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The Mill
Heathman Street
Nether Wallop
STOCKBRIDGE
Hampshire SO20 8EW
T: 01264 781988
F: 01264 782590
info@fishingbreaks.co.uk
www.fishingbreaks.co.uk
 

Chalkstream Fly Fishing in Hampshire

Fishing Breaks offer the widest selection of the very best chalk stream brown trout dry fly and nymph fishing in the county of Hampshire.

Our rivers | Your guide | Places to stay | Fishing advice and flies | Maps

This is the pre-eminent chalkstream county, where the Test and Itchen are the undisputed masters of the dry fly universe.

It was on the banks of the River Test that F M Halford honed his ground breaking thoughts that effectively ‘invented’ modern dry fly fishing. And whilst he held court on the Test, GEM Skues, just fifteen miles to the east on the River Itchen, was about to unleash the concept of nymph fishing and receive a mixed reaction for his troubles.

So, at every twist and turn of these great rivers history, Hampshire and fishing come together. Even Izaak Walton, who penned The Compleat Angler in the 17th century, has a place in the history of the county. He lived for the latter portion of his life in the county capital, Winchester. His tomb is in the Silkstead Chapel of Winchester Cathedral, a chapel dedicated to anglers and worth a visit for the special stained glass window.

Our rivers

		River Test Wherwell Priory Beautiful beats in a tranquil parkland setting.
		River Test Mottisfont Abbey The true and historic home of dry fly fishing.
		River Test Broadlands This is one of the most famous names in fishing.
		River Test Bullington Manor Classic, top quality chalkstream fishing.
		River Test The Parsonage The River Test at it's very best.
		River Test Middleton Estate A perfect blend of wild and manicured fishing
		River Test Whitchurch Fulling Mill Perfect for stalking and sight fishing.
		River Test Private Label No 1 Exclusive water and very private.
		River Test Kimbridge Meadows A mile of twisting carriers with monster fish
		River Test Nine Mile Water All the challenges of a wild trout Test tributary.
		River Anton Upper Clatford Delightful tributary of the River Test for bank fishing and wading
		River Blackwater Woodington Fishery A long beat and very good value
		River Dun School Farm Packed with fish and with great facilities.
		River Dun Dunbridge A beautiful stretch with deep pools, fast runs and lazy back eddies.
		River Itchen Avington Gin-clear carrier of the River Itchen
		River Itchen Itchen Stoke There is simply, nowhere better.
		River Meon Exton Manor Farm One of Hampshire's most untouched chalkstreams

Your fishing guide - Mark Bedford-Russell

Mark spent his working life in the Lloyds insurance market before making a career changing decision to move to a tiny village on the Hampshire/Dorset border where he divides his time between guiding, beating and helping out on the river.

Born in Germany, Mark learnt his fishing with his father on the River Itchen, so working with Fishing Breaks is the perfect excuse to return to many of his old haunts where you will find he is a dab hand with both dry fly and nymph. As a father of two boys Mark particularly enjoys the teaching days at Nether Wallop Mill.

You may read more about Mark Bedford-Russell on the Fishing Guides page. If you wish to pick Mark’s brain, email him direct at mark@fishingbreaks.co.uk All diary and booking enquiries should be made direct to Fishing Breaks.

Places to stay and visit

Top Luxury Hotel: Chewton Glen, New Milton

Top Riverside Pub: The Mayfly, Chibolton – Tel. 01264 860283

Top Spa Hotel: Four Seasons, Hook

Top Gastro Pub: The Greyhound, Stockbridge

Top Place Visit: Mottisfont Abbey and Rose Garden, Romsey

> View the full Fishing Breaks accommodation guide

Fishing advice and flies

In broad terms the fishing season runs from April to early October. The Hawthorn hatch generally coincides with the opening two weeks, with the Mayfly running from mid-May to the end of the first week in June.

Top Hampshire Flies:

April Dark Olive (14/16) Hawthorn (14)		May Mayfly (8-10) Black Gnat (14-18)		June Greenwell’s Glory (14-16)
July Iron Blue (14) PTN (141-6)		August Deer Hair Sedge (12-14) GRHE (16-18)		September Griffiths Gnat (16) Daddy Long Legs (12)

Recommended outfit: 8.5-9ft rod, of 3-5wt. Floating line. Tippet to 2lb/6x. Flies size 14-18, barbless or de-barbed. Waders required at Whitchurch Fulling Mill, Nine Mile Water and Itchen Stoke. Not required on any other beats.

Maps

County map ------------ 1 The Parsonage/Mottisfont Abbey 1 Kimbridge Meadows 2 Wherwell Priory/Middleton Estate 2 Whitchurch Fulling Mill 3 Bullington Manor 4 Dunbridge/School Farm 5 Nine Mile Water 6 Broadlands 6 Woodington 7 Upper Clatford 8 Avington 8 Itchen Stoke 9 Exton Manor Farm River Test Test carrier River Test River Test River Dever River Dun Wallop Brook River Test River Blackwater River Anton Itchen Carrier River Itchen River Meon

County overview

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