Fishing Beats on the River Test
Browse 55 fishing beats available on the River Test in Hampshire. Each beat lists current pricing, length, and difficulty. Read about the River Test or switch to the River Test map .
55 beats on the River Test
Beat Eleven - Wherwell Estate
Beat Eleven sits on the main channel of the River Test within the Wherwell Estate, just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire. At 0.42 miles of single-bank main river, it is one of the larger, more open beats on the estate — favoured by anglers looking for a bigger river experience compared to the narrower carriers lower in the numbering. Beats 11, 10 and 9 are on the main river, giving this stretch a character distinct from the tree-lined carrier beats: expect wider glides, clear chalk-filtered water, and fish holding in defined lies along the margins and weed edges. The beat fishes dry fly and nymph for brown trout and rainbow trout from 1 May to 15 October, with grayling available from November. Good hatches of smaller up-winged flies can be expected right from the start of the season, including medium olives and iron blues. May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other up-wings and terrestrials, while June brings blue-winged olives and medium olives. Stocking is moderate, and the river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish. The beat is rated beginner-friendly, making it a sound choice for anglers new to chalk stream fishing. It was also chosen as the location for Series 3, Episode 4 of the BBC's *Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing*, filmed during the mayfly hatch. The Wherwell Estate is in easy reach of London and many other main towns in the south of England — around one hour fifteen minutes by road or train from London Waterloo to Andover. The beat is accessed via electronic gates and comes with a fishing hut, a lakeside hut with kitchen, and a catch returns folder. Day rod pricing for the 2026 trout season is £218; grayling rods from 1 November 2026 are £85.
Beat Five - Wherwell Estate
Beat Five covers approximately 0.4 miles of the River Test on the Wherwell Estate, situated on the upper River Test just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire. Beat Five is one of the smaller carrier streams on the estate, and the water changes character along its length — open and meadow-fringed at the top, tightening into a more enclosed, shaded run lower down. Marginal cress beds kick the flow from side to side, creating varied current lanes and holding lies throughout. The beat is rated as suitable for beginners, making it a practical introduction to chalk stream fishing without sacrificing the quality of the water. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and anglers may keep a brace of stocked trout if they wish, though wild trout should be handled carefully and returned. Fishing is dry fly and small upstream nymphs only. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through. September sees the return of the large dark olive as temperatures cool, and the final weeks of the trout season into early October can produce excellent sport as fish feed hard before winter. The trout season runs 1 May to 15 October; grayling fishing starts mid-October and runs through to mid-March, with day rod prices from £85 for grayling and £218 for a trout day. The estate is easily reached from London — around one hour fifteen minutes by road or train to Andover. On the bank, each beat is serviced by its own fishing hut, suitable for the group to use for lunch. The fishery also provides a catch returns folder and access via electronic gates, keeping the day straightforward from arrival to sign-off.
Beat Four - Wherwell Estate
Situated on the upper River Test, just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire, Beat Four covers approximately 0.4 miles of carrier stream on the Wherwell Estate. Beat Four is one of several smaller carriers that make up the estate's eight-beat fishery, and its deeper, meandering character means trout hold confidently in well-defined lies — often visible from the bank before a cast is made. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and the beat is well suited to beginners getting to grips with chalk stream technique. Fishing is dry fly and small upstream nymph only, running from 1 May to 15 October. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come into their own. September sees the return of the large dark olive, and the final weeks of the season in early October can produce excellent sport as cooling temperatures push trout into an aggressive pre-spawning feed. A brace of stocked trout may be kept; wild fish should be returned carefully. Day rods are priced at £218 for the trout season (2026). Grayling fishing starts mid-October at £85 per rod from 1 November. Each beat is serviced by its own fishing hut, and the estate also provides a lakeside hut with kitchen facilities, electronic gate access, and a catch returns folder. The estate is around one hour fifteen minutes from London Waterloo by train to Andover, making it a practical day-trip destination from the capital.
Beat Nine Wherwell Estate
Running on the main River Test rather than one of the estate's smaller carriers, Beat Nine sits on the main river within the Wherwell Estate on the upper River Test, just upstream from the village of Wherwell in Hampshire. The beat covers just over a third of a mile of single-bank chalk stream — a section where traditional autumn fringing and potentially good spawning and juvenile habitat characterise the margins — making it one of the more open, less-managed stretches on the estate. The river here holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and the beat is fished on a dry fly and small upstream nymph basis throughout its season, which runs from 1 May to 15 October. The hawthorn hatch arrives in late April, the mayfly from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives, and terrestrials — September sees the return of the Large Dark Olive, and the cooling temperatures of early October can provoke trout into an aggressive feed as they build condition before spawning. A brace of stocked trout may be retained; wild trout should be handled carefully and returned. Grayling fishing is available from 1 November at £85 per rod. The trout day rod rate for 2026 is £218. The estate is easily reached from London — around an hour and fifteen minutes by road or train to Andover. On-bank amenities include fishing huts with a catch returns folder, a lakeside hut with kitchen, and electronic gate access — practical comforts that suit a full day on the water without distraction.
Beat Seven - Wherwell Estate
Beat Seven on the Wherwell Estate Fishing, near the village of Wherwell in Hampshire, is made up of two narrow parallel River Test carriers that converge at the lower end, giving a total bank length of 870 metres — just over half a mile of intimate chalk stream water. These carriers were originally part of the water meadow system, and while the fishery is stocked, the smaller channels hold a notably large population of wild brown trout. The deeper, slower character of the water provides ideal conditions for fish to hold and feed confidently, making it one of the more productive wild trout nurseries on the estate. Hatches begin from the season opener on 1 May, with medium olives and iron blue duns appearing early in the season, followed by the main mayfly event typically in the latter half of May and running into early June. The banks are well maintained by the river keeper, who manages weed cutting to encourage prolific hatches throughout the season. Dry fly and small upstream nymphs are the permitted methods, and the confined, tree-lined nature of the carriers rewards accurate, short-range casting — the upper Test's manageable width suits overhead casting well and makes Beat Seven a good choice for those newer to chalk stream fishing. Anglers may keep a brace of stocked trout; wild fish should be returned with care. The trout season runs from 1 May to mid-October, with grayling fishing available from mid-October through to mid-March. Day rod prices are £218 for trout (2026) and £85 for grayling from November 2026. Each beat is served by its own fishing hut, suitable for taking lunch. Access to the estate is via electronic gates, and catch returns folders are provided on the beat. The Wherwell Estate is within easy reach of London and the wider south of England, with Andover the nearest mainline station.
Beat Ten - Wherwell Estate
Beat Ten sits on the main River Test within the Wherwell Estate fishery, near the village of Wherwell in Hampshire's Test Valley. Beats 10 and 11 are on the main river channel, and at just over half a kilometre of double-bank water, this is one of the upper beats favoured by anglers looking for a larger river experience. The river widens noticeably here, with willow-lined banks offering access from both sides and plenty of room to work a dry fly upstream without feeling hemmed in. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish, and the beat is rated suitable for beginners — the open character of the main channel makes presentation straightforward compared to the tighter carrier beats elsewhere on the estate. Fishing is dry fly and small upstream nymphs only. From the 1st May opening, expect good hatches of smaller up-winged flies including medium olives and iron blue duns, with the main mayfly event typically starting in the latter half of the third week of May and running into early June. The riverkeeper manages weed cutting specifically to encourage prolific fly hatches throughout the season. The trout season runs 1 May to 15 October, priced at £218 per rod in 2026. Grayling fishing is available from 1 November at £85. Each beat has its own fishing hut, suitable for the group to use for lunch, and Beat Ten also benefits from access to a lakeside fishing hut with a kitchen. Electronic gates control site access. Catch returns are required and a folder is provided on the beat. Wherwell Estate is easily reached from London and many other towns in the south of England, whether by road or rail.
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.
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.
Ginger Beer
Sitting on the middle River Test at Kimbridge, Hampshire — between the towns of Romsey and Stockbridge — Ginger Beer is a third of a mile of single-bank chalk stream fishing on one of England's most historically significant rivers. The beat opens with a deep hatch pool at its head before becoming significantly shallower downstream, and away from that upper pool the river bed is clearly visible, along with the fish holding above it. The Test's high alkalinity and clarity, combined with rich aquatic insect and shrimp life, sustain a flourishing ecosystem that keeps fish in condition and feeding throughout the season. The beat holds brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling, all heavily stocked, making it well suited to anglers new to chalk stream fishing. Fishing for trout is restricted to dry fly or nymph, presented upstream only. April sees hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn, with the mayfly running from mid-May through to early June. June brings Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives, while the grayling season extends the fishing well into autumn and winter. The season runs 2 April to 13 December, with day rod prices of £250 in the main season, £300 during the mayfly window, and £95 for grayling-only days. Up to four rods can book the beat exclusively. All fishing is catch and release. A thatched fishing hut with a well-tended lawn sits right on the water, with toilet facilities on site. A 9-ft, 4- or 5-weight rod covers most situations; carry a selection of upstream nymphs alongside your dry fly box for brighter days when fish are reluctant to rise to the surface.
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.
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.
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.
Houghton Lodge – Lower Beat
Around 300 yards of main river Test at Houghton Lodge, just upstream of the village of Houghton in the Test Valley, Hampshire. The lower beat runs for approximately 350 yards on the main river channel, with fishing from the right-hand bank. The Test here is a classic middle-river chalk stream — crystal-clear, mineral-rich water with a steady flow and cool, stable temperatures — carrying good width and pace through open water meadow. The water is stocked with brown trout, and this area of the Test is also home to a good head of wild brown trout and good-sized grayling. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, making it a sound introduction to chalk stream technique without the pressure of more technical water. The season runs 1 May to 15 October, covering the full arc of the Test's best hatches: May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year, while June brings an abundance of Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives. September sees the return of the Large Dark Olive, with cooler weather and less sunlight improving the fishing. Both upstream dry fly and upstream nymph are permitted. The estate encourages the release of fish caught, and all rods are asked to fish with barbless hooks or with barbs pressed down. There is a fishing hut on the beat with chairs. Access is via Houghton Lodge Gardens, Houghton, Stockbridge, SO20 6LQ, which is well signposted from the town of Stockbridge. A single 9-ft rod in a 4- or 5-weight is ideal for the width of water here.
Houghton Lodge – Upper Beat
Houghton Lodge Estate's Upper Beat runs for half a mile along a main carrier of the River Test, just upstream of the village of Houghton in the Test Valley, Hampshire. Houghton sits roughly 1.8 miles south-west of Stockbridge, placing this beat squarely in the middle Test valley. Fishing is from the true right-hand bank only, giving a clear, uncluttered approach to the water. The Test Valley water meadows surround the carrier, offering open views and good wildlife throughout the season. The beat is stocked with brown trout from local fisheries, and this area of the Test also holds a good head of wild brown trout and good-sized grayling. The season runs from 1 May to 15 October, and the hatch calendar rewards those who plan around it. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through in numbers. September sees the return of the large dark olive, and the final weeks of the season in October can produce aggressive feeding as trout put on condition before spawning. Upstream dry fly is the primary method, with upstream nymph a useful alternative on bright summer days when surface activity is limited. The beat is rated suitable for beginners — the well-maintained banks allow for easy wading and casting, and the carrier setting keeps the water at a manageable width and pace. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers most situations here. The estate encourages the release of fish, and all rods are asked to fish with barbless hooks or with barbs pressed down. A brace of stocked trout may be kept if you wish, but wild trout should be returned carefully, and all fish under 2 lb go back. A fishing hut is available on the beat for anglers' use. The beat is accessed via Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge, which is well signposted from the town.
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.
Kimbridge Meadow Fishery
Kimbridge Meadow Fishery sits on a tranquil collection of carriers that snake around woodland and water meadows beside the River Test, between Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire — an area known as the Middle Test and one of the finest sections of the river. Created in the early 1980s, water from the main River Test was diverted through various water meadows and woods to form this fishery, giving it the intimate, manageable character of a carrier while drawing on the chalk stream's characteristic clarity and steady flow. The beat covers 2.2 miles of double-bank water, bank fishing only, and accommodates up to four rods on a day ticket at £125 per rod. The water is stocked with rainbow and blue trout on a moderate basis, making it well suited to anglers new to chalk stream fly fishing without feeling over-managed. A bag limit of two brace per person applies, with all wild fish to be returned carefully. Fly fishing only, with dry fly and nymph both permitted. On the River Test, April and early May typically bring hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom caddis and Hawthorn, while May sees the first mayfly of the year, followed in June by an abundance of Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives. On bright summer days, nymph fishing comes into its own when nothing is visibly rising. The season runs 1 May to 12 October. To ensure a worthwhile experience, the fishery limits rods to a maximum of four individuals on any day. A fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site. A 9-ft, 4-weight rod with a 9–10 ft tapered leader is the standard chalk stream setup and will cover everything this water asks of you.
Leckford Beat 10
Beat 10 is home to the iconic Eel Pot Hut — one of the most photographed scenes on the River Test — sitting on the middle Test, north of Stockbridge, within the Leckford Estate. The beat covers both banks of the main river and a small stretch of carrier, making it a genuine double-bank day on one of Hampshire's most celebrated chalk streams. The surrounding water meadows form part of the Test Valley SSSI, giving the beat a setting rich in chalk stream flora and invertebrate life — the natural larder that keeps the trout in good condition. 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 10 holds all three. Behind the Eel Pots, fast water produces some surprisingly robust trout each season, while upstream on the true right bank a long, deep glide known as Rainbow Run is the scene of many a hard-fought battle with large, powerful fish. The beat is rated beginner-friendly and fished on a fly-only basis with both dry fly and nymph permitted. Expect olives, caddis, and a reliable mayfly hatch through the season, with freshwater shrimp patterns also worth carrying sub-surface. May brings the first mayfly of the year alongside other upwings, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives come through. The beat runs from 1 June to 15 October, with up to two rods on the water. All fish are stocked with trout hatched and grown on the Leckford Estate itself, giving a moderate stocking level that complements whatever wild fish are present. Day rod prices are £260 in the main season and £320 during the mayfly period. Four full-time river keepers maintain the fishery to a high standard. A fishing hut, toilets, and on-site accommodation are all available, making Beat 10 a practical choice for an overnight or multi-day visit to the Test Valley.
Leckford Beat 11
Beat 11 is carrier fishing through and through — a braided network of channels on the middle River Test at Leckford Estate in Hampshire, originally dug to supply water to the surrounding water meadows in the 1800s. The water is intimate and close-quarter, ideally suited to a 3- or 4-weight outfit, but don't assume the fish match the scale of the stream: deeper glides and pools hold trout over 3lb, and a surprise monster is always a possibility. A stealthy approach pays dividends here. The beat is fished bank-only by up to two rods on a catch-and-release basis, running from 1 June through to 15 October. The River Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for rainbow and brown trout, as well as grayling — all three species are present on Beat 11. Stocking is light, meaning wild fish feature alongside lightly supplemented rainbows. Spring and early summer bring an explosion of mayfly hatches, providing ample opportunity for dry fly fishing, and the season opens just as the mayfly tails off, making Blue-Winged Olives and medium olives the dominant surface flies through June and July. The final weeks of the trout season in early October can produce excellent fishing, as cooling temperatures provoke trout into an aggressive feed as they put on condition before spawning. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted, making this a versatile beat for reading the water and matching the hatch. The beat is rated suitable for beginners, and the confined nature of the carriers — an amalgam of man-made channels originally cut for water meadow irrigation — means shorter, more precise casts rather than long-distance presentation. The beats sit within almost 500 acres of water meadows and reed beds, all included in the Test Valley SSSI. A fishing hut is located midway along the beat, with toilet facilities and estate accommodation available. Day rod pricing is £260 in the main season, rising to £320 during the mayfly period.
Leckford Beat 12
Beat 12 offers double-bank main river fishing plus access to a carrier — the Kettle Ditch — on the middle River Test at Leckford Estate in Hampshire, running downstream from the road bridge past the main hatches to the cattle bridge at the top of Beat 14, with the carrier fishable from the lower boundary up to the fish farm fence. The estate sits on the middle Test, north of Stockbridge, with Leckford village to the east and Longstock to the west — a well-managed stretch of chalk stream that suits one or two rods fishing together without feeling crowded. The road bridge pool holds some large trout, though they can be selective, while downstream the old hatch structures create a very deep pool behind the sill and a corresponding one on the new hatch system — both worth working carefully with a dry fly or nymph. The Test's clear, nutrient-rich chalk stream waters provide the perfect home for rainbow and brown trout, as well as grayling, and the estate moderately stocks its own estate-reared fish alongside resident wild fish. Flies for the Test include olives, caddis, and terrestrials alongside a reliable mayfly hatch, while nymphing with a freshwater shrimp imitation fished close to the bottom is consistently effective. The season runs 1 June to 15 October, with the early weeks offering Blue Winged Olive and Medium Olive hatches, and October bringing some excellent fishing as cooling temperatures prompt trout into an aggressive feed before spawning. Rated suitable for beginners, the beat is forgiving in terms of bank access and water character. A 9ft 5-weight is the baseline rod for the main river, though a lighter outfit works well on the Kettle Ditch carrier. A fishing hut sits on the right-hand bank near the bottom of the beat, with toilet facilities and estate accommodation available for those making a longer stay. Day rods are priced at £260 in the main season, rising to £320 during the mayfly period — Leckford being one of the earliest pioneers of the artificial mayfly and a cherished fishing destination for generations.
Leckford Beat 13
Beat 13 fishes the Old Test — a double-bank carrier on the Leckford Estate in Hampshire — offering a long and secluded stretch of chalk stream sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds by the Great Common, a hundred-acre island that splits the river at the top of the beat. The water runs through a varied character, from fast shallow glides to deep meanders, making it one of the more diverse carrier 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 Beat 13 holds all three, with blue trout also present. Moderate stocking keeps fish numbers consistent throughout the season without overwhelming the natural character of the water. Upstream dry fly fishing only applies until 31 July, after which a nymph may be used, provided it is a fair representation of a natural. May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings and terrestrials, while June brings an abundance of blue-winged olives and medium olives. Past the fishing hut, halfway down the stretch, a footbridge known as the Salmon Bridge marks a notable feature — the shallows behind it serve as a favoured spawning site for salmon returning in the winter months. The beat suits one or two rods and is rated as beginner-friendly, making it a sound introduction to carrier fly fishing on the middle Test. For carrier beats of this type, a lighter rod rated for a 3 or 4 weight is well suited to the water. Fly choice ranges from traditional chalk stream patterns — Tup's Indispensible, Greenwell's Glory, and the Leckford Professor — through to smaller midges and reed smuts on size 18s or 20s. The season runs 1 May to 15 October, priced at £260 per rod per day in the main season and £320 during the mayfly period. A fishing hut, toilet facilities, and on-site accommodation are available on the estate.
Leckford Beat 14
Beat 14 offers main river fishing on both banks plus a carrier on the left-hand bank, running from the cattle bridge at the bottom of Beat 12 down to the boundary with the Houghton Club just behind the footbridge, with Longstock village forming the backdrop on the right bank and the South Moors water meadows opening out to the left. At around 500 yards of double-bank water plus a small carrier, it is one of the more generous allocations on the estate — open, manageable water that suits anglers still building their chalk stream experience. The beat sits within almost 500 acres of water meadows and reed beds, all part of the Test Valley SSSI, giving a genuinely varied environment in which to cast a dry fly to estate-reared rainbow and blue trout alongside grayling. Fishing is fly only — dry fly and nymph — across a season running 1 May to 15 October. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other up-wings and terrestrials, while June sees blue-winged olives and medium olives coming through. A healthy population of freshwater shrimp means nymph fishing with a shrimp imitation can be particularly effective when fish are not visibly rising. Grayling provide a useful second target through the back end of the season into October. A 9 ft 5-weight is the standard chalk stream outfit, though on the narrower carrier a lighter 7 ft rod is perfectly suited. Up to two rods can fish the beat simultaneously. Day rod prices run from £260 in the main season, rising to £320 during the mayfly period. All fish are stocked with trout hatched and grown on the Leckford Estate itself. A fishing hut, toilets, and on-site accommodation are available, and four full-time river keepers maintain the fishery and are on hand to give visiting anglers the full chalk stream experience.
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 01 May to 15 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. A fishing 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.
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 at some parts of the beat 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.
Leckford Beat 5
Half a mile of double-bank main river on the Hampshire Test, Beat 5 sits within the Leckford Estate. The focal point is a fishing hut positioned on an island 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.
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 a pool, while the carriers provide interesting fishing and are always worth exploring. 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.
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. 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.
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. Accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer visit.
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. A shared fishing hut and toilet facilities are on site, and accommodation is available on the estate for those planning a longer visit.
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.
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.
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 here, and anglers can fish upstream to the Cattle Drink; a fishing hut is available. 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. 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.
Middleton Estate
The Middleton Estate beat flows through the hamlet of Forton, just downstream of Longparish in Hampshire — 1.1 miles of main chalk stream on the upper River Test, where the river passes through some of its most intimate and characterful reaches. Fishing is from the bank only, with up to three rods on the water at any one time. The Test here supports one of the richest aquatic environments of any lowland river in England, with more than 232 invertebrate taxa recorded in the river — a natural larder that underpins the quality of the fish. The upper river is narrower and more enclosed than the beats downstream of Stockbridge, and bankside vegetation means this is not open-meadow fishing: the adventurer rating reflects real casting demands, with overhanging trees and dense margins requiring accuracy over distance. The beat is lightly stocked and managed for wild fish, with brown trout and grayling holding in clear, shallow runs where sight-fishing is the primary approach. Both dry fly and nymph are permitted. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwinged species, and June sees an abundance of new flies hatching, including the blue-winged olive and medium olives. The chalk stream's water quality produces extensive aquatic life including mayfly, olives, and shrimp, making weighted nymph patterns effective throughout the season when fish are not visibly rising. September sees the return of the large dark olive, with cooler weather and less sunlight improving the fishing as the season draws to a close on 30 September. All fish are returned. A 9ft 5-weight covers most situations, though a shorter rod can be an advantage in tighter lies. Day rods are priced from £265 in late season to £451 during the mayfly window, with a fishing hut on site for shelter and breaks between sessions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School Farm
School Farm offers just under half a mile of single-bank fly fishing on a tributary of the River Test in Hampshire — the intimate, carrier-style water that characterises so much of the Test valley, where the river exists as an amalgam of main channel, tributaries, carriers, and side streams. The stream runs clear and steady year-round, as chalk streams fed primarily by aquifers show less seasonal variation in flow rate and temperature than other rivers, giving consistent conditions from the April opening through to the 4 October close. Brown and rainbow trout are both present and the beat is heavily stocked, making it a sound choice for less experienced fly fishers getting to grips with chalk stream technique. Dry fly and nymph are both permitted, and there is plenty of opportunity for each across the season. In April, expect Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis, and Hawthorn on the water. May brings the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other up-wings and terrestrials, while June sees Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives coming through. The mayfly window — priced at £559 per rod — is the most sought-after period on any Test water. On bright summer days, nymph fishing comes into its own when nothing is visibly rising. Early season rods are available from £308 and summer days from £388. The beat accommodates two to three rods, keeping the water uncrowded. A fishing cabin, WC, and car parking are all on site, so a full day's fishing needs no additional logistics. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line suits the intimate scale of tributary water well. A valid EA rod licence is required before fishing.
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.
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.
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.
The Home Beat
The Home Beat at Testcombe Fishery offers a varied mix of water on the upper River Test in Hampshire, combining main river fishing on the true left bank with a parallel carrier stream running alongside. In total, the Testcombe fishery covers approximately 900 yards of main river Test and around 1,000 yards of carrier streams — the Home Beat itself is suited to two to three rods. The stretch runs from the iconic Mayfly Pub bridge to the village of Chilbolton, placing it firmly on the upper-middle Test. The variety of water — from fast, shallow and highly oxygenated to deep and slow — makes it an ideal beat for warmer weather fishing. The beat holds good numbers of brown trout and, for those fishing later into the autumn, grayling. The season runs 31 March to 14 October, with dry fly and nymph both permitted — the clarity of the water means fishing regularly involves sight fishing for individual fish, adding real excitement to every approach. Expect a hawthorn hatch in late April and the mayfly from mid-May to early June — the most sought-after period on the Test. The carrier, with tree cover on one bank and a narrow channel, suits smaller rods and presents a genuine technical challenge. The beat is rated for adventurous anglers; accurate presentation and a careful approach are rewarded. The focal point of the Home Beat is the Grade II listed fishing hut dating to 1888, situated on a long island in the middle of the stretch — originally a tennis pavilion built for the Disraeli family, now an exceptional base for a day's chalk stream fishing. A standard 8.5 ft, 3–5 wt outfit with a floating line covers most situations, though the narrower carrier rewards a shorter rod. The beat is around one hour fifteen minutes from London Waterloo to Andover by train.
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.
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.
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.
The Upper Beat
Sitting above the road bridge at Fullerton on the upper-middle River Test in Hampshire, the Upper Beat at Testcombe is a technically demanding stretch of chalk stream fly fishing that rewards experienced anglers prepared to work for their fish. The fishery encompasses approximately 900 yards of main river Test and around 1,000 yards of carrier streams, offering a genuine variety of water within a single day's fishing. The range runs from fast, shallow and highly oxygenated sections to deep and slow pools, while the carrier streams benefit from tree cover and shade — an advantage on bright summer days. All fishing is bank-only; the beat is accessed on foot along the bank. The season runs 31 March to 14 October, targeting brown trout and grayling on fly only — dry fly and nymph. The upper Test's spring-fed tributaries and carriers provide crystal-clear water running over bright clean gravel and beds of ranunculus, creating ideal conditions for wild brown trout. From below Fullerton, the river develops a network of carriers, and it is here that some of the biggest mayfly hatches on the Test occur, as the riverbed provides perfect habitat for the silt-burrowing nymphs. Expect blue-winged olives and sedge through summer and into autumn, with the evening rise demanding precise presentation and accurate fly selection. The tight, tree-lined carriers call for short, accurate casting and careful watercraft — this is not a beat for the occasional chalk stream visitor. The Grade II listed fishing hut, built in 1888, serves as an excellent base for the day — originally a pavilion for a tennis court built by the Disraeli family, it now provides a comfortable retreat between sessions. The Mayfly pub is only a short walk away, making it straightforward to combine a full day on the water with an easy lunch stop. A 9-foot rod for a 4-weight line suits the main river; a shorter 7- or 8-foot rod is well worth bringing for the narrower carriers.
Timsbury 5
Timsbury 5 sits on the middle and lower Test, between the towns of Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire. The beat covers just over half a mile of single-bank main river chalk stream, with a medium flow speed and a mix of shallow and very deep sections that give anglers a genuine variety of water to read and work through in a day. Set a few kilometres below the Kimbridge beat, the river here is noticeably wider and significantly deeper in places, with fish holding in heavy weed that obscures the bottom in the deeper runs. The primary quarry is brown trout, stocked with fish carefully selected locally from River Test stock. The fishery stocks both rainbow and brown trout, with rainbows averaging around 3 lb, and the long-term average sits at three fish caught per rod per day. In the latter part of the season salmon regularly roll in the deeper pools, and there is always a chance of sea trout. The season runs from 30 April to 29 September, with fly-only rules throughout: upstream dry fly and nymph are the methods. The beat carries a good mayfly population, and large numbers of caddis flies hatch through late summer, making it worth carrying sedge patterns from July onwards alongside your standard olive and mayfly imitations. Up to five rods share the water, rated as explorer level and suited to anglers still building their chalk stream experience. Banks are regularly mown and strimmed, and weed cutting takes place through summer, keeping casting lanes open. A fishing hut is on the beat. Day-rod pricing runs at £245 in the main season and £180 in the late season.
Timsbury Beat 1
Timsbury Beat 1 sits on the River Test in the village of Timsbury, accessed via a private road through acres of chalk stream water meadows at the heart of the golden stretch of the Test below Stockbridge and above Romsey. The beat covers a third of a mile of main river chalk stream and includes a section of carrier, giving anglers a variety of water within a single day. Each beat at Timsbury consists of a stretch of the main river and a stretch of the carrier, and rods rotate across all four beats so that every angler fishes the whole fishery over the course of the season. Up to two rods fish the beat at any one time, keeping the water uncrowded. The fishery is predominantly a brown trout fishery, stocked with fish carefully selected locally from River Test stock. Itinerant rainbow trout also appear, and later in the season salmon regularly roll in the deeper pools, with a genuine chance of connecting with one or a sea trout. The 20-year average across the fishery is three fish caught per rod per day. Fishing is fly only — upstream dry fly and nymph — and suits beginners well, with heavily stocked water and clear chalk stream visibility making it straightforward to spot and present to rising fish. The season opens in April with Large Dark Olive, Grannom caddis and Hawthorn on the water, before the mayfly arrives from mid-May through to early June, followed by Blue-Winged Olive and Medium Olives through June and into summer. The season runs 1 April to 31 October, with day rods from £180. Banks are maintained to a high standard, with regular mowing and strimming keeping access clear throughout the season. The main fishing lodge has power, a kitchen area, WC, washing facilities and a large patio overlooking the river; three further huts with picnic tables are positioned around the fishery. Access is through an electrically controlled farm gate, with parking on site.
Timsbury Beat 2
Timsbury Beat 2 covers around 0.4 miles of the main River Test in Hampshire, situated in the village of Timsbury between Romsey and Stockbridge. It forms one of four individual beats on over three miles of bank, encompassing both the main river and two carrier streams. The fishery is accessed via electric gates along a private road and is surrounded by acres of privately owned chalk stream water meadows. Bank fishing only, with easy access along well-maintained banks, with regular mowing and strimming throughout the season. The chalk water, combined with careful management of the river's weed beds, creates ideal conditions for brown trout, and the fishery is heavily stocked to support consistent sport. The 20-year average is three fish caught per rod per day. Fishing is fly only — upstream dry fly and nymph are the primary methods — and the beat suits beginners well, with open banks and chalk streams being almost always fishable regardless of weather conditions. The season runs from 31 March to 30 October. In April, expect hatches of Large Dark Olive, Grannom Caddis and Hawthorn; the mayfly follows from mid-May to early June, and June brings Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives. Salmon can be caught but must be returned to the river. The beat is limited to one or two rods and is priced at £180 for a day rod. Fishing rotates across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks. On-bank amenities include a fishing hut and toilet facilities, and the main fishing lodge, constructed in 2017, overlooks the main river and is equipped with mains electricity and Wi-Fi. Weed cutting follows dates set by the Test and Itchen Association, so it is worth checking the fishery calendar when planning a visit.
Timsbury Beat 3
Beat 3 is one of four private, fly-only beats at Timsbury Fishery, situated beside the River Test between Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire. Each beat consists of a stretch of the main river and a stretch of carrier stream, and at just over half a mile Beat 3 offers a manageable, bank-fished length suited to one or two rods. The river is maintained to a high standard, with easy access to all the beats through regular mowing and strimming along the banks, as well as weed cutting during the summer. The fishery is accessed via electric gates along a private road and is surrounded by acres of privately owned chalk stream water meadows. The chalk water, combined with careful management of the river's weed beds, creates ideal conditions for brown trout, and the fishery is heavily stocked to support consistent sport. The 20-year average is three fish caught per rod per day. Fishing is fly-only — upstream dry fly and nymph are the primary methods — and the beat is rated suitable for beginners, making it a practical introduction to chalk stream technique. The main flies hatching on the River Test in April are the Large Dark Olive, the Grannom Caddis and the Hawthorn; the mayfly follows from mid-May to early June, and summer brings a variety of caddis, olives and terrestrials. The season runs 31 March to 30 October. Rods rotate across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks, with a free-for-all period between early October and the season's end. Day rod prices run from £180 to £300 (upper beat), with a season rod available at £1,800. The main fishing lodge, constructed in 2017, overlooks the main river and is well equipped with a patio, mains electricity, Wi-Fi, a fully fitted kitchen, and a washroom with flushing toilet. Additional huts with picnic tables are positioned at strategic points around the fishery. A 9-ft rod for a 4- or 5-weight line covers most situations on this water.
Timsbury Beat 4
Beat 4 sits within Timsbury Fishery on the River Test near the village of Timsbury, between Romsey and Stockbridge in Hampshire, accessed via a private road through chalk stream water meadows. This beat covers roughly a third of a mile of main river and includes a stretch of carrier stream — each of the four beats at Timsbury consists of a stretch of the main river and a stretch of the carrier — giving a varied day's fishing across two distinct water types. The banks are maintained to a high standard, with regular mowing and strimming along the banks and weed cutting during the summer, making for easy bank access throughout the season. The chalk water, combined with careful management of the river's weed beds, creates ideal conditions for brown trout, and the fishing is predominantly upstream dry fly or nymph. The fishery is heavily stocked and well suited to beginners, with a 20-year average of three fish caught per rod per day. The main flies hatching on the River Test in April are the Large Dark Olive, the Grannom Caddis and the Hawthorn; May sees the first mayfly hatch of the year alongside other upwings, while June brings Blue-Winged Olives and Medium Olives. Salmon have been caught on the fishery but are required to be returned. The season runs 31 March to 30 October, with one or two rods per day. Fishing rotates over the four beats so that a rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks. Day rod prices start at £180, with a season rod available at £1,800. The main fishing lodge, constructed in 2017, overlooks the main river and is well equipped with mains electricity, Wi-Fi, a fully fitted kitchen, and a washroom with flushing toilet. A fishing hut is also available on the beat itself. Fly-only rules apply throughout; a 9-foot rod for a 4- or 5-weight line is the standard choice for this kind of chalk stream dry fly and nymph work.
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.
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.
Whitchurch Fulling Mill
The higher you venture up the River Test, the better the hatches, the clearer the water and the wilder the fish — and there is no better way of summing up Whitchurch Fulling Mill. Sitting on the upper Test as it flows through the town of Whitchurch in north Hampshire, this beat covers just under 0.6 miles of main chalk stream channel. The fishing divides into three sections: the Garden beat and a Side Stream downstream of the mill, and an Upper section above it. Wading is welcome throughout, though bank fishing is only practical for part of the Garden section. The Test here is a groundwater-fed chalk stream rising from the Upper Chalk aquifer, maintaining stable, cool, clear flows with consistent water levels averaging 0.5 to 1 metre in channelised sections. The water runs gin-clear and fast, with lovely rafts of ranunculus and ideal conditions for sight fishing — particularly for those who like to wade. Wild trout thrive here alongside grayling, and with that three-way mix of wild, lightly stocked and grayling, there is usually something on the feed. The season opens 30 May and runs to 30 December, with dry fly only the rule until 1 August — after which nymphs come into play for both brown trout and grayling. The mayfly typically runs from mid-May to early June, meaning the Mayfly Season day rate of £425 puts you on the water just as that hatch peaks. Grayling fishing from autumn through to late December is available from £125 per rod. The beat is rated as adventurer-level: the water is exceptionally clear and generally not too deep, so fish are easy to spot but equally easy to spook, demanding careful approach and accurate presentation. Up to two rods share the water. A 9 ft 5-weight is the baseline rod for chalk stream fishing of this kind. Fishing runs from 9.30 am until dusk. A rod room with tea and coffee facilities is available on site, and anglers are welcome to use the summer house in the garden for relaxing and picnicking. The White Hart Hotel in Whitchurch, half a mile away on Newbury Street, serves food and has rooms.
8 fisheries on the River Test
Bossington Estate
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.
Chilbolton Fishery
A private, secluded 280-metre stretch of the main River Test, Chilbolton Fishery sits beside Chilbolton Cow Common in the Test Valley, Hampshire, at the point where the rivers Dever and Anton join the Test. This family-owned fishery is not run as a commercial enterprise; the ethos is to enjoy a day on the River Test with the knowledge that when you book, you have the whole place to yourself. The single beat has two islands, a comfortable rustic fishing hut, and numerous seats and jetties. During the winter of 2021, the Wessex River Trust carried out extensive bank improvements resulting in better access and a more sinuous river profile. Anglers fish for brown trout and grayling under a strict upstream dry fly and nymph-only rule, with no wading permitted. The beat offers variation — slower stretches suited to dry fly work and faster runs ideal for nymphing. Day tickets are available, and a selection of tackle is available to hire on site. All grayling must be returned, trout under 12 inches returned, and the brown trout limit is five fish per day. For visiting fly fishers who want a quiet, unpressured day on a genuine Hampshire chalk stream, Chilbolton Fishing delivers exactly that.
Kimbridge Meadow Fishery
Kimbridge Meadow Fishery sits on the middle River Test in Hampshire, between Romsey and Stockbridge, on a man-made fishery created in the early 1980s, when water from the main River Test was diverted through water meadows and woodland. The fishery is split into four named carrier beats — Cottage Stream, Garden Stream, Alder Stream, and Woodland Stream — with a day ticket giving access to all four. A total of 2.17 miles of riverbank can be fished, and most of the fishing is double bank, with Cottage Stream the only single-bank beat. The fishery operates as a purist upstream dry fly venue; upstream nymphing is permitted from 1 August. The clear water, steady flow, and high levels of dissolved minerals create a unique ecosystem that sustains an abundance of invertebrates, making sight fishing for brown trout the primary draw. The season runs from 1 May to 12 October, with a maximum of four individual rods on any day, or up to six for an exclusive group booking. Day tickets and equipment hire are available, and the fishery is well equipped with a fishing hut, riverside benches, a picnic area, a BBQ area and toilet facilities.
Wherwell Estate Fishing
Wherwell Estate Fishing sits on the upper River Test in Hampshire, within northwest Hampshire's rolling chalkland, owned and cared for by the same family for over 100 years. The fishery covers around three miles of river across open water meadows, with beats typically comprising carrier streams alongside tree-lined pools and gravel runs. Seven numbered beats are available — Beats Nine, Ten and Eleven fish the main river, while Beats Three, Four, Five and Seven cover the smaller carriers. Located on the upper Test, the river width is manageable for casting, with the majority of fishing done by overhead cast. The river holds good populations of wild brown trout and grayling alongside stocked fish. Trout fishing runs from the start of May through mid-October, with grayling fishing from mid-October through to mid-March. Day tickets and membership are both available. Each beat has its own fishing hut, suitable for a group to take lunch, and the estate also provides a lakeside fishing hut with a kitchen, catch returns folders, and electronic gates. A secluded lake stocked with rainbow trout accommodates up to six rods per day and is open for year-round booking, offering an alternative for groups or families alongside the river beats.
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.
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.
Testcombe Beat
Sitting on the River Test between the Mayfly Pub bridge and the village of Chilbolton, Testcombe Beat is a well-established fly fishing fishery in Hampshire offering three named beats — the Upper Beat, the Home Beat, and the Lower Beat. The fishery covers approximately 900 yards of main river and around 1,000 yards of carrier streams, giving anglers a genuine variety of water to work through in a single day. The chalk stream fishing suits all abilities, with the wide main river and more intimate carriers offering deep holes, overhangs, and shallow glides — the kind of mixed character that rewards both methodical dry fly presentation and careful nymph work. Native brown trout are the primary quarry from April through to the end of October, with the annual mayfly hatch drawing particular attention during that period. Day tickets, guided lessons, and equipment hire are all available, making Testcombe a practical choice for first-timers and returning chalk stream anglers alike. The Grade II listed fishing hut, built in 1888, serves as the day's headquarters and also functions as a venue for exclusive private events.
Timsbury Fishery
Located on the middle reaches of the world-famous River Test, perfectly situated between Romsey and Stockbridge, Timsbury Fishery offers a truly historic chalk stream fly fishing experience. Spanning over three miles of meticulously maintained water, the fishery is divided into four exclusive two-rod beats. Each beat provides a captivating variety of fishing, incorporating stretches of both the wide, glassy main river and the intimate, challenging carrier streams. Managed primarily as a highly sought-after syndicate, Timsbury also accommodates select day ticket rods and guided experiences. Anglers are treated to classic upstream dry fly and nymph fishing for exceptional wild brown trout, complemented by a careful stocking of premium rainbow and brown trout. During the winter months, the fishery transforms into a highly regarded destination for specimen grayling and quality coarse fishing. Beyond the water, Timsbury delivers a superb level of comfort and hospitality. At the heart of the estate sits a fully equipped, modern fishing lodge featuring a kitchen, secure rod room, and a spacious patio overlooking the main river—perfect for relaxing with fellow rods. With additional huts stationed strategically across the beats, Timsbury Fishery provides a complete, premium sporting day on the legendary River Test.