Fishing Beats with Ghillie Available
30 chalk stream fishing beats where a ghillie is available to guide your day. Expert local knowledge on the riverbank. Use the filters below to refine by river, price, or availability, or switch to the map view to see locations.
30 beats
River Test
Mayfly beat
Beat 1 — the Mayfly Beat — sits at the top of Leckford Estate's river fishing on the middle Test in Hampshire, offering double-bank access on the main river and single-bank fishing on a carrier. The River Anton joins the Test 100 metres downstream from the Mayfly pub, and anglers can fish upstream to the Cattle Drink; the beat hut sits directly over the footbridge at this confluence. The Anton contributes clear spring water running over bright gravel and ranunculus beds, and from below Fullerton the main river widens into a variety of habitats — deep pools, long glides, and weed ribbons — alongside the carrier channels. The chalk stream's nutrient-rich water supports brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, with an extensive aquatic larder — mayfly, olives, and shrimp — that keeps fish in good condition and free-rising to a well-presented dry fly. The beat is rated suitable for beginners and takes up to two rods, making it a manageable introduction to chalk stream dry fly and nymph fishing. The mayfly hatch runs from mid-May to early June, and the summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials through to the season close. June sees Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives come through in numbers, with longer days rewarding an early start or a late finish. The beat's name reflects just how productive this stretch is during the mayfly fortnight, when trout feed confidently on duns and spent flies in the slacker water near the confluence. The season runs 30 April to 14 October, with day rod prices of £260 in the main season and £315 during the mayfly period. Access is via the Mayfly pub car park — by kind permission of the landlord, with one car only and parking away from the pub entrance — and fishing does not begin before 9:30am. A 9- or 10-foot rod for a 4- or 5-weight line handles most conditions on the main river; a lighter 3- or 4-weight suits the carrier. The estate's head riverkeeper and team are on hand to assist visiting rods, and qualified tuition is available from Rob, Neil, and Andy on both river and lakes. Equipment hire, ghillie service, and online booking are all available through Leckford Estate, with dining at Leckford Abbas Hotel and lodge hire at Longstock Park for those making a longer stay.
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
Alder Stream
Alder Stream is one of four beats within the Kimbridge Meadow Fishery, formed in the early 1980s when water from the main River Test was diverted through water meadows and woodland in the heart of Hampshire's Test Valley. Kimbridge sits between Romsey and Stockbridge on a prime stretch of the river known as the Middle Test. The beat offers double-bank access, and across the whole Meadow Fishery there are 2.17 miles of fishable riverbank in total. The carriers snake through woodland and water meadows, giving Alder Stream a sheltered, intimate character that suits anglers who want to fish without distraction. The water holds both brown and rainbow trout, with moderate stocking supplementing a resident wild population. Kimbridge is predominantly an upstream dry fly fishery, with upstream nymphs permitted from 1st August. On the Test, 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 — all well represented on this stretch. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, and the clear chalk-filtered water allows excellent visibility of the riverbed and the fish holding over it, making it well suited to the classic chalk stream approach of spotting and presenting to a rising trout. All wild brown trout and any fish under two pounds must be returned; fishing off bridges is not permitted. Up to four rods can fish on a standard day (£125 per rod), or the beat can be taken exclusively for a private group at £750. Wildlife throughout the day includes deer, kingfishers, red kites, and buzzards. Facilities are well appointed: there is a fishing hut, clubhouse, picnic bench, BBQ area, riverside benches, casting lakes, toilets, and ample parking. The Farmhouse at Kimbridge, situated on the riverbank, offers seven double bedrooms each with en-suite bathroom, alongside a mill cottage, making it a practical base for a multi-day visit. Ghillie services are available on request. The season runs 1 May to 12 October.
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 Test
Cottage Stream
Cottage Stream is a true carrier of the River Test, formed when water from the main river was diverted through water meadows and woods in the early 1980s to create the Kimbridge Meadow Fishery. Of the four beats that make up the fishery — Cottage Stream, Garden Stream, Alder Stream and Woodland Stream — Cottage Stream is the only single-bank beat, giving it a more intimate, secluded character than its neighbours. Kimbridge sits between Romsey and Stockbridge on what is known as the Middle Test, one of the most productive and well-managed stretches in Hampshire. The beat holds both brown and rainbow trout on a moderately stocked basis, and the water is clear enough to see the riverbed and the fish almost everywhere, making sight-fishing to rising trout the defining experience here. Fly fishing is dry fly and nymph only, with upstream dry fly the primary method, nymphs permitted from 1st August. The season runs 1 May to 12 October. Early season hatches on the Test include Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn, with blue-winged olive dominating through the summer months and evening rises from late June through to September regularly producing a concentrated hour of activity as the light fades. All wild brown trout and any fish under two pounds must be returned; fishing off bridges is forbidden. Up to four rods can fish on a standard day ticket at £125 per rod, or the beat can be taken as a private group for £750. The Test at Kimbridge supports one of the richest faunas of any lowland river in England, with over 100 plant species recorded on the banks and 232 invertebrate taxa in the river, alongside breeding kingfishers, grey wagtails and little grebes. Facilities are well appointed: a clubhouse is available for anglers to meet and debrief, and the Farmhouse on the banks of the Test offers seven double en-suite bedrooms for those making a longer stay of it. A fishing hut, toilets, riverside benches, BBQ area, casting lakes and ghillie services round out the on-site offer. A 9-ft, 4-weight rod is well suited to this intimate carrier water.
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 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
Garden Stream
Garden Stream is one of four beats within the Meadow Fishery at Kimbridge on the Test, situated between Romsey and Stockbridge on a prime stretch of the middle River Test in Hampshire. Created in the early 1980s, the stream was formed by diverting water from the main River Test through water meadows and woods, giving it the intimate, sheltered character of a classic chalk stream carrier. The beat offers double-bank fly fishing throughout, with a total of 2.17 miles of riverbank across the Meadow Fishery shared between up to four rods on any given day. Brown and rainbow trout are the quarry here, with moderate stocking supplementing resident fish. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year, widely considered the finest month on the Test, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through in numbers. Flies for the Test run to olives, caddis, and terrestrials across the season, and nymphing with shrimp imitations is also productive — both dry fly and nymph are permitted here. All wild brown trout and any fish under two pounds must be returned; fishing off bridges is not permitted. The beat suits beginners well, with clear chalk stream water and kingfishers, red kites, and deer regularly seen throughout the day. Day tickets are priced at £125 per rod, with a private group day available at £750 for exclusive use. Up to four individual rods can book on a standard day. Individuals or groups can book fishing days and feel totally secluded. The fishery is well appointed, with a fishing hut, mill cottage accommodation, clubhouse, toilets, ample car parking, riverside benches, a picnic area with BBQ, casting lakes for warm-up practice, and ghillie services available on request. The season runs 1 May to 12 October.
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
Leckford Beat 2
Beat 2 at Leckford Estate Fishing covers roughly half a mile of double-bank water on the River Test in Hampshire, but its character is defined less by the main river than by its carrier. The beat is primarily carrier fishing from the right-hand bank, with an additional 150 metres of left-hand bank on the main Test. That carrier demands a different approach entirely — tight lines, low profiles, and careful reading of the water — making this one of the more technically absorbing beats on the estate. The River Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for rainbow and brown trout, as well as grayling, and all three species are present here. All estate fisheries are stocked with trout hatched and grown at Leckford itself, with moderate stocking supplementing a resident wild population. The season runs 30 April to 14 October. The mayfly period on the main Test typically begins around 15 May, and Beat 2's carrier comes alive during this hatch — fish hold confidently in the steadier flows and can be selective. June brings blue-winged olives and medium olives, and trout can become locked onto a single species, demanding precise pattern matching through the summer. The beat is accessed via the car park at North Lodge, over the long footbridge on Beat 3, and along the path to the fishing hut at the bottom of the beat. The hut serves as a quiet base for the day. The weed rack directly in front of the hut is a known holding lie for larger fish and worth watching before you cast. One or two rods only; dry fly and nymph are the permitted methods. Priced at £260 for the main season and £320 during mayfly. Accommodation is available on the estate for those wanting a longer stay.
River Test
Leckford Beat 4
Beat 4 occupies the left-hand bank of the main River Test on the Leckford Estate, situated on the middle Test north of Stockbridge in Hampshire. The Test travels through almost a thousand acres of water meadows here, and this stretch reflects that character well — a broad, moderately paced chalk stream with deep, sweeping bends and a reputation for holding fish consistently through the season. The beat fishes opposite Beat 3 and is sold on a one-to-two rod basis, keeping the water uncrowded and the experience genuinely quiet. The River Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, and all three are present on Beat 4. The deep water behind the bridge is particularly well regarded on the estate for sheltering specimen brown trout, while the beat also carries a notable population of large grayling — a bonus for anglers fishing into autumn. The season runs from late April to mid-October, with the mayfly hatch typically arriving from mid-May to early June, reflected in the beat's premium Mayfly pricing of £320 (standard days £260). April fishing is best matched with Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn patterns, while June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olive hatches to keep dry fly fishing productive well into summer. The beat suits beginners and returning anglers alike — bank-only fishing removes the complexity of wading, and moderate stocking means fish are present without the water feeling artificial. A fishing hut, toilets, and on-site accommodation are available, making Beat 4 a practical choice for a full day or an overnight trip. A 9-foot rod in a 4- or 5-weight is well suited to the main river glides; carry both dry fly and nymph options, as the chalk stream's water quality produces extensive aquatic life including mayfly, olives, and shrimp, meaning trout can grow fat on natural food and will switch between surface and sub-surface feeding depending on conditions.
River Test
Leckford Beat 5
Half a mile of double-bank main river on the Hampshire Test, Beat 5 sits within the Leckford Estate, which runs through the middle of the estate with Leckford village to the east and Longstock to the west. The right-hand bank extends to the top of Broadwater and the boundary of the estate's Water Gardens; the left-hand bank reaches the Ash Tree, where it meets Beat 4. The focal point is a fishing hut positioned on Cabbage Island — named for the native Butterburs that line its banks in spring — with a deep, sweeping pool directly in front that holds fish consistently through the season and produces reliable evening rises. The River Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for rainbow and brown trout, as well as grayling, and Beat 5 carries all three. Stocking is moderate, with all fish hatched and grown on the Leckford Estate itself. The beat is fly-only — dry fly and nymph — and is rated suitable for beginners, making it a sound choice for anglers new to chalk stream fishing. April sees hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn, while the mayfly period on the main Test typically begins around 15 May. June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives, with evening rises extending well into the summer months. The season runs 29 April to 14 October, with one or two rods on the water at any time. Day rod prices are £260 in the main season and £320 during the mayfly window. The fishing HQ is positioned at the Farm Shop and Nursery site in Longstock, providing a central meeting point to check rules, sign in, and meet the river-keeping team. The beat also has its own fishing hut and toilet facilities on-island, and accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer stay.
River Test
Leckford Beat 6
Beat 6 covers just under half a mile of double-bank chalk stream on the River Test within the Leckford Estate, a well-managed Hampshire fishery that holds sixteen beats across eleven miles of the Test's most productive water. The beat offers both banks of the main river plus two sections of carrier stream; the main river runs fairly shallow before deepening from the second side bridge down to the pool on Beat 7, while the carriers provide interesting fishing and are always worth exploring. Access is straightforward: park through the gates at Leckford Abbas and follow the track off the Testway to the fishing hut, which is shared with the adjacent Broadwater Beat. The water holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, all stocked with fish hatched and grown on the estate itself. Rated suitable for beginners, the shallower upstream sections offer clear sight-fishing over gravel, while the deepening glide toward the Beat 7 boundary gives more experienced nymph anglers something to work with. The hatch calendar runs from hawthorn in late April through the mayfly from mid-May to early June, with a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials carrying the summer. June brings blue-winged olives and medium olives, and the final weeks of the trout season in early October can produce excellent fishing as cooling temperatures push fish into an aggressive pre-spawning feed. The beat is fly-only — dry fly and nymph — and is sold as a one- or two-rod day. The season runs 29 April to 14 October, priced at £260 for a standard day and £320 during the mayfly window. A fishing hut with toilet facilities is on site, and accommodation is available on the estate for those planning an overnight stay. Anglers should disinfect boots and nets at the fishing HQ before heading to the beat, in line with the estate's biosecurity requirements.
River Test
Leckford Beat 7
Beat 7 on the Leckford Estate offers just under half a mile of double-bank fly fishing on the River Test in Hampshire, combining a small carrier stream with a full main-river section. Access is from the A3057 coming from Leckford, via a track that runs parallel to the road before the Golf Course entrance. The beat comprises main river and carrier, with the carrier fished from the right-hand bank and a small pool halfway up worth working carefully for resting fish; the path then leads to the bottom of the main river and the fishing hut. The main river section is fished from either bank and suits dry fly and nymph on one to two rods. The main river shallows upstream but deepens from the second side bridge down to the pool at the Beat 7 boundary — a fast-water run where a G&H Sedge will often catch in the fast water at the pool. Brown and rainbow trout are the primary quarry, with grayling also present. All fish are hatched and grown on the estate itself, with moderate stocking keeping the water productive without feeling artificial. The season opens with large dark olives, grannom caddis and hawthorn in April, the mayfly arrives in May, and June brings blue-winged olives and medium olives — the BWO in particular can make trout highly selective through summer. The hawthorn hatch falls in late April and the mayfly from mid-May to early June, with a Mayfly Season day rod priced at £320 and the main season at £260. Rated suitable for beginners, Beat 7 is a forgiving introduction to chalk stream technique without sacrificing the quality of water. The surrounding water meadows form part of the Test Valley SSSI, giving a genuinely special environment in which to cast a dry fly to estate-reared brown and rainbow trout. A fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site, and accommodation is available on the estate for those wanting to extend their visit. A 9-ft 5-weight is the practical choice for the main river; drop to a 3- or 4-weight for the intimate carrier.
River Test
Leckford Beat 8
Beat 8 at Leckford Estate Fishing offers one of the more varied configurations on this stretch of the Hampshire Test — both banks of the main river plus the carrier known as the Old Test. The estate sits with Leckford village to the east and Longstock to the west, and Beat 8's main river section runs upstream from the left bank toward the bridge marking the boundary with Beat 7, where inviting shallows give way to deeper water. The Old Test carrier, fished from the right bank, is a more intimate proposition — a mix of fast riffles and undercut glides that demands a careful approach. A deep pool behind the footbridge at the top of the beat is a reliable holding lie for larger brown trout. The beat is also a good spot to watch hobby falcons catching mayflies during the early summer hatch. May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year, and the season runs through to 14 October. As August slips into September, fresh hatches of olives arrive, including the Blue Winged Olive (BWO), whose evening spinner falls bring the shallower main river sections alive. Nymph fishing proves useful on bright summer days when nothing is rising. All estate fisheries are stocked with trout hatched and grown at Leckford, with Beat 8 carrying a moderate stock of brown and rainbow trout alongside resident grayling. The beat suits beginners well, with open banks and readable water, though the carrier rewards a stealthier presentation. One or two rods fish the beat from 29 April to 14 October, fly only — dry fly and nymph. Day tickets are priced at £260. Access is via the track off the A3057 from the Leckford village direction, before the golf course entrance, with parking adjacent to a shared riverside hut with toilet facilities. Accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer visit.
River Test
Leckford Beat 9
Beat 9 sits on the middle River Test at Leckford Estate, one of eleven miles of the Test's most sought-after fishing water, divided across sixteen beats in the heart of the Hampshire chalk stream valley. The beat covers both banks of the main river and the right-hand bank of a parallel carrier, with the main channel deepest in its top third — the water behind the footbridge and in front of the shared hut is well-known on the estate as a reliable lie for a large brown trout. The carrier runs alongside the main flow before finishing at a pool behind the shared hut, offering a more intimate, short-range contrast to the open main river. The Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream water provides the perfect habitat for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, and Beat 9 holds all three. The beat is rated for experienced anglers — the deeper main channel demands accurate presentation and a considered approach to reading the water. Dry fly and nymph are the only permitted methods. Flies for the Test in the early season include the Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn; the mayfly runs from mid-May to early June, commanding a premium day rate of £320, while June brings Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives, with longer days and brighter skies making early mornings and late evenings the most productive windows. The beat is also a noted spot for watching hobby falcons hunting mayflies on the wing during peak summer hatches. The season runs 29 April to 14 October, with one to two rods at £260 per day outside the mayfly period. Access is via a private track off the A3057 from the Leckford village direction, before the golf course entrance. A shared fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site, and accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer visit.
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
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 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
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
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.
River Test
Waterwheel Beat
The Waterwheel Beat sits on the middle River Test at Leckford Estate, north of Stockbridge in Hampshire — one of sixteen beats spread across eleven miles of the Test, with a mix of single and double-bank configurations offering varied conditions throughout the system. This is a bank-fishing-only beat on the main river, characterised by the wide, open glides and clear chalk-filtered water typical of the middle Test, with a long footbridge providing both access to the far bank and an elevated vantage point for spotting fish holding in the current. The river's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters hold brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, with the beat carrying a moderate stocking programme to complement resident fish. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings and terrestrials — arguably the finest month on the water, with fish feeding heavily in more favourable conditions. Through summer, caddis, olives, and terrestrials keep fish looking up, while nymph fishing comes into its own during quieter midday periods. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, making it a practical first introduction to chalk stream dry fly technique. The season runs 30 April to 14 October, with day rod prices of £260 in the main season and £320 during the mayfly window. A fishing hut and on-site toilet facilities are available bankside, and accommodation is offered on the estate, making an overnight stay straightforward for those travelling from further afield. A 9-foot rod for a 4- or 5-weight line handles most conditions here; fine tippets are advisable given the clarity of the water.
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
Kimbridge on the Test
Sitting on a prime stretch of the middle River Test between Romsey and Stockbridge, Kimbridge on the Test manages seven miles of fishable bank as a purist fishery, adhering to upstream dry fly fishing. Upstream nymphs are permitted from 1st August. The fishery is divided into four named beats — Cottage Stream, Alder Stream, Woodland Stream, and Garden Stream — spread across the River Test and the River Dun, set within 400 acres of Hampshire countryside in the heart of the Test Valley. The chalk stream character of the water — alkaline, clear, and flowing consistently over clean gravel beds — makes it well suited to sight fishing for brown trout. The trout season runs from 1st May until mid-October, with grayling fishing available for club members by prior arrangement. Day tickets, syndicate membership, tuition, and equipment hire are all available. A clubhouse gives anglers somewhere to meet between sessions, and experienced river keepers are on hand to offer advice and ghillie services. Overnight stays are catered for by the Farmhouse, originally built in the 1940s on the banks of the Test, which comprises seven double bedrooms each with an en-suite bathroom, as well as Mill Cottage. Fishing huts sit on the riverbank, and casting lakes on the estate make Kimbridge a practical base for both first-time chalk stream visitors and returning rod holders.
River Test
Leckford Estate Fishing
Sitting on the middle River Test, north of Stockbridge, Leckford Estate Fishing is managed as part of the John Lewis Partnership and offers one of the most accessible stretches of Hampshire chalk stream fly fishing available on day ticket. Eleven miles of the River Test are covered across nine bookable beats, with both single and double bank options and clear, nutrient-rich water holding brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling. The Test at this point is not a single channel — carriers, side streams, and the main river run in parallel, giving each beat its own character, from carrier-focused beats with shorter main river sections to double-bank main river with shallow glides deepening into holding pools. A team of full-time riverkeepers maintains the fishery, which sits within the Test Valley SSSI, surrounded by water meadows and reed beds. Visiting anglers can book day tickets or membership, and the estate supports beginners and improvers with tuition and beginners' courses on the lakes. Two stillwater options — Testside Lakes and Longstock Park Lake — round out the offer, with fishing lodges at each. Equipment hire, ghillie services, accommodation, and corporate packages are also available, making Leckford Estate a practical base for a full chalk stream trip in Hampshire.