — a single-handed 8–9ft rod and a short, accurate cast will cover the water comfortably. Fishing is entirely from the bank, as the river is narrow enough to reach any lie without wading; wading would only muddy the clear water and damage the banks. Access is via the M3 and A303 west to Andover, leaving at the A3057 Stockbridge turning and heading south before turning into Goodworth Clatford. The river runs crystal clear for almost the whole season, making it a genuine sight-fishery where individual rising fish can be targeted. Anglers new to chalk stream fishing will find the carrier a forgiving introduction to upstream dry fly: open casting lanes, visible fish, and reliable daytime hatches from grannom in April through mayfly in May and blue-winged olive into autumn.

Hampshire Avon

Wilsford Manor Estate Beat

The Wilsford Manor Estate beat offers approximately one mile of double-bank dry fly and nymph fishing on the Hampshire Avon, set in the Woodford Valley, upstream of Salisbury — the part of the river widely regarded as holding the best trout fishing on the Avon. The river runs wide for this stretch of the upper Avon, with some notably deep water that holds large fish. A former mill leat, naturally deep in places, with comprehensive bank restoration that has created additional holding pools. Brown trout range from small wild fish to genuine double-figure specimens, with the beat moderately stocked with fish of around 2lbs that grow quickly in these food-rich chalk stream waters. A strict catch-and-return policy for all fish above 15 inches means brown trout of 10lbs or more are not uncommon. Mayfly on this stretch are generally prolific and continue for a much longer period than on most rivers — typically from mid-May and often lasting through to the end of July. The season opens on 15 April in time for hatches of grannom and large dark olives, with consistently good fly life throughout. The beat suits beginners and developing anglers well: the double-bank access and varied water give plenty of room to work, and fish are visible and numerous. Fishing is available for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 rods per day. The season runs from 15 April to 30 September, with fishing from 9am to 7pm. The riverbank fishing cabin provides indoor and outdoor seating, a barbecue, a well-stocked fridge, hot and cold drinks, satellite TV, and shelter from the weather, with lavatory and changing facilities in an adjoining hut. Parking is a short walk from the water.