Overview
Royalty, heads of state and filmstars are drawn to the banks of the famous rivers Test and Itchen in pursuit of some of the most desired flyfishing in the world. For over two centuries these chalkstreams have been carefully managed for fishing. The clear water, free-rising fish and manicured banks make it possible to select and stalk individual large fish, adding to the challenge and excitement of fishing.
Whether you advocate Halford’s dry fly only theory or are a proponent of Skues more liberal approach, the gin clear waters of English chalkstreams are steeped in history. Even Halford and Skues were following Isaac Walton when they took up residence in Hampshire. Today you can fish the same stretches of water that inspired these angling luminaries as well as reading their words. Book Now





Fact File
SEASONS
Trout fishing is available from mid-April to early October: specific dates are set by each estate working within the legal framework and vary depending on the beat.
Grayling fishing available from mid-October to end of January.
NOTE: Both rivers are closed for weedcutting on set dates through the season (between three and four times depending on the season and amount of weed growth). Upper, middle and lower stretches of the river will have different dates. These are best avoided as weed cutting disturbs the river and the large rafts of floating aquatic weed impede fishing.
KIT & CLOTHING
There is no specific clothing required but neutral and natural colours are most suited – the harder it is for the fish to see you, the easier fooling them into taking the fly will be. So leave that Hawaiian print florescent shirt at home in favour of some khaki or olive drab.
Wading is not permitted on the Test and Itchen, and most of the banks are mown. While the saying you can fish in carpet slippers is apropos, we’d recommend comfortable boots or shoes.
Polarised sunglasses and a hat will not only provide protection but make spotting of fish easier.
Rod
8- 9ft 4-5wt
Line
All chalkstream fishing can be undertaken using a floating line with a tippet breaking strain of 2-3lbs
Flies
See Fly Box
Most beats are exclusively dry fly until part way through the season when nymphs are countenanced.
Group Size
One or more anglers
VISAS & LICENCES
Travelling to the UK from within the EU needs no visa
Travel from outside the EU may require a visa at the port of entry
UK fishing licences can be arranged by Outside Days or purchased on-line.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
None
INSURANCE
None required
TIPS
It is standard practice to tip the fishing guide at the end of the day or trip. The size of tip varies depending on the beat (the better the beat the bigger the tip expected), the number of days fishing, the number and size of fish caught, the amount of coaching and assistance requested of the guide, whether you are the host or the guest, and how much fun you’ve had. Of course tipping and the amount tipped are at your discretion, but there are a couple of different ways to work this out. One school of thought is to tip between 10 and 20% of what you are paying for your fishing. Others calculate it on a flat rate per day (usually somewhere between £10 and £50).
CURRENCY
GBP Sterling
TIME ZONE
GMT
Book NowFly Box
April
Dry (sizes 14-16): Large Dark Olive, Medium Olive,Gold-Ribbed Hare’s Ear, Greenwell’s Glory, Grannom, Hawthorn
May & June
Dry (sizes 14-16): Greenwell’s Glory, Tups Indispensable, Black Gnat, Adams in all its variations, Houghton Ruby
Mayfly (sizes 8-12): French Partridge, Grey, Green or Yellow Drake, Grey Wulff, Spent Mayfly
July
Dry (sizes 14-16): Daddy Long Legs, Greenwell’s Glory, CDC, Klinkhammer, Iron Blue, Pale Watery Spinner, Tups Indispensable
August
Dry (sizes 14-20): Daddy Long Legs,Pale Watery Spinner, Blue-Winged Olive, Lunn’s Particular, Sedges
September
Dry (sizes 14-20): Daddy Long Legs, Pale Watery Spinner, Blue-Winged Olive, Lunn’s Particular, Sedges, Black Gnat, Orange Quill
October
Dry (sizes 16-18): Red Tag, Large Dark Olive, Iron Blue, Pale Watery Spinner, Blue-Winged Olive, Lunn’s Particular, Sedges, Double Black Gnat, Red or Black Ant, Black Beetle, Daddy Long Legs
Nymphs when allowed by beat rules
Nymph (sizes 14-18): GRHE, Grey Goose, PTN
Weighted and unweighted