GAME FISHING
PLEASE USE THE NEW ENTRANCE INTO TIMSBURY FISHING - CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS Chalk stream Fishing on The 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 its first 35 miles can the Test be regarded as one river. For it is an amalgam of the main channel, tributaries, and carriers man-made for water meadow irrigation, side streams, mill channels and feeders. At some points two, three or even four streams run parallel, all fishable and such is the nature of the river that it is often hard to deduce which is main river and which is carrier.It is a few miles from the sea that the River Test finally becomes one single channel.

Timsbury Fishing standing as it does right at the heart of that ‘golden’ stretch of the River Test that is below Stockbridge and above Romsey, where the likes of Bossington and Mottisfont Abbey lie.
The fishing is a great combination of the main river and carrier, with nearly 1000 yards of main river and close to 1000 yards of carrier. With facilities that you are ever likely to need and comfortable chairs for an afternoon snooze after the rigours of the morning rise!
This is a predominately brown trout fishery; the only fish we stock are carefully selected locally from The River Test stock. You may catch the occasional itinerant rainbow and in the latter part of the season salmon regularly roll in the deep pools there is always the chance of catching a salmon or even a couple of  sea trout.
This is the perfect place for a relaxing day on the river.

What we have to offer: Beat 6

Timsbury Fishing can offer you a unique opportunity to book a day ticket to Fly Fish in the heart of the Test Valley, fishing the ultimate in English Chalk streams on The River Test.  We can offer approximately 1000 yards of main river on The Test, Beat 6 & approximately 1000 yards of carrier Dry Fly and Upstream Nymph Fishing.  It has the added attraction of shallows where some large wild fish have been taken.  The chalk stream and gravel bottom makes it ideal fishing for the purist. 

The Tackle

An 8'or a 9' a 5 or 6 weight rod with floating line in weight forward or double taper will suffice.
Getting the correct size to match the natural insect is very important as you can see the difference between a size 10 (larger) and 16.

Flies that will provide the best catches are: hawthorn Pale Morning Duns, Adams & Blue winged Olives.

Flies can be available to purchase at the fishery if required. Please phone and order any required flies and they will be bought to you on the river bank.
There is a two fish take and then catch & release

Optional Extras

Beat 6 is a 5 Rod beat.  Should you require the beat exclusively please do not hesitate to contact me.  We can also offer a guide for your days’ fishing.  He is very experienced on the water and will help you set up your tackle and generally advise you of what flies are most suitable for your particular days’ fishing.  Your guide will be there to assist you as much or as little as you may require.  The cost of an experienced guide and instructor will be charged extra.  It is essential that you book and pay for your guide in advance. He is available for ½ a day @ £60.00 or a full day @ £120.00.  Tuition is available @ £25.00 per hour. A selection of hand tied flies are available to purchase on the day (approx £10.00 per box).  Arrangements can be made for the hire of fishing tackle should you need it.  Your day should be that good that you will want to spend all day on the river bank, so should you require a packed lunch @ £5.00 per person, please order in advance.  Alternatively a BBQ lunch can be arranged & served to you on the river bank. (Extra Cost).  There is a hut on the beat should you require tea coffee or shelter, available only to fishermen with a guide.

Season & Costs

The Fly fishing season begins on 1 May through to 30 September
The cost of your days’ fishing will be £80.00 per person (payable in advance)

Enquiries & Bookings

Direct Line  01264 365165  or   Mobile  07759 331385
Email heididear@hotmail.co.uk

Cancellations

If due to unforeseen circumstances leads to a complete cancellation on your part, then you will be offered an alternative date if available. For this to take place cancellations of at least 4 weeks notice must be given. This applies to the booking as a whole. Not an individual of the party.
No Refunds will be given.

Fly Fishing Beat Rules

All Timsbury Fishing customers must have a valid
Environmental Agency Fishing Rod Licence.
All fishing clients are to fish the ‘chalkstream method’
upstream dry fly & nymph.
No Rod Sharing
All flies must be ‘chalkstream’ compliant, NO Brightly Coloured Lures
No hooks larger than a standard shank size 10
Allowance of TWO killed fish only per rod over 10” in length, then de-barb for ‘catch & release’.
> No wading allowed
Any nets used must be NON-knotted as this is the law
The Beat is open from 8am until dusk, (8pm) unless prior
arrangement has been made.
All tackle that has been loaned to you for the day must be
returned, otherwise an invoice will be sent to the head of the party for the full value of the missing items.
Please observe all the ‘chalkstream’ etiquette rules.
Please leave the fishing hut tidy for the following day.
No dogs, radios, fires or weapons allowed onto the fishery.

Finally, Timsbury Fishing would like to wish you a successful & most enjoyable days’ fishing.

Thank You for observing these rules