River Test
The River Test in Hampshire, United Kingdom is one of the UK's most celebrated chalk streams. Browse 55 fishing beats along its 40-mile course, or explore the hatches, fish species, and seasons below.
The River Test is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern fly fishing and is one of the world's most famous chalk streams. Known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant weed growth, and exceptionally rich insect life, it offers premier sight-fishing for wild brown trout and grayling.
Hampshire
River Details
- Length
- 40 miles
- Source
- Ashe, near Overton
- Mouth
- Southampton Water
- Country
- United Kingdom
- County
- Hampshire
- Water Type
- chalk stream
- Website
- Visit website →
Tributaries
Fish Species
Anglers on the River Test can target brown trout, rainbow trout, grayling, atlantic salmon and sea trout. Brown trout dominate most chalk stream beats; grayling, sea trout, and salmon appear on certain rivers and seasons.
Fishing Beats on the River Test
55 beats availableBrowse day tickets, syndicate access, and permit fishing on the River Test. Each beat listing includes pricing, species, and booking details.
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.
Fisheries on the River Test
9 fisheries availableFishery operators offering bookable access on the River Test. Each listing covers tickets, accommodation, tuition, and equipment hire where available.
Bossington Estate Fly Fishery
An iconic sporting estate on the River Test, the birth-place of dry fly-fishing.
Broadlands Estates Fishing
The River Test is the most famous chalkstream in the world; the river on which fly fishing as we know it today was invented by Frederick Halford at the height of the Victorian era. From estuary to source the River Test is 64 kilometres in length with 4.5 of them running through the Broadlands Estate. Renowned for the native brown trout, Atlantic salmon, sea trout and grayling, the private beats on the Estate are much sought after, available both for season rods and day tickets.
Chilbolton Fishery
Situated in the heart of the renowned Test Valley, the waters surrounding the historic village of Chilbolton offer some of the most quintessential middle River Test fly fishing available. Known for its sweeping, gin-clear glides and vibrant ranunculus weed beds, this stretch of the river provides a truly classic chalk stream canvas for the discerning angler. The fishing at Chilbolton is steeped in tradition, offering exceptional sight-fishing opportunities for both wild brown trout and specimen winter grayling. Positioned beautifully within the valley—near where the River Anton joins the main Test—the water here is rich in ecology and boasts prolific fly hatches. This makes it an absolute haven for upstream dry fly and nymph purists. The meticulously maintained banks and serene Hampshire surroundings ensure a deeply immersive and tranquil sporting experience.
Kimbridge on the Test
Set within 400 acres of breathtaking Hampshire countryside in the heart of the Test Valley, Kimbridge on the Test is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive and idyllic chalk stream fisheries in the world. Offering an extraordinary seven miles of meticulously maintained, fishable bank across the main River Test and the beautiful River Dun, the estate provides a serene oasis for the discerning fly fisher. Managed to an exceptional standard as a purist fishery, Kimbridge adheres to traditional upstream dry fly fishing for wild and stocked brown trout. With vast stretches of gin-clear water, anglers can find absolute solitude and test their skills in an expertly curated, natural environment. Beyond the phenomenal fishing, Kimbridge is renowned for its premium hospitality. Whether booking an exclusive experience day or fishing as part of a syndicate, guests are supported by knowledgeable Head River Keepers and experienced ghillies. Complete with stunning riverside accommodations like Mill Cottage and the historic Farmhouse, alongside a dedicated clubhouse and well-appointed fishing huts, Kimbridge delivers a world-class, complete sporting experience.
Leckford Estate Fishing
Regarded as one of the most prestigious and pristine chalk stream destinations in the UK, the Leckford Estate Fishery offers a world-class angling experience on the iconic River Test. Owned by the John Lewis Partnership and deeply intertwined with the legacy of Spedan Lewis, the estate manages an incredible 11 miles of highly sought-after river, flowing gracefully through almost one thousand acres of protected, lush water meadows. The river fishing at Leckford is extraordinarily diverse, boasting 16 unique and meticulously maintained beats. Anglers can choose between the challenging, wide glides of the main River Test and the intricate, technical braided carrier streams. Offering a superb mix of both single and double-bank access, the gin-clear, nutrient-rich waters provide the ultimate habitat for thriving populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and specimen grayling. For those seeking stillwater sport, the estate also features two premium, secluded lakes—Testside Lakes and Longstock Park Lake—providing excellent year-round trout fishing. Managed by a dedicated team of expert Riverkeepers, Leckford strictly upholds the hallowed traditions of chalk stream fishing, focusing primarily on upstream dry fly and nymph presentations. Beyond the exceptional sport, the estate is a haven for biodiversity; anglers casting from the meticulously kept banks are regularly treated to sights of kingfishers, water voles, and hunting hobby falcons, making it a truly immersive natural escape.
Testcombe Beat
Flowing gracefully from the iconic Mayfly Pub bridge down to the picturesque village of Chilbolton, the Testcombe Beat offers an exclusive and historically rich fly fishing experience on the renowned River Test. Steeped in angling heritage dating back to the 19th century, this premier beat provides expertly tailored days on the water for every skill level—from the enthusiastic beginner casting their first line to the seasoned chalk stream purist. At the heart of the estate stands a magnificent Grade 2 listed fishing hut, built in 1888 by the Disraeli family. Beyond serving as a luxurious and atmospheric basecamp for your fishing adventures, this historic venue provides a spectacular backdrop for exclusive private events, corporate retreats, and even riverside weddings.
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.
Wherwell Estate Fishing
Wherwell Estate offers some of the best chalk stream fishing in the world, with seven beats meandering through tranquil water meadows into a picturesque village, plus a private lake. Over three miles of river access on the River Test, lovingly cared for by dedicated and knowledgeable river keepers.