Day Rod Lettings With Orvis
Day Rod Lettings With Orvis
We invite you to visit us in the heart of Wessex chalk stream country to fish the fabled waters of the Rivers Test and Itchen—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.
We are accepting enquiries for bookings in the 2024 season.
Please contact us directly on sportingadventures@orvis.co.uk , or call Sporting Adventures at 01264 349515.
Overview of Chalkstream Fishing
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.
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.
On the Itchen and Test Beats specifically, we recommend 8' 6" - 10" rod lengths with a Mid flex or Tip flex action and a line size of 4-6#.
Shop our Fly Rods.
The Orvis shop at Stockbridge is a great resource, and the friendly staff will be glad to assist with information about the most suitable equipment and flies.
KIMBRIDGE
Overview
Our 'Ginger Beer' beat is our flagship stretch of the River 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.
Low Season Dates & Pricing
Only available Friday through Monday
3rd April - 30th April
14th July - 31st August
1st October - 15th October
2 Rods = £500, 3 Rods = £570, 4 Rods = £755, Additional Rods = £190 (each)
Prime Season Dates & Pricing
Only available Friday through Monday
1st May - 14th May
9th June - 13th July
1st September - 30th September
2 Rods = N/A, 3 Rods = £685, 4 Rods = £920, Additional Rods = £230 (each)
Mayfly Period Dates & Pricing
Only available Friday through Monday
15th May - 8th June
2 Rods = N/A, 3 Rods = £895, 4 Rods = £1,195, Additional Rods = £295 (each)
Guide For The Day
£285 per Guide required
Guided days run for 8 hours, with adjustable start and end times. Tackle hire is included if required.
To book a Day Rod Letting at Kimbridge, please call Orvis Sporting Adventures on 01264-349515 or email sportingadventures@orvis.co.uk
TIMSBURY 5
Overview
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 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. This beat can accommodate up to 5 rods and can be booked exclusively with a guide.
Low Season Dates & Pricing
14th July - 31st August
2 Rods = £375, 3 Rods = £535, 4 Rods = £720, Additional Rods = £185 (each)
Prime Season Dates & Pricing
1st May - 14th May
9th June - 13th July
1st September - 30th September
2 Rods = £500, 3 Rods = £660, 4 Rods = £885, Additional Rods = £225 (each)
Mayfly Period Dates & Pricing
15th May - 8th June
2 Rods = N/A, 3 Rods = £830, 4 Rods = £1,090, Additional Rods = £275 (each)
Guide For The Day
£285 per Guide required
Guided days run for 8 hours, with adjustable start and end times. Tackle hire is included if required.
To book a Day Rod Letting at Timsbury 5, please call Orvis Sporting Adventures on 01264-349515 or email sportingadventures@orvis.co.uk
Abbots Worthy (Itchen)
Overview
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 and the beat is no longer stocked, to help grow the wild fish population. 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 is a unique chance to experience a wild fishery, whilst still on chalk stream waters. Catches, in general, are smaller than our Test beats, but even more rewarding.
Low Season Dates & Pricing
3rd April - 30th April
14th July - 31st August
1st October - 15th October
2 Rods = £240, 3 Rods = £370, 4 Rods = N/A, Additional Rods = N/A
Prime Season Dates & Pricing
1st May - 14th May
9th June - 13th July
1st September - 30th September
2 Rods = £320, 3 Rods = £475, 4 Rods = N/A, Additional Rods = N/A
Mayfly Period Dates & Pricing
15th May - 8th June
2 Rods = £410, 3 Rods = £595, 4 Rods = N/A, Additional Rods = N/A
Guide For The Day
£285 per Guide required
Guided days run for 8 hours, with adjustable start and end times. Tackle hire is included if required.
To book a Day Rod Letting at Abbots Worthy (Itchen), please call Orvis Sporting Adventures on 01264-349515 or email sportingadventures@orvis.co.uk
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 Sporting Adventures 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 Licence
The responsibility for obtaining this (non-migratory trout) licence 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.
Accessibility
Fishing is accessible to everyone, and our Kimbridge beat on the Test is wheelchair friendly. If you have any additional needs or health concerns, please do get in touch with our team so that we can ensure that your day is as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Our guides are ready to adapt the day to suit you best, allowing you to focus on the 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 Sporting Adventures, 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 Sporting Adventures on 01264 349515 or email sportingadventures@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.