Kimbridge Meadow Fishery

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.