Dog-Friendly Fishing Beats
33 fishing beats on England's chalk streams that welcome dogs. Day tickets where you can bring your dog to the riverbank. Use the filters below to refine by river, price, or availability, or switch to the map view to see locations.
33 beats
River Dever
Bullington Manor Beat 4
Half a mile of fly-only chalk stream on the River Dever near Bullington in Hampshire, Beat 4 offers bank-fished access to one of the Test's most intimate and characterful tributaries. The Dever rises near West Stratton and flows for nearly ten miles before joining the main Test between Wherwell and Barton Stacey — and the Bullington stretch sits in the middle of that run, where the river retains a narrow, enclosed character that rewards careful approach. Like the other upper Test tributaries, the Dever 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. The beat holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, and is heavily stocked through the season. Fly fishing is dry fly and nymph only. The river carries good hatches of the main groups of upwinged flies, and in recent years grannom have reportedly made a reappearance. The mayfly hatch in late May and early June is the headline event — reflected in the premium Mayfly Season day ticket of £395 — while the Dever comes alive during evening hatches of olives through summer and into autumn. As August gives way to September, cooler conditions spur fresh hatches including the blue-winged olive, keeping dry fly fishing productive well into the back end. Grayling fishing extends the season to 13 December, with day tickets from £125. The beat is rated Explorer level — accessible to improving anglers, though the Dever's narrow, enclosed character demands stealth, light tackle, and precise upstream presentations. Up to six rods can fish the beat on any given day, and a fishing hut provides shelter and a base for the day. A 9ft 3- or 4-weight rod with a long, fine leader is the standard setup. The season opens 20 April, with day tickets ranging from £175 in the trout and grayling period to £395 during mayfly. The Dever is within easy reach of London and many of the main towns across southern England.
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
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 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 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 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 Test
Grove Beat
The Grove Beat occupies roughly 0.6 miles of the lower River Test on the Broadlands Estate in Hampshire, just downstream from the town of Romsey. It sits as the lowest of the three trout beats on the estate, and the Test at this point is quite wide and deep in parts, with a fast flow that sets it apart from the more intimate upper valley. As the season progresses and flows drop back, the beat settles into lovely pools and long riffles. Up to three rods fish the beat, with double-bank access giving good coverage of the water. Brown trout and grayling are the primary quarry, with Atlantic salmon and sea trout also present on the estate. The fish population includes both wild and stocked trout and grayling, with an average size of around 1–2 lb, though larger specimens can be found in the deeper pools. Early season anglers will typically favour nymphing, though there can be good hatches of large dark olives, grannom, iron blue dun and hawthorn that bring fish up to the dry fly. Like much of the Test, Broadlands sees big mayfly hatches, and this far down the valley they tend to arrive a little earlier — usually from the first weeks of May, with the main spectacle through mid to late May. As cooler weather moves in and weed beds die back, the beat becomes a productive destination for shoaling grayling, with clean gravel runs and good pace offering prime nymph fishing. Fishing runs from 3 April to 15 October, upstream dry fly and nymph only, with flies kept to natural imitations and hook sizes no larger than 10. Two stocked trout of 14 inches and above may be killed per rod per day, with catch and release thereafter for up to four additional fish; all wild fish must be returned. A 9–10 ft rod for a 4–5 weight line suits most conditions, though the fast, deep water rewards heavier nymphs, particularly earlier in the season. The beat is rated suitable for beginners and is well set up for a day visit, with a fishing hut and toilet facilities on site. Ghillying can be arranged with the riverkeeper. Day rods run from £220 in early and late season to £300 at peak, with fortnightly rod options also available for those wanting a longer stay.
River Test
Home Beat
Sitting on the middle Test, south of Houghton, the Home Beat is the flagship stretch of Bossington Estate's six-beat fishery on the River Test in Hampshire. The estate sits immediately below the hallowed Houghton Club water, placing this beat in one of the most historically significant reaches of any chalk stream in England. The river here was the haunt of fishing nobility such as Halford and Skues, and the water reflects that legacy — clear, spring-fed, and carrying the characteristic steady flow of a well-managed middle Test main river. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the primary quarry, with grayling also present. Fishing is fly only — dry fly, nymph, and emerger — on a strict catch-and-release basis, with moderate stocking supplementing a resident wild population. The season opens in April with large dark olives, grannom caddis, and hawthorn on the water, before May brings the first mayfly hatch alongside other upwings. The mayfly period on the main Test typically starts around 15 May, and a dedicated Mayfly Season day rod is priced at £398, reflecting the quality of sport on offer. Standard rods run at £328 from 13 April to 11 October, with up to twelve rods on the beat. The beat is bank fishing only, making it accessible to beginners, and GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are available for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting. The Victorian thatched fishing hut on the Home Beat can host a full catered three-course lunch for groups of six or more rods, and sits with commanding views downstream along the beat. High-quality tackle, clothing, sunglasses, and flies are available to hire from the estate, making this a practical choice for visiting anglers travelling light. Accommodation is available on the estate, and Bossington is located just downstream of Stockbridge, with easy road access from the south and midlands.
River Test
Home Stream Beat
Home Stream Beat sits on the middle River Test at Bossington Estate in Hampshire, immediately below the Houghton Club water, offering a varied mix of main river and carrier fishing that suits a wide range of conditions. The Test at this point is not a single channel — it runs as an amalgam of main river, carriers and side streams, sometimes two or three running parallel, and Home Stream makes the most of that character: deep holding pools above the historic sluice give way to a lively main carrier connecting the Old Stews Beat to the lower Home water, giving the rod a genuine change of pace within a single day. The season opens in April with hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn, before May brings the mayfly — the most anticipated hatch on the Test — alongside other upwings and terrestrials. June sees Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives come through, and a strong population of freshwater shrimp means nymph fishing with shrimp imitations can be productive throughout. The beat holds brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling and wild fish, lightly stocked and fished entirely catch-and-release. Trout here are free-rising to a well-presented dry fly, and the beat is rated suitable for beginners — particularly given that GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are available for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting. Full equipment hire — rods, reels, lines, flies, clothing and polarised sunglasses — is available, so arriving without a full kit is no barrier. Day rod prices run from £328 in the early and main season to £398 during mayfly, with up to twelve rods on the water. A fishing hut and toilets are on site, and catering and corporate day packages are available.
River Test
House Beat
Sitting at the confluence of the River Test and Wallop Brook, between the Home Beat and Bossington Mill, the House Beat occupies one of the more characterful positions on the middle Test in Hampshire. The Georgian Bossington House, framed by cedars of Lebanon and set against west-facing water meadows, forms the backdrop — a pastoral setting that gives the beat a strong sense of place. An 800-metre length of chalk stream habitat was restored on the House and Home beats as part of a significant river restoration project, replacing degraded, canal-like flows with streaming flows and beds of water-crowfoot over a gravel substrate. The beat offers a mix of manicured Test fishing and additional sport from a small island that carries terrestrial SSSI designation. The River Test is fly fished for wild brown trout, stocked rainbows, and grayling, and all three are present here. Stocking is light, with wild fish a genuine part of the catch. The season opens with Large Dark Olive, grannom caddis, and hawthorn in April; the mayfly runs from mid-May to early June, commanding its own premium price tier at £398 per rod. June brings blue-winged olives and medium olives, with dry fly and emerger fishing carrying through the summer. The beat suits beginners and those new to chalk stream fishing — GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are available for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting. The season runs 13 April to 11 October, with day rods priced at £328 in early and main season. Up to 12 rods can fish the beat, making it well-suited to corporate or group days. Access is via the back drive to a designated parking area and bespoke fishing hut; toilets, nets, and flies are also provided on-site, and accommodation is available through the estate. Bossington Estate is approximately one hour and fifty minutes' drive from central London, with rail connections via Winchester also practical.
River Test
Lee Park Beat
Lee Park Beat sits on the lower River Test, just downstream of Romsey, within the 4.5 kilometres of the river that flow through the Broadlands Estate. It is one of five named trout and salmon beats on the estate, covering just under half a mile of double-bank main river chalk stream. This section of the Test is wide, fast and varied, and as the season progresses and winter flows recede, the beat settles into lovely pools and long riffles that lend themselves well to upstream presentation. The beat fishes dry fly and nymph only, with up to three rods, and is rated suitable for beginners — the double-bank access and wading allowance giving newcomers room to find their feet. Early season typically favours nymphing, though hatches of large dark olives, grannom, iron blue dun and hawthorn can bring fish up from opening day on 3 April. The estate is well known for its mayfly hatches, and this far down the valley the hatch tends to arrive a little earlier than upstream beats, with first appearances in early May and the main event running through mid to late May. Brown trout and grayling make up the resident population, with moderate stocking supplementing wild fish; all wild fish must be returned. Grayling on the estate typically average around 1 lb, though fish close to 3 lb are caught each season. Fishing runs from 3 April to 15 October, upstream dry fly and nymph only, with natural imitation flies and a maximum hook size of 10. Two stocked trout of 14 inches and above may be killed per rod per day, with catch and release thereafter for up to four additional fish. Day rods are available from £220 in early and late season, rising to £300 at peak, with fortnightly rod options from £1,100 for a half rod. A fishing hut — the famous Nissen Hut, a long-standing retreat for Broadlands anglers — is available on site, along with toilet facilities. The estate is around one hour fifteen minutes from London Waterloo by road or train to Southampton.
River Test
Longbridge Beat
Longbridge Beat sits on the lower River Test within the Broadlands Estates Fishery, just downstream of Romsey in Hampshire — one of five named beats on a stretch where 4.5 kilometres of the Test run through the Broadlands Estate. The beat covers roughly a third of a mile of double-bank main river chalk stream, with wading permitted. Positioned on the lower Test, it offers a wonderful variety of water on the wider, lower part of the river — expect deep bends, long pools, and ranunculus-lined runs rather than the narrower, more intimate character of the upper valley. The season runs 3 April to 15 October, with brown trout and grayling as the primary quarry alongside the possibility of sea trout. Fishing is fly only — upstream dry fly and nymph — with natural imitations required and no lures. Early season on the lower Test can feel more like a salmon river than the sedate upper valley, with fast flows and boiling pools; nymphing tends to dominate, though hatches of large dark olives, grannom, iron blue dun, and hawthorn can bring fish up. Broadlands is blessed with a reliable mayfly hatch, and being lower in the valley it tends to arrive a little earlier — typically first appearing in early May, with the main spectacle through mid to late May. The fish population includes both wild and stocked trout and grayling, with an average size of around 1–2 lb, though larger specimens are found in the deeper pools. Stocking is moderate, and all wild fish must be returned. Up to three rods fish the beat at any one time. Rules require upstream dry fly and nymph only, with flies being natural imitations and hook size no greater than 10. The beat is available as both season rods and day tickets, with day rod prices ranging from £220 in early and late season to £300 at peak. Fortnightly rods are also available. Anglers have use of the Longbridge Fishing Hut with toilet facilities on site. A valid EA rod licence is required.
River Test
Lower Brook
Sitting on the middle River Test as it flows south through Mottisfont towards Kimbridge, Lower Brook is 0.6 miles of double-bank, fly-only main river chalk stream in Hampshire, set between Compton Manor and Mottisfont Abbey. The chalk stream's mineral-rich, spring-fed water maintains a clear, steady flow and cool, stable temperatures year-round, producing the kind of open, readable water that suits two to four rods fishing comfortably without crowding. Expect classic sight-fishing over ranunculus-lined gravel runs, with a mix of glides, streamy runs, and steadier pools that give the beat genuine variety across its length. The trout season runs from late April to early October, with the hawthorn hatch kicking things off in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials carrying the fishing through summer. Into July and August, blue-winged olives become the dominant hatch, and evening rises can be relied upon from late June through to early September. The beat is heavily stocked with brown trout and rated as explorer difficulty — accessible enough for a developing angler to build confidence on open chalk stream water, while the clear conditions and selective fish still reward careful presentation and accurate casting. Grayling are also present in the river, and the beat's season runs through to 23 October, offering a useful window into autumn. Rods are limited to two to four, keeping the water uncrowded. The beat is bank fishing only throughout, with no wading. A fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site, making it a practical choice for a full day or a group booking. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers most situations; carry a range of dry flies from hawthorn and grannom patterns early season through to CDC olives and elk-hair sedges for the summer months.
River Test
Middleton Estate
The Middleton Estate beat sits on the upper River Test near the village of Forton, just downstream of Longparish in Hampshire — 1.1 miles of main chalk stream fished from the bank only, taking up to three rods. The river meanders gently through the Test valley with a smooth, glassy flow that makes spotting fish straightforward, though the beat earns its adventurer rating: riverine foliage and bankside vegetation present real casting challenges, rewarding anglers who can work a fly accurately into tight lies rather than those expecting open, manicured banks. The fishery is lightly stocked and managed with a strong emphasis on wild fish. The Middleton Estate has moved away from heavy stocking to allow fish numbers to return to more natural levels, so expect a mixed bag of resident brown trout, grayling, and the occasional sea trout or salmon rather than a conveyor of freshly introduced fish. Brown trout and grayling hold visibly in water between one and three feet deep, making sight-fishing the primary approach. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through; a healthy population of freshwater shrimp means nymph patterns fished close to the bottom also account for good fish. The season runs 1 May to 30 September, with all fish returned. A 9ft 5-weight is a sensible starting point, though a shorter rod can prove an advantage given the bankside cover. Day rods are priced from £265 in late season to £451 during the mayfly window. A fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site.
River Test
Moorcourt Beat
Moorcourt is the middle of three trout beats on the lower River Test, just downstream from Romsey on the Broadlands Estate in Hampshire. The estate accounts for 4.5 kilometres of the Test's 64-kilometre length, and this section of the river is wide, fast, varied and open — quite different in character from the intimate upper reaches. At just over half a mile of double-bank main river, Moorcourt offers a generous amount of water for up to three rods, with pools and long riffles, some broken up by islands, as flows drop back through the season. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside moderately stocked trout, with sea trout and salmon also present. Both salmon and sea trout move from salt into freshwater lies in the lower reaches from spring onwards, making later-season visits particularly interesting. Trout fishing runs from 3rd April to 15th October, upstream dry fly and nymph only, with natural imitation flies and a hook size no greater than 10. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, with the mayfly following from mid-May to early June — the beat's peak season pricing of £300 per day reflects this window. Summer brings a variety of caddis, olives and terrestrials to keep fish looking up well into autumn. Sight fishing over bright gravel beds, picking out trout with a dry fly or a traditional nymph pattern between waving tails of ranunculus, is the defining experience here. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, and the open banks and double-bank access make it a forgiving introduction to chalk stream fishing. Up to a brace of stocked trout of 14 inches and above may be killed per rod per day, with catch and release thereafter for up to four additional fish. Wading is permitted in parts to give better access to rising fish. Day rods run from £220 in early and late season to £300 at peak, with fortnightly rod options available from £1,100. The famous Nissen Hut — a welcome retreat lined with photographs and trophies from visits by royalty, diplomats and film stars — serves as the shared fishing hut, with toilet facilities on site. Ghillying can be arranged with the riverkeeper, Jon Hall, who manages all three main river beats. Broadlands is around one hour fifteen minutes from London Waterloo by road or train to Southampton.
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 Test
Old Stews Beat
Sitting on the middle Test, south of Houghton, the Old Stews Beat is part of Bossington Estate's fishery, which comprises six beats on the River Test. Restored in 2015, what had been an impounded, canal-like section of the river was transformed back into a free-flowing chalk stream, with the Environment Agency noting that increased velocities and improved light now encourage a variety of chalk stream flora and fauna. The result is a feature-rich beat of varied depth and pace — pools, gravel runs, and ranunculus-lined margins — fished from the bank only, with up to twelve rods on the water across the season. The beat holds stocked brown trout from two pounds upwards, wild trout, and the occasional grayling. Fly fishing only, with dry fly, nymph, and emerger all permitted, making it well-suited to beginners working through the season's hatches. April brings large dark olives, grannom caddis, and hawthorn; May sees the first mayfly of the year alongside other upwings and terrestrials, with June adding blue-winged olives and medium olives. September sees the return of the large dark olive as the season runs through to 11 October. Day rods are priced at £328 in the early and main season, rising to £398 during the mayfly. Full equipment hire is available — rods, reels, lines, flies, vests, nets, hats, boots, and polarised sunglasses — making this a practical choice for those new to chalk stream fishing. GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are on hand for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting. A fishing hut and toilets are on site, and catering runs from picnic hampers sourced from a local deli through to full corporate days with a three-course lunch. Accommodation is available on the estate.
River Test
Rookery & Lord Louis Beat
Sitting on the lower River Test just downstream of Romsey, the Rookery & Lord Louis Beat is part of the Broadlands Estate's 4.5 miles of private chalk stream in Hampshire. This is a wide, fast and varied section of the main river — half a mile of single and double-bank water that fishes up to three rods. As the season progresses and flows drop back, the beat settles into lovely pools and long riffles, with wooden croys creating downstream scour holes that concentrate fish and give each pool a distinct character. Wading is permitted in parts, giving better access to rising trout. The beat holds native brown trout, Atlantic salmon, sea trout and grayling. Stocking is moderate, and all wild fish must be returned. Fishing runs from 3 April to 15 October on upstream dry fly and nymph only, with natural imitations on a hook no larger than size 10; up to a brace of stocked trout of 14 inches or above may be killed per rod per day, with catch and release thereafter. Early season typically favours nymphing, though steady hatches of large dark olives, grannom, iron blue dun and hawthorn can bring fish up to the dry fly. The beat is blessed with a good mayfly hatch each season; being low in the valley, it arrives a little earlier than upstream beats, with the first flies typically appearing in early May and the main hatch running through mid to late May. The beat is rated as beginner-friendly, making it a sound choice for less experienced chalk stream anglers, though the wider pools will reward a confident cast. Day rods run from £220 in the early and late season to £300 at peak, with fortnightly rods available on a shared or exclusive basis. The Nissen Hut — a well-known fixture on the estate — serves as the base for all rods, lined with photographs and fishing memorabilia. Toilets are on site. Ghillying can be arranged through the riverkeeper. A valid EA rod licence is required.
River Test
Rushams Beat
Rushams is one of the more secluded beats on the middle River Test, sitting within the Bossington Estate fishery near the village of Houghton, close to Stockbridge in Hampshire. The estate's fishing sits immediately below the hallowed Houghton Club water, and the estate as a whole offers 2.5 miles of double-bank fishing on the main river. Rushams itself is bank-only, fly-only water on the main chalk stream channel, with a mix of character that shifts as you move upstream — deeper, cooler pools in the lower half giving way to faster riffles and well-stocked runs toward the fishing hut. The beat holds stocked brown trout from two pounds upwards, wild trout, and the occasional grayling. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted, and the river fishes well across the season. In April, expect hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings and terrestrials — arguably the finest month on the water. Through summer, a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials keep fish looking up. Day rod prices run from £328 in the early and main season, rising to £398 during the mayfly window, with up to 12 rods on the beat for corporate days. GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are available for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting — making Rushams a sound choice for less experienced anglers stepping onto chalk stream water for the first time. Full equipment hire is available, covering rods, reels, lines, flies, clothing, and polarised sunglasses, so arriving without a full kit is no obstacle. A fishing hut, toilets, and catering including picnic hampers are on hand, and accommodation can be arranged through the estate. The 2026 season runs from Monday 13th April to Sunday 11th October.
River Test
School Farm
School Farm offers just under half a mile of single-bank fly fishing on a tributary of the River Test in Hampshire — the intimate, carrier-style water that characterises so much of the Test valley, where the river exists as an amalgam of main channel, tributaries, carriers, and side streams. The stream runs clear and steady year-round, as chalk streams fed primarily by aquifers show less seasonal variation in flow rate and temperature than other rivers, giving consistent conditions from the April opening through to the 4 October close. Brown and rainbow trout are both present and the beat is heavily stocked, making it a sound choice for less experienced fly fishers getting to grips with chalk stream technique. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted, and there is plenty of opportunity for each across the season. In April, expect Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn on the water. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other up-wings and terrestrials, while June sees Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives coming through. The mayfly window — priced at £559 per rod — is the most sought-after period on any Test water. On bright summer days, nymph fishing comes into its own when nothing is visibly rising. Early season rods are available from £308 and summer days from £388. The beat accommodates two to three rods, keeping the water uncrowded. A fishing cabin, WC, and car parking are all on site, so a full day's fishing needs no additional logistics. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line suits the intimate scale of tributary water well. A valid EA rod licence is required before fishing.
River Test
Tanyard's Beat
Tanyard's Beat sits on the lower River Test, just downstream of Romsey in Hampshire, forming part of the Broadlands Estate's 4.5-kilometre stretch of chalk stream. At just over half a mile of main river, the beat offers a variety of water — from deep bends and wide straights to gentle runs where fish are regularly feeding. As the season progresses and flows drop back, the beat settles into lovely pools and long riffles, and wading is permitted in parts to give better access to rising trout. The season runs 2 April to 14 October and targets brown trout, rainbow trout, and wild trout on a fly-only basis with upstream dry fly and nymph. Early season on the lower Test can mean a big, fast river — more akin to a salmon river than the sedate upper valley — with nymphing the favoured approach, though hatches of large dark olives, grannom, iron blue dun, and hawthorn can bring fish up to the surface. The beat is blessed with a reliable mayfly hatch; being this far down the valley, it tends to arrive a little earlier than upstream beats, with first appearances in early May and the main event running through mid to late May — reflected in the Mayfly Season day-rod rate of £300. The fish population includes both wild and stocked trout, with an average size of around 1–2 lb and larger specimens available in the deeper pools. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, making it a practical introduction to chalk stream fishing without sacrificing quality water. Up to three rods can fish the beat at once. Rules require upstream dry fly and nymph only, with natural imitation patterns and a maximum hook size of 10. Day-rod prices run from £220 in the early and late season to £250 through the main season. A fishing hut and toilets are on site. The estate is around an hour and fifteen minutes from London Waterloo by train to Southampton, making it a straightforward day trip from the capital.
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
Wallop Brook
Two miles of double-bank chalk stream running from its confluence with the River Test up to the village of Broughton, the Wallop Brook is a Hampshire tributary of the middle Test managed by Bossington Estate Fly Fishery, near Houghton. The beat divides into two distinct sections: the lower part flows through riparian woodland, while the upstream reach opens out across traditional ridge and furrow water meadows. The brook is narrow and intimate — a different proposition to the manicured main-river beats — and fishes like any true chalk stream, rewarding patience and stealth. The Wallop Brook is wild trout fishing with no stocking and all catch and release. Good olive hatches occur most days, and the trout, while willing to look up, sit deep and take the dry fly quickly — be prepared to miss a few. April brings Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn, while May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings — the mayfly period carries a £398 day rod rate, reflecting the quality of sport on offer. June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives, with the season running through to 31 August. The wooded lower section demands a compact casting stroke and a careful approach; a short brook rod in the 7–8 ft range suits the tighter lies. Up to 12 rods fish the brook at £328 per rod for most of the season. GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors are available for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting, making this a practical option for anglers new to wild-fish chalk stream technique. A good supply of high-quality tackle, clothing, sunglasses and flies is available to hire, and the beat has a fishing hut and toilet facilities on site. Catering and picnic hampers can be arranged, and the estate regularly hosts corporate days with full catering.
4 fisheries
River Test
Bossington Estate Fly Fishery
Sitting on the middle River Test, south of Houghton near Stockbridge, Bossington Estate lies in a catchment well known as the birthplace of dry fly fishing — it was on the banks of the River Test that Frederick Halford honed the ground-breaking thoughts that effectively invented modern dry fly fishing in the late 1800s. The fishery offers seven beats across the estate: six on the main river — Rushams, Home, Old Stews, Home Stream, House, and Old Station — plus two miles of the Wallop Brook, a lively tributary of the Test. The river beats each have their own individuality, with deep pools, riffled water and gravel beds, while the Wallop Brook fishes like a true chalk stream, rewarding patience and stealth. The iconic Home Beat is the most famous of all Bossington beats, where a Victorian thatched fishing hut offers magnificent views downstream. Every beat has its own fishing hut, and a secluded self-catering hut serves Horsebridge Lake, a spring-fed still water stocked with rainbow trout. Day tickets are available on all beats, and the estate provides GAIA and AAPGAI-qualified instructors for one-to-one or group tuition covering fly-fishing fieldcraft and casting. Equipment hire covers rods, tackle, clothing and flies, and corporate days with full catering and picnic hampers can be arranged through the estate office.
River Test
Broadlands Estates Fishing
Sitting on the lower River Test just downstream from Romsey, Broadlands Estates Fishing offers one of Hampshire's most varied chalk stream experiences. The estate carries 4.5 kilometres of the River Test, divided into six beats — three focused on trout and three on salmon, including Moorcourt, Grove, Rookery & Lord Louis, Tanyard's, Lee Park and Longbridge. This is a wide, fast and open section of river, with lovely pools and long riffles, some broken up by islands, giving each beat a distinct character. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked trout, and the salmon beats offer well-defined holding pools and taking spots. Trout fishing runs from 3rd April to 15th October, with upstream dry fly and nymph only. The estate is blessed with big mayfly hatches each season, and being lower in the valley, the hatch typically arrives a little earlier — usually from the first weeks of May through to mid to late May. In winter, grayling and pike fly fishing are also available. Day tickets, membership and tuition are on offer, with fishing huts, a lodge, parking and toilet facilities on site. The Nissen Hut, a well-known retreat for Broadlands anglers, is lined with photographs and trophies from decades of notable visits. Ghillying can also be arranged with the riverkeeper.
River Test
Timsbury Fishery
Located on the middle reaches of the world-famous River Test, perfectly situated between Romsey and Stockbridge, Timsbury Fishery offers a truly historic chalk stream fly fishing experience. Spanning over three miles of meticulously maintained water, the fishery is divided into four exclusive two-rod beats. Each beat provides a captivating variety of fishing, incorporating stretches of both the wide, glassy main river and the intimate, challenging carrier streams. Managed primarily as a highly sought-after syndicate, Timsbury also accommodates select day ticket rods and guided experiences. Anglers are treated to classic upstream dry fly and nymph fishing for exceptional wild brown trout, complemented by a careful stocking of premium rainbow and brown trout. During the winter months, the fishery transforms into a highly regarded destination for specimen grayling and quality coarse fishing. Beyond the water, Timsbury delivers a superb level of comfort and hospitality. At the heart of the estate sits a fully equipped, modern fishing lodge featuring a kitchen, secure rod room, and a spacious patio overlooking the main river—perfect for relaxing with fellow rods. With additional huts stationed strategically across the beats, Timsbury Fishery provides a complete, premium sporting day on the legendary River Test.
River Test
Wherwell Estate Fishing
Wherwell Estate Fishing sits on the upper River Test in Hampshire, within northwest Hampshire's rolling chalkland, owned and cared for by the same family for over 100 years. The fishery covers around three miles of river across open water meadows, with beats typically comprising carrier streams alongside tree-lined pools and gravel runs. Seven numbered beats are available — Beats Nine, Ten and Eleven fish the main river, while Beats Three, Four, Five and Seven cover the smaller carriers. Located on the upper Test, the river width is manageable for casting, with the majority of fishing done by overhead cast. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish. Trout fishing runs from the start of May through mid-October, with grayling fishing from mid-October through to mid-March. Day tickets and membership are both available. Each beat has its own fishing hut, suitable for a group to take lunch, and the estate also provides a lakeside fishing hut with a kitchen, catch returns folders, and electronic gates. A secluded lake stocked with rainbow trout accommodates up to six rods per day and is open for year-round booking, offering an alternative for groups or families alongside the river beats.