We invite you to visit us in the heart of Wessex chalk stream country to fish the fabled waters of the Rivers Test, Itchen, Anton, Avon and Nadder—surely some of the finest dry fly fishing in the UK.

Chalk stream dry fly fishing is the ultimate fishing experience and the prime beats of these rivers are highly coveted. Much of the fishing is in the hands of private syndicates and there is comparatively little 'day ticket' fishing available. At Orvis, we are fortunate to actually own two beats ourselves and also offer fishing on a selection of other exclusive stretches. Trust in our 30 years of experience to help you find the right fishing with the very best local guides.

Overview of Chalkstream Fishing
A chalk stream is a rare geological phenomenon where spring water in great volume rises up through a chalk valley to form a stream. The chalk enhances the water; purifying it, neutralising any acid content, and adding important life-sustaining nutrients. What results is a very fertile river, the chalk stream. The water is so rich that the plants growing in it have to be cut each month in the spring and summer to prevent them from choking the stream. Mayflies, olives, and sedges proliferate the amount of aquatic vegetation, and trout grow large and selective on this abundance of food. Chalk streams occur in other parts of the world but few have the reputation of those in Hampshire, England. They tend to be found meandering through meadows in broad valleys. Their pace is leisurely which allows their trout to conserve energy and grow rapidly. It is this slow rate of flow that makes chalk streams ideal for dry fly fishing; the rising fish, the drift of the fly and trout's take are all dramatically visible to the fisherman.

Chalk streams have the unique quality of rarely flooding or drying out. During the heavy rains or sudden thaws, the water is absorbed by the valley into the underlying chalk and later distributed through springs to the stream. This means the trout's habitat is rarely disturbed, and scouring floods do not deplete his food. This freedom from flooding is also very important to the fisherman, as chalk streams are almost always fishable regardless of weather conditions.

Orvis Fishing Beats
If you want to understand the essence of fly fishing, you need to journey to the chalk streams of England at least once in your lifetime. Here, amidst the green, rural countryside and the quaint villages flow the rivers where fly fishing was born. To cast a fly on the Test, Itchen and kindred waters is to step far back in angling history, to a time when it was a gentleman's pursuit and the pace of the sporting life allowed for a deep enjoyment of time on the river.

We can put you on the best private waters in Wessex, only a few hours drive from London. You can sample chalk streams at their finest. The Orvis waters are renowned amongst anglers and our local guides will introduce you to the waters they know like the back of their weathered hands.

The Orvis shop at Stockbridge is a great resource, and the friendly staff will be glad to assist with information about the most suitable flies. Click here for telephone, address information and driving directions to our Stockbridge shop.

Choose from any of our exciting Day-Rod Lettings:

Kimbridge | Timsbury 5 | Abbots Worthy (Itchen) | Upper Test at Longparish | Houghton on the River Test | River Nadder River Anton (Goodworth Clatford) | Upper Avon at Manningford | River Test (Wherwell Estate) | Meadow Fishery | River Test at Horsebridge

Kimbridge
Our 'Ginger Beer' beat is our flagship piece of the Test. It has a long history dating back to the Doomsday book. This productive beat is a third of a mile in length with a medium flow rate, with interesting shallows and a bubbling top pool. The beat can be booked exclusively for the day with a guide for up to 5 rods but can accommodate up to 10 for a corporate fun day on the river. Our thatched fishing lodge and easy access make it ideal for entertaining. This beat is extremely popular—early booking is recommended.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Kimbridge:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (w/Guide)
3	Main season	£625

Low season: 4th April to 30th April, 27th July to 18th August
Main Season: 26th June - 14th July; 1st September - 30th September
All prices inclusive of guide, tackle hire if required, and VAT.
No guide required, deduct £50.

Additional rods will be charged on a pro-rata basis up to a maximum group of 6 rods. Fishing is not let during weed cutting periods.
To book a Day Rod Letting at Kimbridge, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Timsbury 5
The Timsbury 5 beat is 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 yeards 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. This beat can accommodate up to 5 rods and can be booked exclusively with a guide.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Timsbury 5:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (w/Guide)
3	Main Season	£595
3	Low Season	£495

Low Season: 27th July to 18th August
Main Season: 26th June - 14th July; 1st September - 30th September
All prices inclusive of guide, tackle hire if required, and VAT.
No guide required, deduct £50.

To book a Day Rod Letting at Timsbury 5, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Abbots Worthy (Itchen)
Our Abbots Worthy beat on the River Itchen is about a third of a mile with single and double bank fishing. It is the most challenging of our pieces of water for casting and stalking, as it is clear all year round with good aquatic fly life providing plenty of hatches, including Iron Blue and Large Dark Olive in good numbers and even the rare Turkey Brown. Most of the River Itchen is a conservation area under SSSI management. We are promoting catch and release on this stretch to preserve its native brown trout. It can accommodate up to 3 rods and can be booked exclusively with a ghillie for the day. This beat is also home to some superb grayling with fish to over 3lbs caught each season.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Abbots Worthy (Itchen):

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (w/Guide)
2	Main Season	£325

Low Season: 4th April - 30th April; 27th July - 18th August
Main Season: 26th June - 14th July; 1st September - 30th September
All prices inclusive of guide, tackle hire if required, and VAT.
No guide required, deduct £50.

To book a Day Rod Letting at Abbots Worthy (Itchen), please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Upper Test at Longparish
The ultimate chalkstream experience. Three-quarters miles of gin-clear, fast, shallow water with some pools, and wading over weeded gravel runs. Mainly double bank. The perfect dry fly beat. This is an idyllic location on a totally private estate. Please call us for more detailed information.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Upper Test at Longparish:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
6	8th June to 30th September, 2013	Not available	Price on application

To book a Day Rod Letting at Upper Test at Longparish, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Houghton on the River Test
A secluded beat on the middle Test between Stockbridge and Houghton. The water meanders through open fields, and is a mixture of fast riffles and deep sweeping pools. Approximately a half mile of true right-hand bank fishing. Stocked with brown trout. This beat really is in the heart of the birthplace of modern fly fishing. You will be stepping in the footprints of the old masters of our sport!


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Houghton on the River Test:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
3	Dates available on request in 2013	Not available	£510

To book a Day Rod Letting at Houghton on the River Test, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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River Nadder
We have access to some of the finest fishing on the whole of the River Nadder in the most beautiful surroundings. It extends to seven beats, over 2½ miles, and is regularly stocked with both brown and rainbow trout. Fly life is plentiful, with a particularly spectacular Mayfly season. The whole is immaculately keepered.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for River Nadder:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
2	8th June to 30th September, 2013	Not available	£415

To book a Day Rod Letting on the River Nadder, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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River Anton (Goodworth Clatford)
This is a superb two rod beat set in idyllic surroundings, one of the Test Valley’s best kept “secret” fishing locations. This secluded tributary to the Test meanders through pasture, woodland and has unspoilt natural bank sides. The fishing provides classic chalkstream style dry fly fishing to rising fish as the water enjoys consistent hatches of aquatic fly life throughout the seasons. Available every Friday except during weedcut.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for River Anton (Goodworth Clatford):

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
2	8th June to 30th September, 2013	Not available	£445

To book a Day Rod Letting at River Anton (Goodworth Clatford), please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Upper Avon at Manningford
This water is divided into three beats and covers three miles of water. It is possible to take a beat for the day or have shared access to all beats. A total of 6 anglers are allowed. the Upper Avon is 3-4 metres wide at this point and meanders through light woodland and meadows. Fishing is for wild brown trout and grayling, it is lightly stocked. The beats are not heavily manicured but well presented to allow good access whilst remaining interesting and providing a secluded and rewarding day. A guide is available if required at an extra cost.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Upper Avon at Manningford:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
1	1st May to 30th September, 2013	£55	£175

To book a Day Rod Letting at Upper Avon at Manningford, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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River Test (Wherwell Estate)
Set in the centre of beautiful rural Hampshire, this well established country estate offers a number of Brown Trout beats providing a variety of tranquil fishing experiences. There are 8 separate beats available, they include a good contrast of main river and intimate carriers flowing through moorland meadows and secluded woodland. All the beats available, large and small, will provide classic up stream dry fly fishing to sighted fish. To further tempt the fisherman there is also possible access to a lake well stocked with hard fighting Rainbow Trout.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for River Test (Wherwell Estate):

Number of Rods	Dates available on request	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
2	8th June to 30th September, 2013	Not available	£360

To book a Day Rod Letting at River Test (Wherwell Estate), please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Meadow Fishery
A remote and very secluded, tree lined fishery comprising a series of 3 to 4 metre wide Test carriers meandering away from a central fishing hut. Fishing this one-mile of mainly double bank water is entertaining and largely involves a stalking technique following the many bends and deep runs in pursuit of well stocked and hard fighting rainbow and native brown trout. The water can be booked for a single rod or exclusively for a party of six.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for Meadow Fishery:

Number of Rods	Dates (Tuesdays only)	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
1	1st May to 30th September, 2013	£150	Not available

To book a Day Rod Letting at Meadow Fishery, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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River Test at Horsebridge
The Horsebridge fishing comprises of access to some large and small carriers and fast chalk stream waters. There is approximately one mile of water that bends and meanders across water meadows. The water commences alongside the well known Test Way and then breaks away to run across very secluded fields and reed beds with many bridges to access all of the various channels and side streams. The water is gin clear and runs over gravel stretches and weed lined runs. The perfect location for a peaceful day in pursuit of Test brown trout.


Dates, Pricing, and General Information for River Test at Horsebridge:

Number of Rods	Dates	Price (without Guide)	Price (w/Guide)
2	1st May to 30th September, 2013	Not available	£415
2	8th June to 30th September, 2013	Not available	£415

To book a Day Rod Letting at River Test at Horsebridge, please call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515 or email.

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Recommended Equipment
All of our beats can be comfortably fished with a 9' #5 weight rod, but it is great fun to fish the smaller carriers with lighter rods. Many of our regular clients now fish with shorter #3 and #4 weight models, particularly later in the year, but just remember in Mayfly time you will need some "firepower" to comfortably turn over the bigger patterns.

Rod	Upper Avon and Carriers	Itchen and Test Beats
Rod Length	7' - 8' 6"	8' 6" - 10"
Action	Full flex or Mid flex	Mid flex or Tip flex
Line Size	3-5#	4-6#

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Terms and Conditions
Our procedure for booking our river beats for the day are as follows: (1) To reserve a day on one of our beats, please call Judith Thornton on 01264 349515, and we will be delighted to discuss the correct beat according to your requirements and ability; (2) We require at least two-days notice, but prefer a week, subject to beat and Guide availability; (3) All bookings will be confirmed in writing.

Payment
Payment for our fly-fishing trips is required 14 days prior to the day booked, by valid credit card or cheque.

Cancellations
Cancellation in good time gives other clients the chance to fish. All cancellations must be made one month in advance to guarantee no charge. Orvis reserves the right to charge up to the full amount for late cancellations of our fly-fishing schools and trips. A 50% refund will be given if cancellations are made 14 days prior. We will, however, treat each instance fairly, based on late cancellations of our fly-fishing schools, day lettings or trips.

Meeting
Generally, we ask you to meet your Guide at our shop in Stockbridge at 9 a.m., where he will be happy to give you advice on suitable terminal tackle, such as tippet, leaders and flies for the beat you are fishing. However, alternative meeting arrangements may be made with prior agreement.

Environment Agency Rod License
The responsibility for obtaining this (non-migratory trout) license is the liability of each individual fisherman. These can be bought for a day, month, or annually, and can be obtained at any Post Office, or directly from the Environmental Agency website. Important: It is a legal requirement to be in possession of a valid EA licence before you commence fishing.

Dogs
We would request that you do not bring your animals for the day, as this can create difficult situations on the riverbank.

The Guide
Our Guides combine the role of gillie, qualified instructor, amiable companion and riverside valet, their joint knowledge would be the envy of any trout fisherman. Your Guide is there to assist you as much or as little as you may require. He will help you set up your tackle and generally advise you what flies are suitable for the particular beat. Our guides normally accompany you between 9.00am and 6pm. If you want to fish on into the evening, please just let the fishing department know when you book.

Fishing Course Bookings
These can be made through the Orvis Fly-Fishing Department, who will be able to guide you to the correct course according to your ability and requirements. A deposit will be required for each booking as a confirmation of your booking. All cancellations must be made one month prior to date of advertised course to guarantee no charge (see cancellations). Please contact Judith Thornton on 01264 349515 or email sportingtraditions@orvis.co.uk to make your booking.

The Non-Fisherman
If members of your family do not fish, they are certain to find the area charming and fun to explore. The area offers excellent sight seeing: Danebury with its Iron Age fortress, and Stonehenge with its mysterious standing stones; the cathedrals at Salisbury and Winchester; the Norman Abbey at Romsey, and great houses such as Wilton and Broadlands.

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