Chalk stream Fishing
River Test
In every respect, the River Test is the pre-eminent chalk stream. Physically, it is the longest: 39 miles from source to estuary. Historically, it is generally regarded as the birthplace of modern fly fishing. In literature, Halford, Plunkett Greene and Skues, to name but a few immortalised the Test in their fishing writings.
The Test rises in north Hampshire in the hamlet of Ashe, not Overton as generally supposed. It then travels on a south-west curve, growing in width and flow as first the Bourne, and then the Dever and the Anton join the main river.
At no point in it’s first 35 miles can the Test be regarded as one river; it is an amalgam of the main channel, tributaries, carriers that have been man-made for water meadow irrigation, side streams, mill channels and feeders. At some points two, three or even four streams run parallel. All are fishable and such is the nature of the river that it is often hard to deduce which is main river and which is carrier.
On through the sheep grazed valley the river flows,
seemingly every sleepy, thatched village on it’s journey having some
part of fly fishing history. Below Stockbridge the river becomes appreciably
bigger, in places too wide to cast across. Then the Wallop Brook and the
Dun join the main river and it is only south of Romsey, a few miles from
the sea that the River Test finally becomes one single channel.
BULLINGTON MANOR - Upper Test
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If sight fishing over bright gravel beds, picking out trout with a dry fly or sight fishing with a traditional nymph pattern between the waving tails of ranunculus is your chalkstream dream then this is the place to head for. You will rarely find a more beautiful spot than these beats on the Upper Test, where the 2½ miles of unspoilt chalkstream fishing is always crystal clear. Immaculately maintained, with three picturesque fishing huts and resident keeper Simon Fields, Bullington Manor is excellent for the seasonal hatches we hanker after, where the chalkstream year may be measured by the flies you pluck from your box. |
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There are four beats of roughly the same length and all double bank, but within that there are some variations that give each a distinct edge. Bullington Manor has remained a Fishing Breaks favourite for each of our 25 years.
Watch the 3:30 minute Directors Cut of CHALK filmed at Bullington Manor.
Beat 1
Like all the beats, Beat 1 is double bank along its entire length, but with only one bank prepared. Starting upstream of the old mill this is the narrowest of the beats. Fish from the left bank until the halfway point where you cross to the opposite bank, so it’s good for left-handers.
There are two cracking hatch pools and a rarely fished section beyond the disused railway viaduct. You will share the Mill Cabin with Beat 2.
Beat 2
There is plenty of variety on this beat, which runs through open water meadows and shaded wooded sections. Fish the left bank (looking upstream) for the entire length.
Starting out at Keepers Bridge this is classic chalkstream fishing that then turns into a slower, deeper section along Grayling Alley culminating in the famous Ash Tree pool. Beyond that the Tank Crossing is a banker as is the mill race just short of the cabin. You will share the Mill Cabin with Beat 1.
Beat 3
This is the beat that has the quirky Buckingham Palace fishing cabin and is the beat with the highest proportion of wild fish. Make your way along the back track through the woods to reach the bottom of the beat at Venice Bridge without disturbing a single fish.
Start on the left bank just upstream of Venice Bridge; you’ll be fishing with trees behind you nearly all the way but there is mostly sufficient room for an easy back cast. There are variety of wide, fast or shallow sections, interspersed with pools and impoundments that have scoured out pools.
The final straight from the bridge to the Palace is a great holding section.
Beat 4
If you want guaranteed protection from the weather, be it bright sun or wind, Beat 4 is perfect as it runs through woodland from top to bottom. This beat has the greatest depth of the four and has a slightly slower pace that suits larger fish.
Start from the Dever Castle cabin and work your way up the left bank until you reach the beat end at Venice Bridge. The final section to the bridge has some fantastic undercuts. This is not a good beat for a left-hander.
NB If you are not sure which beat to pick please email me simon@fishingbreaks.co.uk and I’ll be happy to advise.
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“Natural and unspoilt surroundings. ” “An amazing day all around. ” “Sight fishing and stalking was a great experience. ” |
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5m
2.1m
0.9mTrout Season - Beats 1, 2, 3 and 4
| April 19 - May 12 |
£225 per Rod |
| May 13 - June 4 (min. 2 Rods) |
£395 per Rod |
June 5 - July 15 |
£285 per Rod |
July 16 - September 30 |
£225 per Rod |
Grayling - All beats
October 1 - December 14 |
£125 per Rod |
+ Larger groups may be available on request.
During the grayling season we disregard the boundaries of Beats 1-4, so all rods are free to roam as you wish.
DEVER SPRINGS - River Dever & Trout Lakes NEW
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Dever Springs has legendary status amongst trout anglers as the place to go for the fish of a lifetime. Set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside, the word big barely gives justice to the scale of fish that have been caught from the two spring fed lakes that have regularly produced rainbow trout tipping the scales at over 30lbs with Dever Springs currently holding the British record for brown trout at 28lb 1oz. If that both excites you and gives pause for breath, you should know that Dever Springs is currently undergoing extensive improvements and refurbishment ahead of reopening in April 2025 when it will be the exclusive big trout water available only to private parties and groups. To be clear, to preserve the quality of the fish and offer the ultimate trout lake fly fishing experience with an unrivalled entertainment package, Dever Springs is no longer a day ticket fishery. |
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Open for most of the year, the invitation is extended to you to bring a group of ten to twenty guests to enjoy not only the fishing but enjoy lavish catering in the stylish lodge overlooking the lakes. In the summer relax on the veranda enjoying a River Test gin and tonic or a glass of our local Black Chalk fizz. In the winter, gather around the fit pit with something equally warming in hand. Our in-house chef will be serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with an extensive selection of fine wines.
And then, of course, there is the fishing! Dever Springs is a mecca for experienced fly fishers but for the novice it is an introduction to trout fishing like no other. With resident instructor, and Dever Springs guru Pete Cockwill hosting the day, with a team of patient instructors available if required, plus Orvis tackle and flies, everyone will be fishing like a pro within a few hours. At the end of the day the catch will be prepared, ready to take home on ice for those who would like a fish for the family BBQ.
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NEW FOR 2025 |
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Open Monday-Friday all year except August. Weekends on request
April 1 – June 30 |
£350 per person |
July 1 – March 31 |
£295 per person |
*Extra instructor(s) |
£325 per day |
*Tackle hire |
£25 per person |
Price includes exclusive use, all fishing, one instructor, light refreshments, soft drinks, breakfast, lunch and tea. We will contact you to discuss the *optional extras of additional instructor(s), tackle hire, and Environment Agency fishing licence. Wines, beers and spirits paid for with a bar tab at the end of day.
KIMBRIDGE - River Test
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The Ginger Beer beat has been a favourite for many generations located in Kimbridge village midway between Stockbridge and Romsey. This productive beat is a third of a mile in length with a steady flow rate, interesting shallows, deeper sections and a turbulent hatch pool at the head of the beat, from which it takes its name, and where some truly huge fish are rumoured to lurk. The beat can be booked exclusively for the day for up to five rods or larger parties on request. There is a comfortable thatched fishing lodge and good car parking. |
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NEW FOR 2024 |
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ONE ROD OR MORE |
GROUPS |
Apr 3 - Aug 31 |
On request |
On request |
| Sep 1 - 30 |
£190 - £240 per Rod |
£695 - £865 per group 4 Rods |
| Oct 1 - Dec 14 (grayling) |
£79 - £120 per Rod |
£240 - £360 per group 3 Rods |
| Group rate gives exclusive rate. Otherwise beat is shared. Most dates available for groups |
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+ Larger groups may be available on request.
MIDDLETON ESTATE
since 1991
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. |
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“Everything was first class - just what I would expect.” “Good length of water with plenty of variety.” “We had a fantastic day at Middleton.” |
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| May 1 - May 12 |
£321 per Rod |
| May 13 - June 7 |
£433 per Rod |
June 8 - July 31 |
£289 per Rod |
| August 1 - September 30 |
£255 per Rod |
+ Larger groups may be available on request.
SCHOOL FARM - River Dun (Test tributary) since 2006
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The River Dun is one of the most substantial
of the River Test tributaries, rising above Lockerley and
joining the main river at Mottisfont. The School Farm beat
lies at about the mid-point, gently snaking through the lightly
wooded valley and holding fish along its entire length. |
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The fishing is available for two or three rods a day or small corporate
parties.
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“We cannot wait to return …. superb.” “The beat was in fantastic condition.” “Very good facilities.” |
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April 19 - May 12 |
£350 per Rod |
May 13 - June 7 |
£533 per Rod |
June 8-July 31 |
£370 per Rod |
August 1-October 5 (2 rods or more) |
£267 per Rod |
August 1-October 5 (1 rod exclusive use) |
£293 per Rod |
+ Larger groups may be available on request.
Minimum booking 2 rods until August 1.
THE PARSONAGEsince 1992
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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. |
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“A particularly idyllic spot and an absolute joy to fish.” “Lots of decent sized fish about.” “Fish rising all day under cover of the alder.” |
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| May 1 - May 12 |
£195 per Rod |
| May 13 - June 4 |
£295 per Rod |
June 5 - July 31 |
£225 per Rod |
August 1 - September 30 |
£195 per Rod |
October 1 – November 15 (grayling) |
£95 per Rod |
Season Rod
Full: Two days a month May-September |
£2,163 |
Half: Two days in May and one day a month June-September |
£1,365 |
Additional benefits include two guest tickets (one in Mayfly period) for a Full Rod and one guest ticket June-September for a Half Rod. Unlimited changes to dates within a 14-day notice period. This is a four Rod beat.
TIMSBURY 5 since 2022
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The Timsbury 5 beat is a mid to lower stretch of the main River Test with an idyllic chalkstream carrier. There is just under half a mile of main river fishing and 370 yards of carrier, which is catch and release. The main river has a moderate flow rate with shallows and deep runs. It has good aquatic fly with a good mayfly and prolific sedge hatches later in the summer. There is a fishing cabin overlooking the river and plenty of parking. This beat can accommodate 3-5 Rods. |
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“Plenty of fish.” “A chance to open my shoulders with a 6 wt.” “Love that carrier!.” |
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| May 1 – September 30 |
Single Rods |
£170 - £295 per Rod |
May 1 – September 30 |
Group of Four Rods |
£152.50 - £268.75 per Rod |
Group rate gives exclusive rate. Otherwise beat is shared. |
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+ Larger groups may be available on request.
UPPER CLATFORD - River
Anton (Test tributary)
since 2010
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Set in the heart of Hampshire, the gin-clear chalkstream waters of the River Anton are a delight for any river angler. The Upper Clatford beat is the perfect opportunity for classic sight fishing with the dry fly. A tributary of the River Test the Anton has a natural head of brown trout and large grayling, which are supplemented by carefully selected locally reared brown trout. Mostly fished from the bank, the beat does however have a wading section from the weir to the top boundary. Please note this is dry fly only until the end of July and restricted to two-rod bookings. There is a fishing hut and parking.
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“This is one of the best smaller streams.” “Both myself and my father caught some lovely grayling and some superbly fit trout.” “Very nice scenery and gin clear water.” |
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May 1 - May 12 |
£95 per Rod |
May 13 - June 4 (min 2 rods) |
£135 per Rod |
June 5 - September 30 |
£85 per Rod |
October 1 - December 31 (grayling) |
£65 per Rod |
WHITCHURCH FULLING MILL
since 2005
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The higher one ventures up the River Test system, the better the hatches, the clearer the water and the wilder the fish. There is no better way of summing up the fishing at Whitchurch Fulling Mill. Fulling Mill is one of those rare places where you can get up so close to feeding fish that you can sometimes almost pick them up in your hand. The water clarity and the abundance of food are exceptional, and the fish are always on the look out for food. The beat divides into three sections; two wading sections and a third with a choice of bank or wading. In association with the Wild Trout Trust and Sparsholt College there has been much restoration work completed over the past winter with log deflectors and woody debris creating many new holding spots. The upper section has been fenced off from the footpath which is a huge improvement. |
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“Great wading beat with plenty of visible fish to target. ” “I had a cracking day. ” “The wild fish especially were fantastic. ” |
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May 1 - May 12 |
£297 per Rod |
May 13 - June 4 (min 2 rods) |
£395 per Rod |
June 5 - July 31 |
£295 per Rod |
August 1- September 30 |
£268 per Rod |
Season Rod
Two days a month |
£2,069 |
Two days a month May-September. Double rod option on request.
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