Fishing Beats on the River Test

Alder Stream

One of four streams within the Meadow Fishery, Alder Stream offers double bank fishing in a beautifully secluded natural environment. Part of the day-ticket fishery formed by diverting water from the main River Test through water meadows and woods, it provides a quintessential chalk stream experience.

Beat Eleven

The way chalk stream fishing is meant to be. This 670 metre beat is not just a perennial favourite but was chosen by and showcased in the BBC TV programme Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (Series 3, Episode 4).

Beat Five

Running through a wide expanse of open water meadow at its top and a shaded winding stretch at its bottom, Beat Five's 650 metres ensure your fishing will be varied and challenging.

Beat Four

This popular and prolific beat constitutes 650 metres along the Test. Its deeper water, tight meanders and seclusion are ideal for fish and fishermen alike. You will not have to walk far before you see a brown trout swaying gently in its lie.

Beat Nine

The wildest and most secluded beat, the 580 metres that make up Beat Nine offer fishing for the chalk stream connoisseur. On this challenging patch of river, despite plenty of fish, your cunning, nous, precision and skill are all required for a successful day.

Beat Seven

Offering something completely different, Beat Seven includes two narrow parallel carriers that join at the bottom, with the banks covering a total of 870 metres. The beat features deeper water and is an excellent breeding ground for wild brown trout.

Beat Ten

Book early to secure this stunning sought-after stretch where the river widens as it wanders through 510 metres of willow-lined banks. You can fish from either side as you enjoy your idyllic day on the Test.

Beat Three

A beautiful stretch of river, meandering from water meadow to the outlying thatched cottages on the edge of the village. Beat Three extends along 540 metres at the intersection of two River Test carriers.

Bere Mill

Over half a mile of upper River Test wild trout fishing set in the grounds of the historic Mill. A generous beat offering a diverse array of fly water including main river, hatch pools and a carrier stream that form part of the historic mill and water meadow system. The beat is wild, requires wading and is run on a catch and release basis. The owners are keen environmentalists – the garden and farmland is managed according to organic principles and the surrounding water meadows are natural pasture, boding well for fly life. The gardens are wonderful with a vast array of trees, shrubs, flowers, art and sculpture. A delightful Japanese tea hut acts as a fishing hut. The lake, formerly a trout farm, also offers the opportunity to cast at a rising trout. The beat also holds some specimen grayling.

Chilbolton Fishing Beat

Nestled adjacent to the picturesque Chilbolton Common, this private and highly secluded 280-metre stretch of the main River Test offers an idyllic retreat for the dedicated fly fisher. Accessed via a scenic 800-metre walk across the historic common, anglers are rewarded with a profoundly tranquil and undisturbed chalk stream environment far from the beaten path. The beat boasts beautifully varied water, flowing around two distinct mid-stream islands that create excellent lies for cruising fish. Following extensive, expert bank restorations by the Wessex Rivers Trust in the winter of 2021, the beat now features improved angler access and a beautifully sinuous river profile, maximizing the natural holding water. Beyond the exceptional fishing, the stretch is perfectly set up for a full day on the water, complete with a comfortable rustic fishing hut, strategically placed seats, casting jetties, and a neatly mowed socialising area for riverside dining.

Cottage Stream

A true carrier of the River Test, Cottage Stream is the only single bank beat within the Meadow Fishery. It forms part of the day-ticket fishery created in the early 1980s when water from the main River Test was diverted through water meadows and woods. Anglers can enjoy total seclusion with abundant wildlife including Deer, Kingfishers, Red Kites and Buzzards.

Garden Stream

One of four streams making up the Meadow Fishery, Garden Stream offers double bank fishing through an idyllic natural setting. Created when water from the main River Test was diverted through water meadows and woods, it provides a secluded and peaceful chalk stream fishing experience with abundant wildlife.

Ginger Beer

Located in the picturesque village of Kimbridge—midway between the renowned fly fishing hubs of Stockbridge and Romsey—the Ginger Beer beat has been a cherished destination for generations of anglers. Spanning a highly productive third of a mile, this exclusive stretch offers a superb variety of water to read and fish. The beat features a steady flow rate interspersed with interesting shallows and deeper holding sections, culminating at the turbulent hatch pool at the top of the beat. This namesake pool is legendary among visiting anglers and is rumored to hold some truly huge specimen fish. Perfect for groups and syndicates, the Ginger Beer beat is available for exclusive day bookings for up to five rods, with larger parties accommodated upon request. With excellent car parking and a comfortable, traditional thatched fishing lodge, it provides a highly convenient and classic chalk stream experience.

Grove Beat

Home Beat

The iconic Home Beat stands as the crown jewel of the Bossington estate and is undoubtedly its most celebrated stretch of water. Steeped in angling heritage, this premier beat offers a quintessential chalk stream experience, combining exceptional fly fishing with breathtaking natural beauty. Anchoring the beat is a magnificent, wonderfully preserved Victorian thatched fishing hut that commands sweeping, uninterrupted views downstream. Stepping onto the Home Beat is akin to being transported to an entirely different era—a profound place of tranquility where anglers can escape the modern world and cast in the footsteps of fly fishing history. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking both world-class sport and a deeply atmospheric, historic setting.

Home Stream Beat

Home Stream Beat provides a generous and beautifully varied chalk stream experience, offering anglers the perfect "best of both worlds" scenario on the water. This expansive beat seamlessly blends the classic, sweeping glides of main river fishing with the intimate, fast-paced challenge of a carrier stream. The upper reaches feature deep, productive holding pools situated above the historic sluice, transitioning beautifully into the highly engaging main carrier that connects the Old Stews Beat to the lower Home Beat. Because of this exceptionally diverse topography, Home Stream is a highly adaptable beat that fishes well in a wide variety of conditions. Whether you are a novice looking to build confidence or an experienced rod seeking varied water, this beat delivers a comprehensive and highly rewarding day of sport.

Horsebridge Lake

A beautiful private trout lake set in the Hampshire countryside a short cast from the river Test. Spring-fed giving crystal clear water in which to visually stalk the trout. Stocked with monster rainbow and brown trout. Perfect for the novice, as an introduction to fly fishing with an instructor, or a family day. Available for exclusive use bookings of 4 to 6 rods, full days and half days.

Houghton Lodge – Lower Beat

Some 300 yards of main river Test at Houghton. The beat has a pretty fishing hut for the anglers' use.

Houghton Lodge – Upper Beat

Half a mile of beautiful main carrier stream at Houghton on the River Test. The beat has a pretty fishing hut for the anglers' use.

House Beat

Positioned directly in front of the historic Bossington House, the House Beat occupies a truly prime location at the magnificent confluence of the main River Test and the lively Wallop Brook. Nestled perfectly between the fabled Home Beat and the historic Bossington Mill, this highly sought-after stretch offers an extraordinary and picturesque setting for the discerning fly fisher. The beat provides an exciting and beautifully varied chalk stream experience. Anglers are treated to classic, meticulously manicured main river fishing, complemented by the unique opportunity to cast from a secluded small island mid-stream. Designated as a terrestrial Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), this island serves as a pristine natural paradise, offering exceptional sport surrounded by a rich, protected ecosystem and abundant wildlife.

Leckford Beat 2

Offering a deeply rewarding and highly intimate chalk stream experience, Beat 2 at the Leckford Estate is perfectly tailored for the angler who enjoys reading intricate waters. While it features a beautiful 150-meter stretch of left-hand bank on the main River Test, the true heart of this beat is its exceptional right-hand bank carrier fishing. Navigating this carrier stream requires stealth, careful observation, and precise casting, making it a wonderful challenge for dry fly and nymph purists. Accessed via the North Lodge car park and a scenic walk over the long footbridge of Beat 3, the beat is completely secluded. A dedicated fishing hut waits at the bottom of the stretch, providing a peaceful riverside basecamp. A local tip for this beat: the water around the weed rack directly in front of the hut is a renowned holding spot, often sheltering some of the larger, more elusive trout on the estate!

Lee Park Beat

Longbridge Beat

Lower Beat

The Lower Beat features historic landmarks including the 18th-century boathouse and 'King's Gate,' once favoured by King George VI for fishing. It offers tranquil spots along the riverbank for a serene fishing experience.

Lower Brook

Situated on the prime middle reaches of the River Test, beautifully positioned between the historic Compton Manor and Mottisfont Abbey, Lower Brook is an exceptional main river chalk stream beat. Offering nearly a full length of double-bank fishing, the river here is generously wide, allowing anglers to fish opposite banks comfortably without impacting one another. Meticulously maintained by resident River Keeper Nick Parker, the beat features neatly trimmed fringes and plenty of open sections to guarantee an unimpeded back cast. Ideal for small groups, Lower Brook accommodates two to four rods, with exclusive use guaranteed for parties of four. The beat provides a highly convenient and traditional chalk stream experience, complete with immediate riverside parking, a comfortable fishing cabin, and a charming honesty box offering a selection of Nick’s own proven, hand-tied flies.

Mayfly beat

Affectionately known as the "Mayfly Beat," Beat 1 offers a phenomenal and varied chalk stream experience at the very top of the Leckford Estate's illustrious waters. Occupying a prime location, this beat features both double-bank access on the main River Test and single-bank fishing on an intimate carrier stream. A uniquely defining feature of Beat 1 is its location near the confluence of the River Test and the River Anton, which joins the main river just 100 meters downstream from the famous Mayfly pub. Anglers have the privilege of fishing this productive stretch right up to the Cattle Drink. The beat is anchored by a charming fishing hut situated perfectly over the footbridge where these two legendary chalk streams meet. Due to its proximity to the pub and specific estate agreements, fishing on this highly coveted beat commences slightly later at 9:30 AM, providing a relaxed start to a magnificent day of dry fly sport.

Middleton Estate

A distinguished stretch on the River Test with limited, restrictive banks.

Middleton Estate (Half Water)

The Middleton Estate is in Longparish, one of the loveliest villages in the Test valley where the fishing is cared for very much in the tradition of an old-style chalkstream. The Half Water is one of our longest single beats on the River Test, coming in at just over a mile in length. Extensively restored in recent years, this is a beat that has a bit of everything: slow sections, fast sections, deep holding sections and hatch pools. Sections run through the water meadows; some parts are shaded by trees. There is a good head of wild fish, supplemented by careful stocking. The Half Water has its own fishing hut at Dog Leg Hatch with a parking area. This beat is perfect for two or three rods.

Moorcourt Beat

Nursling Mill Trout Beat

The Nursling Mill trout beat offers main river, double bank fishing from the Broadlands boundary downstream to way below the beautiful Nursling Mill and beyond. Excellent value trout fishing with phenomenal mayfly hatches – the thickest seen anywhere. The river here broadens out considerably and often produces very large trout that run downstream toward the estuary, as well as the occasional salmon and sea trout.

Old Station Beat

The Old Station Beat is a charming and intimate stretch of chalk stream that offers a truly exceptional sight-fishing experience. While it provides a plentiful and exciting mix of wild and stocked trout throughout the season, the beat truly comes alive during the famous Mayfly hatch, offering some of the most spectacular dry fly action of the year. Because of its delicate nature and gin-clear waters, the Old Station Beat is best suited for the experienced angler equipped with a shorter brook rod. It is a highly technical water that rewards stealth, careful observation, and precise casting. Anglers fishing this secluded beat will find fantastic opportunities for stalking trout in a profoundly peaceful and tranquil environment, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Old Stews Beat

Extensively restored in 2015, the Old Stews Beat has been masterfully transformed into one of the most dynamic and engaging stretches of water on the estate. Already a highly sought-after destination, this meticulous river restoration project has elevated the beat into a premier chalk stream habitat. Today, it offers an unparalleled, feature-rich environment—often described as a paradise for both the thriving trout population and the discerning fly fisher. The careful enhancement of the riverbed and margins provides perfect lies for the fish and a beautifully varied, highly productive canvas for anglers to cast over.

Private Estate Beats 1 – Middle River Test

Formally the home of the aviator Sir Tommy Sopwith, these three beats on the middle Test sit just below the famous Houghton Club water. Very large beats offering top class fishing on main river and carriers, with hatch pools, bends, runs and mill streams. Very well managed by a highly experienced riverkeeper. Each beat has a fully equipped top class fishing cabin with wood burning stove and BBQ/catering facilities. Famous for the large trout often caught here. Perfect for groups or corporate days of 5 to 18 rods.

Private Estate Beats 3 – Upper River Test

Fourteen generous beats for 1 or 2 rods on the upper Test. The river is braided over all 11 miles on the estate, offering a diverse array of fishing from main river to beautiful carrier streams. The whole area is a superb haven for flora and fauna. The estate maintains the water beautifully with 4 full-time water keepers. Most beats have a thatched fishing hut and some have beautiful features like water wheels and historic eel racks. Beats for 1 and 2 rods as well as larger parties, with the option of a mixed lake and river day.

Rookery & Lord Louis Beat

Rushams Beat

Rushams Beat is a highly versatile and welcoming stretch of chalk stream, perfectly suited for anglers of all abilities—from the enthusiastic novice casting their first dry fly to the seasoned rod seeking a rewarding day on the water. This particular beat truly excels during the warmer summer months. The lower half of the reach features deep, cool stretches that provide an excellent sanctuary for trout when temperatures rise, ensuring highly productive fishing even on the hottest days of the season. Moving upstream toward the fishing hut, the character of the river transitions beautifully, offering traditional, fast-flowing chalk stream riffles and highly productive, well-stocked pools.

Tanyard's Beat

Testwood Beat

The jewel of the Testwood beat is the wonderful Testwood Pool. Part of the historic Barker-Mill Estate, owned by the family since 1527, this lower Test beat offers a unique mixed-species fly fishing experience in both tidal and non-tidal water. Anglers can sight fish for trout, sea trout, bass and specimen coarse fish in crystal chalk stream water, with amazing mayfly hatches offering the opportunity of sea trout on a dry fly. Salmon fishing is currently suspended to protect the chalk stream salmon population. The beat is served by a charming mill-house with comfortable members' facilities, sleeping cabins for night sea trout anglers, catering facilities and two riverside huts.

The Greyhound Beat

This beat sits on the famous Houghton Club water immediately upstream of Stockbridge, abutting the prestigious Houghton Club's 'Bends Beat'. Double bank fishing with a beautiful hatch pool. Excellent value for money. Pop into the Inn for a pint at half-time or order supper from the excellent menu to be served on your private riverside patio at the fishing hut. Ideal for one or two rods, with plenty of sizeable browns and rainbows on this well known river Test carrier. Won best estate in the 2018 One Fly competition.

The Home Beat

mmerse yourself in the profound tranquility and rich angling traditions of the Home Beat at Testcombe. Nestled amidst picturesque, gently flowing banks on the renowned River Test, this iconic stretch offers a truly serene and classic chalk stream fishing experience. Steeped in history, the beat features a magnificent Grade 2 listed fishing hut originally built by the Disraeli family. This architectural gem serves as an exceptional, historic basecamp for your daily fishing adventures. Providing ideal chalk stream conditions and tailored experiences for anglers of all skill levels, the pristine water here guarantees a deeply peaceful day of sport. Beyond the phenomenal fishing, the beat and its historic amenities provide a spectacular, secluded venue for hosting exclusive events, ranging from premium corporate retreats to unforgettable riverside weddings.

The Lawn Beat

A beautiful country house on the edge of Whitchurch, Hampshire, formerly the home of the famous Judge, Lord Denning. Main river and by-stream run through the beautiful grounds of this country house. Crystal clear classic chalk stream fishing with both wild and stocked brown trout and a good head of grayling. A shorter but beautiful beat, perfect for 1 rod or 2 friends. Excellent B&B available in the main house.

The Little River Beat, Nursling

Held in high regard by renowned chalkstream fishermen for centuries, with fishing rights disputed as far back as 1387. The Nursling Little River beat offers miles of both tidal and non-tidal water to explore, flowing as classic chalk stream in the upper section and tidal water below. Two large mill pools, several hatch pools, groynes, bends, holes and pools give trout and sea trout respite. The Drawing Pool Lodge is adorned with fishing photographs and mementos documenting past catches. Come prepared with a variety of flies to catch trout and sea trout on dries, bass on small streamers and a variety of coarse fish on dries, terrestrials and nymphs. Managed by two full time experienced river keepers, Pete Farrow and Charlie Bull. One of Howard's favourite beats. Fishing for salmon or pike is not allowed.

The Parsonage

The Parsonage is one of the original Fishing Breaks beats, dating back over 20 years. It is a unique combination of the main River Test with a long carrier, all within the beautiful setting of woodland and water meadows. The main river is wide with a combination of long glides, deep pools and some shallow sections. There is a good wild trout population supplemented by regular stocking plus plenty of grayling and the occasional sea trout and salmon towards the end of the season. The carrier, recently extensively restored, is far more intimate fishing and the perfect place to break out a smaller rod. The beat is ideal for up to four rods or larger parties. There is an excellent fishing cabin overlooking the river and plenty of parking.

The Upper Beat

For the experienced angler seeking a truly exhilarating chalk stream challenge, the Upper Beat offers one of the most adventurous stretches on the River Test. Moving away from the gentler glides of the lower river, this dynamic beat is defined by its powerful, fast-flowing waters, deep holding pools, and intricate, wild carrier streams. Designed for those who relish a technical fishing expedition, the Upper Beat requires expert watercraft to navigate its hidden gems and varied flows. Whether you are presenting a dry fly over turbulent water or nymphing the depths of its plunging pools, this thrilling stretch promises an unforgettable and deeply rewarding day of sport for the thrill-seeking fly fisher.

The lower beat

Discover the profound tranquility and royal heritage of the Lower Beat. Flowing through a remarkably serene stretch of the chalk stream, this beat offers an exceptional and historically rich fly fishing experience tailored for the discerning angler. Those casting along these peaceful banks are truly immersed in angling lore. The beat features beautifully preserved historic landmarks, including a charming 18th-century boathouse and the iconic ‘King’s Gate’—a stretch of water famously favoured by King George VI for his own fly fishing pursuits. With an abundance of secluded, tranquil spots scattered along the riverbank, the Lower Beat provides the perfect canvas for a quiet, highly rewarding day of traditional sight-fishing.

Timsbury Beat 1

One of four individual and private beats at Timsbury Fishery on the River Test, each comprising a stretch of the main river and a stretch of a carrier stream. The fishery rotates rods across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks.

Timsbury Beat 2

One of four individual and private beats at Timsbury Fishery on the River Test, each comprising a stretch of the main river and a stretch of a carrier stream. The fishery rotates rods across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks.

Timsbury Beat 3

One of four individual and private beats at Timsbury Fishery on the River Test, each comprising a stretch of the main river and a stretch of a carrier stream. The fishery rotates rods across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks.

Timsbury Beat 4

One of four individual and private beats at Timsbury Fishery on the River Test, each comprising a stretch of the main river and a stretch of a carrier stream. The fishery rotates rods across all four beats so that each rod fishes the whole fishery every eight weeks.

Upper Beat

The Upper Beat is known for its challenging fast waters, deep pools, and wild carriers that appeal to experienced anglers seeking new thrills. It offers hidden gems along this stretch of the River Test for an exciting fishing expedition.

Upper Mill, Longparish

A beautiful privately-owned Mill House just upstream of the famous Longparish House Estate. Varied water of main river upstream and downstream of the historic Mill and carriers. The downstream section and mill pool is a wading section; the upstream reach is both bank fishing and gentle wading. There is also a pretty and wild carrier stream. About three-quarters of a kilometre in all, ideal for one or two rods. A rural beat with minimal facilities but great fishing. A good head of wild trout and stocked fish, plus some lovely specimen grayling.

Wallop Brook

Meandering through the picturesque Wallop Valley, the Wallop Brook is a spirited and enchanting tributary of the River Test. This lively chalk stream eventually meets the main river just upstream from the estate house, offering two miles of pristine, highly secluded water. Teeming with wild brown trout, the Wallop is best suited for the experienced fly fisher. The varied flows and intimate surroundings present a highly rewarding, technical challenge where stealth and precise casting are paramount. Flowing downstream from the village of Broughton, the upper reaches carve through traditional ridge and furrow water meadows, gently grazed by native cattle. As the brook continues, it enters the dappled, wooded canopy of Balls Copse, requiring a delicate approach to navigate the overhead foliage. Beyond the exceptional wild trout fishing, the brook is a biodiverse haven. Anglers fishing this quiet stretch are frequently treated to sightings of kingfishers darting over the water, snipe, roe deer drinking from the margins, and the rare Grizzled Skipper butterfly.

Waterwheel Beat

Beat 3 offers a quintessential main river chalk stream experience, characterized by its wide, sweeping glides and iconic estate architecture. Accessed conveniently from the North Lodge car park, this magnificent stretch of the main River Test is a traditionalist's dream, providing an expansive canvas for elegant casting and precise upstream presentations. The beat is perhaps most instantly recognizable by its long, picturesque footbridge spanning the water. This bridge not only connects anglers to the heart of the estate's intricate beat system but also serves as an exceptional vantage point for spotting cruising brown trout in the gin-clear currents below. Fishing Beat 3 allows you to target beautifully varied topography, transitioning from brisk, oxygenated riffles to deep, productive holding pools. Supported by beautifully maintained banks and a comfortable riverside hut, it perfectly encapsulates the premium Leckford fly fishing experience.

Wherwell Priory – The Priory Beat

One of two beats on an idyllic Hampshire private estate on the upper River Test at Wherwell Priory. Now in new ownership, the two beautiful channels of the main river have undergone a significant river restoration programme. The two beats cover about 1.5 miles of double bank river. The river keeper Michael Taplin is highly experienced and maintains the fishing to the highest standard. The fully restored fishing lodge offers the perfect base for a wonderful day.

Woodland Stream

The fourth of the Meadow Fishery's streams, Woodland Stream winds through a wooded setting offering double bank fishing. Like the other Meadow beats, it was formed by diverting water from the main River Test through water meadows and woods, creating a secluded and atmospheric chalk stream environment.