Wild Trout Fishing on Unstocked Beats

River Test

Chilbolton Fishing Beat

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

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.

Hampshire Avon

Coombe Mill

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

River Dove

Cotton's Fishing Temple

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

River Allen

Deans Court

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

River Meon

Exton Manor Farm

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

River Allen

Hemsworth Huts

Around half a mile of single-bank dry fly and nymph water on the River Allen, Hemsworth Huts sits within one of the most secluded chalk stream valleys in Dorset. The Allen rises as a winterbourne on the chalk downland of Cranborne Chase and flows southwards through Wimborne St Giles, and of all the English chalk streams it is one of the most private, with nearly its entire length under the ownership of just two large estates. The river here is narrow and intimate, with an abundance of macrophytes — principally common water-crowfoot (*Ranunculus aquatilis*) — supporting rich fly life and gin-clear water that rewards careful approach work. The beat is rated expert-level, suited to anglers comfortable with tight, overgrown banks and selective fish. The Allen has a well-established reputation as an excellent fishery carrying good stocks of wild brown trout, alongside grayling and indigenous coarse fish. All fish are returned. The trout season opens in April with the grannom hatch dominating the early weeks; mayfly follows from late May into June, with summer bringing olives, sedges, ants and daddy long legs. Upstream dry fly is the primary method, with nymphing coming into its own through mid-summer and into the grayling months. One or two rods fish the beat; the season runs 1 April to 30 September. The beat is booked as an overnight package covering both shepherd's huts, with car parking, a wood-fired hot tub, BBQ, fire pit and fishing hut on site. Pricing runs from £532 for a shoulder-season weekend (two nights, Friday–Sunday) to £801 for a peak midweek stay (three nights, Monday–Thursday). No wi-fi and limited mobile signal keep the focus where it belongs.

River Frome

Ilsington

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

Hampshire Avon

Upavon Farm

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

River Allen

Wimborne St. Giles (Village Water)

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

River Kennet

Avington Estate Beat

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

River Kennet

The Old Mill

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

Hampshire Avon

Avon Beat

Avon Beat covers 3 miles of single-bank fly fishing on the Hampshire Avon, managed by Manningford Trout Fishery in Wiltshire. Below the confluence of the East and West Avon, the river runs through chalk down the valley, producing the clear, gravel-bedded water that defines this stretch. The beat fishes as a genuine chalk stream from early summer onwards, though persistent heavy rain early in the season can leave the river a little coloured; it clears quickly, and from summer through to the end of the season the water clarity is comparable to that of many chalk streams. The Hampshire Avon is fly-only water for Grayling, Brown Trout, open from 1 April to 30 September for trout. The season opens in time to meet hatches of grannom and large dark olives, and consistently good mayfly (Greendrake) hatches, which once started can continue for many weeks, make the river a firm favourite for fly fishermen. Wading is permitted, which helps on a single-bank beat of this length, and the difficulty rating suits an angler who is comfortable reading water independently and covering fish without a guide. The clarity of the water means that both trout and grayling fishing often involves sight fishing for individual fish. All fish are returned. Rules are straightforward: fly only, single hook to a maximum size 8, and a minimum leader of 6lb. Rods of between 7½ and 9 feet rated from 3 to 5 weight lines are the norm, with the longer and slightly heavier outfits suiting the wider stretches of the Avon. A fishing hut and toilets are available on the beat. Day tickets start at £60, with a half-day option also available. Grayling fishing is priced separately at £40 for a full day.

River Itchen

Salmon Beat

One of three salmon beats on the Lower Itchen Fishery, this bank-only stretch of Hampshire chalk stream sits just one mile above the tidal limit, placing it squarely in the path of fresh-run fish moving upriver from Southampton Water. From June through to the end of September, sea-liced salmon enter the river on a daily basis, and grilse average an impressive 7 to 8 lb. Brown trout and sea trout round out the quarry, with the beat open from 1 March to 30 September on a fly-only, catch-and-release basis. The water is keepered specifically to suit salmon, with deep channels cut through beds of potamogeton and lies engineered using groynes and boulders on the riverbed. The clear chalk-filtered current means fish are often visible, and the induced-take method using a heavily weighted nymph has proven effective, with anglers describing the sight of a salmon chasing a nymph to the surface as "heart stopping." Insect hatches, particularly blue-winged olive and sedge, are prolific and support good dry fly sport for brown trout throughout the season, with the Grannom, Hawthorn and Mayfly following in succession through spring. Day tickets run from £87 per single rod in early spring to £167 in August and September, with season rod options also available. A total catch-and-release policy for salmon applies across the fishery. A ghillie service is available on request, tackle hire can be arranged, and a fishing lodge with kitchen, bankside huts and BBQ facilities are on hand. Disabled access is suitable throughout.

River Test

Beat Three - Wherwell Estate

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

River Meon

Meon Meadows

River Test

The Lower beat

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

River Lambourn

Bagnor Fishery

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

Candover Brook

Candover Brook – Lower Candover Beat

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

Candover Brook

Candover Brook – Upper Candover Beat

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

River Kennet

Craven Fishery Beat

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

River Alre

Drove Lane Beat

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

River Itchen

Elm Stream Beat

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

River Nadder

Hurdcott Estate Beat

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

River Test

Nursling Mill Trout Beat

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

River Test

Testwood Beat

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

River Dun

The Blue Pool Beat

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

River Itchen

The Easton Beat

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

River Test

The Greyhound Beat

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

River Test

The Little River Beat

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

River Itchen

The Shallows Beat

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